Alexander Begg

Who was Alexander Begg?

Alexander Begg was Canadian journalist and businessman. His books covered historical events in Canada.

He was born in Quebec and ended up heading west because of business he was conducting for an import-export firm's Hamilton, Ontario office. He arrived at the Red River Colony in 1867 as an agent for various firms. The following year he formed a successful partnership as general merchants and outfitters with Andrew Bannatyne. This partnership lasted until late in 1871.

During this period and beyond, Begg was prominent in the community fighting for representative government for the people. At first he was supportive of both the Métis and Hudson's Bay Company, and criticized the expansionist ideas of many of his fellow Canadians. As the Red River Rebellion wore on, however, he began to advocate a negotiated annexation of the region by Canada, provided local rights were preserved. He was in business in Winnipeg until 1877 and published and edited a variety of materials. In 1877, he became Queen's Printer of Manitoba. He also was Sergeant-at-Arms to the Legislature and then Deputy Treasurer and Auditor at different times.