Alexander Cameron Rutherford 1857-1941

The first premier of Alberta, Rutherford was born in Osgoode Township of Scottish parents and educated at McGill University. In 1895, after practicing law in Ottawa and Kemptville, he moved to Strathcona, near Edmonton. Elected to the territorial assembly seven years later, Rutherford achieved prominence as deputy speaker of the legislature. When the province of Alberta was created in 1905, he became premier, provincial treasurer and minister of education in the first government. Rutherford skillfully established the province’s administrative, judicial and educational framework, but prolonged debate regarding a controversial railway policy precipitated his resignation as premier in 1910. Although retired from politics after 1913, he retained an active interest in educational matters, serving as chancellor of the University of Alberta from 1927 until his death.

Né dans le canton d’Osgoode de parents ecossaise, Rutherford fut le premier minister de l’Alberta. Après avoir fait ses etudes à McGill University et exercé la profession d’avocat à Ottawa et à Kemptville, il s’installa en 1895 à Strathcona, près d’Edmonton. Elu à l’assemblée territroiale sept ans plus tard, Rutherford devint vice-rpésident de l’Assemblée législative. Lors de la création de la province d’Alberta, en 1905, il fut nommé premier minister, trésorier et minister de l’Education. Rutherford éablit avec competence la structure administrative, judiciaire et scolaire de la province, mais une politique ferroviarie controversée précipita sa demission du poste de premier minister en 1910. S’étant retire de la politique après 1913, il continua à s’intéresser à l’enseignement. Il fut chancelier de l’University of Alberta de 1927 à sa mort.