Albert Edward Matthews

Who was Albert Edward Matthews?

Albert Edward Matthews was the 16th Lieutenant Governor of Ontario.

Matthews was born in Lindsay, Ontario. He worked as an investment broker in Toronto and rose to the position of director of various companies. Matthews served as Ontario's 16th Lieutenant Governor of Ontario from 1937 to 1946. He took office during the Great Depression while Mitchell Hepburn was Premier of Ontario. Hepburn had come to office promising to show austerity by curtailing the perks and privileges of, among others, the lieutenant-governor. Chorley Park, the grand official residence of the lieutenant-governor since 1915, was closed in the first year of Matthews' term and its contents auctioned off leaving him with a suite in the legislative buildings for official functions. As a result, Matthews did less official entertaining during his term in office at Queen's Park quarters than anticipated. He instead hosted Royals and other dignitaries at his Toronto estate.

Making many visits to churches, hospitals, military, civic, and government functions in his role as Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, Matthews brought a steady dignity to his service while in office.