Mercier, Honoré National Historic Person
Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec
Portrait
(© Jules-Ernest Livernois / Bibliothèque et Archives Canada | Library and Archives Canada / PA-023361)
Address :
2531 Girouard Street West, Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec
Recognition Statute:
Historic Sites and Monuments Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. H-4)
Designation Date:
1938-05-19
Life Date:
1840 to 1894
Other Name(s):
-
Mercier, Honoré
(Designation Name)
Importance:
Premier of Quebec, 1887-91
Plaque(s)
Existing plaque: 2531 Girouard Street West, Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec
This skilled lawyer, public speaker, journalist, and statesman began his career here, in Saint-Hyacinthe. First elected to the House of Commons in 1872, Honoré Mercier became a Member of the Legislative Assembly in 1879 and provincial Liberal leader in 1883. In 1885, he led the formation of a new Parti national, a coalition of dissident Liberals and Conservatives united by outrage over the Riel affair. As leader, he enjoyed vast support. Premier of Quebec from 1887 to 1891, Mercier encouraged the settlement of new agricultural lands, convened the first conference of premiers, and fiercely defended provincial autonomy.