James Alexander Calder

Who was James Alexander Calder?

James Alexander Calder, PC was a Canadian politician.

Born in Oxford County, Ontario, he received his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Manitoba in 1888. He was a teacher and principal, before being elected to the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan for the riding of South Regina in the 1905 provincial election. A Liberal, he was re-elected in a 1908 by-election and in the 1912 election. From 1905 to 1912, he was the Minister of Education, Provincial Treasurer, and Minister of Railways. The rural village of Calder, SK was named after him when it was incorporated in 1911. From 1916 to 1917, he was the President of the Executive Council, Minister of Railways, and Minister of Highways.

He was elected as an Unionist candidate to the Canadian House of Commons for the riding of Moose Jaw in the 1917 federal election. He held many ministerial positions including Minister of Immigration and Colonization, Minister of Agriculture, Minister of Militia and Defence, President of the Privy Council, and Minister presiding over the Department of Health.

In 1921, he was called to the Canadian Senate, appointed on the advice of The Rt. Hon.