CA-K980History

James Cockburn, first Speaker of the House of Commons

James Cockburn, 1873 (William James Topley). James Cockburn · William James Topley · Photo source · Photo licence: Public domain. Resized for display; item previews may be cropped. The image remains under the licence shown.

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James Cockburn came to Montréal from England in 1832, was educated in Toronto and set up a law practice in Cobourg. Elected for Northumberland West in 1861, he attended the Quebec Conference of 1864 as a cabinet minister and is one of the Fathers of Confederation. When the first Parliament of Canada met in November 1867, he was elected Speaker of the House of Commons, serving until 1874.

Scope & context

Cockburn as described in his designation.

Sources behind this record

James Cockburn National Historic Person ↗

Parks Canada (Directory of Federal Heritage Designations)

Importance; plaque text