11 Facts About Rodolphe Lemieux

Rodolphe Lemieux was born in Montreal as the son of a Customs officer.

Rodolphe Lemieux was a loyal follower of Sir Wilfrid Laurier and, in 1904 became Solicitor General of Canada in Laurier's Cabinet.

Rodolphe Lemieux subsequently served as Postmaster General of Canada, Minister of Labour and Minister of Marine and Fisheries.

Rodolphe Lemieux succeeded in obtaining an agreement from Japan to curtail emigration of its citizens to Canada.

Rodolphe Lemieux continued in his academic pursuits, becoming a fellow of the Royal Society of Canada in 1908 and President of the Society in 1918.

Rodolphe Lemieux was a sharp critic of the Conservative government of Robert Borden accusing it of putting the interests of the British Empire ahead of those of Canada.

Rodolphe Lemieux was Speaker during the King-Byng Affair of 1926.

Rodolphe Lemieux remained Speaker when Governor General Byng appointed Arthur Meighen as Prime Minister rather than call an election.

Rodolphe Lemieux attempted to rule in a neutral manner despite the highly charged atmosphere, and all but one of his rulings were sustained by the House.

Rodolphe Lemieux presided over three successive Parliaments and was the longest serving Speaker until Lucien Lamoureux broke the record in 1974.

Rodolphe Lemieux was entombed at the Notre Dame des Neiges Cemetery in Montreal.