Sir James Pliny Whitney 1843-1914

Born in Williamsburg and educated at the Cornwall Grammar School, Whitney was called to the Bar in 1876. He was elected to the legislative assembly as Conservative member for Dundas in 1888. A noted orator, he was leader of the opposition 1896-1905. In the latter year, the Liberal government headed by the Hon. G.W. Ross was defeated and Whitney became the sixth prime minister of Ontario. He held that post 1905-14, and his administration was noted for its introduction of extensive legislation relating to agriculture, labour, education and public utilities. Whitney received his knighthood in 1908.

Né dans le canton de Williamsburg, James Pliny Whitney étudie à la Cornwall Grammar School et est admis au barreau en 1876. Il est élu à l’Assemblée législative en tant que député conservateur de la circonscription de Dundas en 1888. Habile orateur, il est chef de l’opposition de 1896 à 1905. En 1905, le gouvernement libéral dirigé par l’honorable G. W. Ross est battu et James Pliny Withney devient le sixième premier ministre de l’Ontario. Il occupe ce poste de 1905 à 1914, et son gouvernement se distingue par l’adoption de nombreuses lois régissant l’agriculture, le travail, l’éducation et les services publics. Il est fait chevalier en 1908.