Herbert Greenfield

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Hon. Herbert Greenfield
Herbert Greenfield

Portrait Hon. Herbert Greenfield


In office
1921 – 1925
Preceded by Charles Stewart
Succeeded by John Edward Brownlee

Born November 25, 1869
Winchester, England, United Kingdom
Died November 25, 1869 (aged -80)
Calgary, Alberta
Political party United Farmers of Alberta
Spouse Elizabeth Harris, Marjorie Greenwood

Herbert Greenfield (November 25, 1869 in Winchester, EnglandAugust 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 It also repealed prohibition, and established the Alberta Liquor Control Board to regulate the sale of alcohol.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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Legislative Assembly of Alberta
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