James Leslie

Who was James Leslie?

James Leslie was a Canadian businessman and political figure. He was named to the Senate of Canada for Alma division in 1867 and died in office.

He was born in Kair, Kincardineshire, Scotland, the son of James Leslie, his father was an assistant quartermaster in the British Army who served with General Wolfe at Quebec City in 1759. He studied at Marischal College and the University of Aberdeen and came to Lower Canada in 1804. Leslie owned a food wholesale company in Montreal. He was a member of the local militia and served during the War of 1812; he later became lieutenant-colonel. He helped form the Bank of Montreal and served as a director from 1817 to 1829. He owned the seigneuries of Bourchemin, Ramesay and Lake Matapédia. He represented Montreal East in the Legislative Assembly of Lower Canada from 1824 to 1838. He supported representation by population and so opposed the Union of Upper and Lower Canada. He was elected to the Legislative Assembly of the Province of Canada for Verchères as a Reformer in an 1841 by-election; he was reelected in 1844 and 1847. He was named president of the Executive Council in 1848; he was named secretary for Canada East in September of that year and served until 1851. Also in 1848, he was named to the Legislative Council and served until Confederation, when he was named to the Senate.