Albert Walsh

Who was Albert Walsh?

Sir Albert Joseph Walsh, commissioner, chief justice and the first Lieutenant Governor of Newfoundland for 1949, the first Lieutenant Governor for Newfoundland after confederation with Canada.

Walsh was born in Holyrood, Newfoundland, and was educated St. Bonaventure's College and Dalhousie University. He was principal of the Roman Catholic Academy in Harbour Grace from 1917 to 1924. Walsh had studied law and was admitted to the bar at both Newfoundland and Nova Scotia.

Walsh was a supporter for Sir Richard Squires and was elected MHA for the district of Harbour Main in 1928 and became speaker of the house. He lost his seat in the 1932 election and became district magistrate for 5 years for Grand Falls and then Corner Brook. In 1944 he was appointed to Newfoundland's Commission of Government as Commissioner of Home Affairs and Education and in 1947 he was given the portfolio of Justice of Defense.

Walsh had chaired the delegation for terms of union with Canada and on Confederation he was appointed Lieutenant Governor. He resigned that same year to become the province's Chief Justice. He also sat on the United Nations panel for examination of international disputes.