Charles Augustus Semlin

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Charles Augustus Semlin (Barrie, Ontario October, 1836—November 3, 1927 Ashcroft, British Columbia) was a British Columbia politician.

Semlin grew up in Upper Canada and worked there as a schoolteacher until 1862 when he moved to British Columbia during the gold rush to become a prospector. In 1869 he purchased the Dominion Ranch and became a rancher. He entered politics when British Columbia became a province of Canada, winning a seat in the provincial legislature in 1871. He lost his seat in 1875 but returned to the assembly in 1882. In 1894 he became leader of the opposition and finally premier in August 1898. His government lasted only two years and resigned to make way for the rump regime of Joseph Martin, who was defeated in the election of 1900.

Preceded by John Herbert Turner

Premier of British Columbia 1898–1900

Succeeded by Joseph Martin