Wilfrid Laurier at the Canadian War Museum

Laurier was a committed nation builder and an adroit politician known for his effectiveness as a facilitator and agent of compromise. His 15 years as prime minister included the successful handling of serious disputes over language education, foreign policy, and railways, the creation of the provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan, and the addition of some two million people, mainly immigrants, to Canada’s population. Following his defeat in the 1911 election by Robert Borden’s Conservatives, Laurier continued as leader of the opposition, a position he would hold until his death in 1919.

Laurier was the dominant political personality of his era, and is remembered for his contributions to Canadian economic and social development in the early twentieth century. He died in February 1919.

For more information on other great Canadian leaders, please access the Canadian War Museum's online educational resources on Canada and the First World War.