James Albert Manning Aikins

The Honourable Sir James Albert Manning Aikins (December 10, 1851 – March 1, 1929) was a politician in Manitoba, Canada. He was the leader of the Manitoba Conservative Party in the provincial election of 1915, and later served as the province's Lieutenant-Governor.

Related Topics:
December 10 - 1851 - March 1 - 1929 - Manitoba - Canada - Manitoba Conservative Party - 1915 - Lieutenant-Governor

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Aikins was born in Grahamsville, Peel County, Canada West (now Ontario) and educated at Toronto's Upper Canada College. His father, James Cox Aikins, was a prominent Canadian politician, serving as a cabinet minister from 1869 to 1873 and 1878 to 1882, and serving as Manitoba's Lieutenant-Governor between 1882 and 1888.

Related Topics:
Grahamsville - Peel County - Canada West - Ontario - Upper Canada College - James Cox Aikins - 1869 - 1873 - 1878 - 1882 - 1888

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The younger Aikins was educated at the University of Toronto, receiving his B.A. in 1875. He subsequently moved to Winnipeg with his father, and remained in the western city after the elder Aikins returned to Ontario.

Related Topics:
University of Toronto - 1875 - Winnipeg

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From 1879 to 1896, Aikins was a counsel for the Department of Justice. In 1880, he was part of a committee that investigated the administration of justice in the Northwest Territories. Aikins was appointed counsel to the Manitoba government in 1900, and was responsible for drafting the Temperance Act passed by the government of Hugh John Macdonald. He also served as President of the Law Society of Manitoba, and was a solicitor for the Canadian Pacific Railway from 1881 to 1911.

Related Topics:
1879 - 1896 - 1880 - Northwest Territories - 1900 - Hugh John Macdonald - Law Society of Manitoba - Canadian Pacific Railway - 1881 - 1911

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In the 1911 federal election, Aikins was elected as a Conservative candidate to the Canadian House of Commons, for the riding of Brandon. The Conservative Party won this election, and Aikins served as a backbench supporter of Robert Borden's administration.

Related Topics:
1911 federal election - Canadian House of Commons - Brandon - Robert Borden

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Aikins left federal politics in 1915, amid unexpected circumstances. The provincial Conservative government of Rodmond P. Roblin was forced to resign amid scandal in May 1915. Aikins served as chair of the provincial party's convention in July, and accepted the position of party leader on July 15 when no other candidates came forward. He resigned his federal seat, and led the provincial party into a new election.

Related Topics:
1915 - Conservative - Rodmond P. Roblin - July 15

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The new Liberal government of Tobias C. Norris was extremely popular, and portrayed Aikins as the tool of more sinister figures in the Conservative Party. The Liberals won 40 seats in the election, against only five for the Tories. Aikins was resoundingly defeated in Brandon City.

Related Topics:
Liberal - Tobias C. Norris - Brandon City

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The following year, Aikins was appointed Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba on the recommendation of Prime Minister Robert Borden. He served in this largely ceremonial position from August 5, 1916 to October 25, 1926. While his initial appointment was greeted with skepticism, Aikins proved to be a popular office-holder. Even the pro-Liberal Winnipeg Free Press approved of his re-appointment ont he recommendation of Prime Minister Arthur Meighen in 1921.

Related Topics:
Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba - Prime Minister - Robert Borden - August 5 - 1916 - October 25 - 1926 - Winnipeg Free Press - Arthur Meighen - 1921

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In 1922, Aikins gave the Norris government permission to continue in office for a few weeks after being defeated in the house, so that important legislation could be passed before the next election.

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Aikins died on March 1, 1929.

Related Topics:
March 1 - 1929

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