The New Student's Reference Work/Baldwin, Hon. Robert

Baldwin, Hon. Robert, born in city of Toronto, 1804, of Irish descent. His father, the Hon. W. W. Baldwin, was a member of the Parliament of Upper Canada. Practiced law very successfully and profitably from 1825 to 1848. First elected to the Upper Canada Legislature in 1829. The executive, although in a minority, rejected year after year the legislation of the Legislative Assembly. He became the champion of responsible government. Lord Durham supported him and oligarchical rule was doomed. He was a member of the executive council in 1836. In 1840 he became solicitor general. In 1842 be became attorney-general in Upper Canada. Mr. Lafontaine was attorney-general in Lower Canada. Hence, the name of "Baldwin-Lafontaine Government." Held the position until 1851. Died 1858. Called the father of responsible government in Canada.