Wilfrid laurier

In a letter to Léon-Mercier Gouin in July 1918, Laurier wrote: “One should not forget that the Canadian Confederation was a compromise. Nor should one forget that it is almost always through compromise that one finds the solution to the most difficult problems.” [translation]

Over the years, Laurier became a politician motivated by compromise and the status quo. It was his way of governing: to not displease one in order to please the other. His outlook on national unity led him to believe that negotiation and inaction were the best tools to ensure the country’s growth and long-term vitality. Despite all his political defeats and disappointments, Laurier remained convinced of the importance of compromise between Francophones and Anglophones in Canada:

“There have been found among us limited spirits who have shouted very loudly ‘No compromise; all or nothing.’ What an aberration! When a minority affirms that it will concede nothing, that it demands all or will accept nothing less than all, they are three times blind

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Sir Wilfrid Laurier

A legend in his time, Sir Wilfrid Laurier evolved as a politician over a period of 48 years, which included 15 years as prime minister and 32 years at the helm of the federal Liberal Party. He belonged to the first generation of politicians who worked in the Canada conceived by the Fathers of Confederation. This thematic ensemble gives an overview of his life and public career. Its seven sections explore illustrative moments in the history of Canada and tell of the words and deeds of the first French Canadian to become prime minister of this country.

After articling in the firm of Toussaint-Antoine-Rodolphe Laflamme, Laurier became a lawyer in 1864 and would practise law for some 30 years during his political career. He was invited by Laflamme to join the Canadian Institute, a Montreal literary circle and salon of Rouge sympathizers, where he became an active member and met influential intellectuals such as the brothers Joseph and Gonzalve Doutre. To this legal facet of his career we must add journalism. Together with associates and colleagues s

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Wilfrid Laurier

Prime Minister of Canada from 1896 to 1911

"Laurier" redirects here. For other uses, see Laurier (disambiguation).

The Right Honourable Sir Wilfrid Laurier GCMG PC KC
Laurier in 1906
In office July 11, 1896 – October 6, 1911
Monarchs
Governors General
Preceded by	Charles Tupper
Succeeded by	Robert Borden
In office June 2, 1887 – February 17, 1919
Preceded by	Edward Blake
Succeeded by	Daniel Duncan McKenzie (interim)
In office October 8, 1877 – October 8, 1878
Prime Minister	Alexander Mackenzie
Preceded by	Joseph-Édouard Cauchon
Succeeded by	Louis François Georges Baby
In office November 11, 1877 – February 17, 1919
Preceded by	Isidore Thibaudeau
Succeeded by	Ernest Lapointe
In office January 22, 1874 – October 27, 1877
Preceded by	Pierre-Nérée Dorion
Succeeded by	Désiré Olivier Bourbeau
In office July 1871 – January 22, 1874
Preceded by	Edward John Hemming
Succeeded by	William John Watts
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