Sir George-Étienne Cartier
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The Honourable Sir George-Étienne Cartier Bt, PC |
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Sir George-Étienne Cartier
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| Premier of Canada East | |
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In office August 6, 1858 – May 24, 1862 |
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| Preceded by | Étienne-Paschal Taché as premier |
| Succeeded by | Étienne-Paschal Taché as premier |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
September 6, 1814 Saint-Antoine-sur-Richelieu, Lower Canada |
| Died | May 20, 1873 (aged 58) London, England |
| Spouse(s) | Hortense Fabre |
| Profession | Lawyer |
| Religion | Roman Catholic |
| Signature |  |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | Republic of Lower Canada |
| Service/branch | Militia |
| Years of service | 1837-1838 |
| Battles/wars | |
Sir George-Étienne Cartier, 1st Baronet, PC (pronounced [ʒɔʁʒ etjɛn kaʁˈtje]; September 6, 1814 – May 20, 1873) was a Canadian statesman and Father of Confederation. The English spelling of the name, George, instead of Georges, the usual French spelling, is explained by his having been named in honour of King George III.
In the years leading up to Confederation, Cartier was a dominant figure in the politics of Canada East as leader of the Parti Bleu. In 1838 he returned to Montreal after a year in exile for his role in the anti-government rebellion. Cartier had several reasons for supporting Confederation, notably his fear of American expansion. He officially entered politics in 1848. During his long career he promoted the establishment of the Civil Code as the formal law of Canada East. He also promoted the introduction of primary education in the province. He died in London, England on May 20, 1873.
George-Étienne Cartier was born on September 6, 1814 in Saint-Antoine-sur-Richelieu, Quebec (then known as Lower Canada). Cartier was educated and was called to the bar in 1834 where he began to practise his profession. He was also involved in the railway business, and Grand Trunk Railway was one of his legal clients.
Early in his career, Cartier was inspired by Louis-Joseph Papineau. Through this connection, Cartier became a member of the Société des Fils de la Liberté (“Sons of Liberty”) and took part in the Lower Canada Rebellion of 1837 at the Battle of St-Denis. For his part in the uprising, Cartier was exiled and he took temporary refuge in Vermont. However, he was allowed to return to Montreal in 1838 to resume his law practice.
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