William Pugsley | The Canadian Encyclopedia

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William Pugsley

William Pugsley, lawyer, politician, premier and lieutenant-governor of New Brunswick (b at Sussex, NB 27 Sept 1850; d at Toronto 3 Mar 1925).

William Pugsley, lawyer, politician, premier and lieutenant-governor of New Brunswick (b at Sussex, NB 27 Sept 1850; d at Toronto 3 Mar 1925). A prominent political figure in New Brunswick in the early part of the 20th century, Pugsley was a tough politician who employed patronage blatantly to win support for the Liberal cause. He served as Speaker of the House, solicitor general and attorney general before becoming premier in 1907. He resigned after a few months to enter the federal Cabinet as minister of public works. Following a term as lieutenant-governor, 1917-23, he was appointed commissioner of the settlement of war claims in Ottawa, a position he held until his death.