The New Student's Reference Work/Blair, Hon. Andrew George

Blair, Hon. Andrew George, born in Frederickton, New Brunswick, in 1844. Called to the Bar in 1866. Entered New Brunswick Legislature in 1878. Leader of the Opposition in 1879. Remained in the Legislature until 1896. In 1883 defeated the Hannington Government and formed a new Government. His Government was sustained at four general elections. Member of the Inter-Provincial Conference held at Quebec, 1887. Elected to the House of Commons and joined the Laurier Administration in 1896 as Minister of Railways and Canals. Secured the extension of the Intercolonial Railway from Levis to Montreal in 1898. While he was Minister the St. Lawrence canals were deepened to 14 feet from the Great Lakes to the sea.