Herbert Greenfield
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Herbert Greenfield (November 25, 1869 in Winchester, England – August 23, 1949 in Calgary), Canadian politician, was Premier of Alberta between 1921 and 1925.
When the United Farmers of Alberta swept to power in the 1921 election, they did not have a leader. Following the election, the UFA looked for someone to become premier of the province. Henry Wise Wood, the UFA President, declined the position. John E. Brownlee was approached, but since he was a lawyer rather than a farmer, he declined.
Greenfield was president of the Alberta Association of Municipal Districts and an interim Vice-President of the UFA. He hailed from Westlock, in northern Alberta, where the UFA had less support. Previously he had been a municipal politician in Alberta and Ontario. He was asked to lead the party, and accepted, becoming Premier of Alberta in 1921. Because he had not run in the 1921 election, he had to enter the legislature through a by-election. Greenfield's government improved roads, schools and hospitals. It also repealed prohibition, and established the Alberta Liquor Control Board to regulate the sale of alcohol. The government reneged on a promise, however, to establish a government-owned bank that would issue low-interest loans to farmers.
Divisions arose between the government and UFA on policy issues. As well, beginning in 1923, Greenfield was often absent due to illness. In November 1925, UFA Members of the Legislative Assembly approached Brownlee about becoming the new Premier, and Greenfield agreed to resign.
Greenfield School, an elementary school for Kindergarten to Grade 6 students in south Edmonton, was named for Herbert Greenfield. A painting of Greenfield hangs in the school office.
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| Preceded by Charles Stewart |
Premier of Alberta 1921-1925 |
Succeeded by John E. Brownlee |
| Preceded by Donald MacBeth Kennedy |
MLA Peace River 1921-1926 |
Succeeded by Hugh Allen |
