Allison Dysart

Who was Allison Dysart?

Albert Allison Dysart was a New Brunswick politician, lawyer and judge.

Dysart was born in Cocagne, New Brunswick and was educated at University of St. Joseph's College in Memramcook, the Ontario Agricultural College and Dalhousie Law School. He was called to the bar in 1913 and set up practice in Bouctouche. He was elected to the provincial legislature in 1917 and served as Speaker from 1921 to 1925 and served briefly as Minister of Lands and Mines in 1925 until the defeat of the Liberal government.

In 1926, Dysart succeeded Peter J. Veniot as leader of the Liberal party. In 1935 the Liberals returned to power and Dysart became the 22nd Premier of the province. His government introduced the first Landlord and Tenants Act in 1938 and updated the Labour Relations Act. It attempted to create jobs in the Great Depression through extensive road construction. After suffering from poor health from some time, he led the government to re-election in 1939 and resigned in 1940 to become a County Court Judge of Westmorland and Kent Counties. He served in that position until his retirement in 1955.

His former home in Shediac, New Brunswick is a registered historic place.