Joseph McNamara

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Joseph McNamara (June 19, 1888 – ) was an Ontario political figure. He represented Riverdale in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario from 1919 to 1923 as the only member of the Soldier Party and supported the United Farmers of Ontario-Independent Labour Party government of E.C. Drury that took office following the election. However, McNamara remained independent and, in 1921, made an alliance with M.M. MacBride, a dissenting member of the Independent Labour Party on the left of the governing caucus, to move a Bill which would have introduced an eight-hour day. This was seen as an attempt to embarrass the rest of the ILP who opposed the measure in deference to the farmer base of the United Farmers who saw it as a threat to their ability to afford farm workers.[1]

McNamara was born in Preston, England, the son of Thomas McNamara, and came to Canada in 1902. He served as a member of the Royal North West Mounted Police from 1914 to 1915. From 1915 to 1918, McNamara served as a sergeant-major during World War I. He lost his right arm at Vimy Ridge.

[edit] References

  1. ^ Patterns of the Past: Interpreting Ontario's History By Roger Hall, William Westfall, Laurel Sefton MacDowell, Dundurn Press Ltd., 1988
  • Canadian Parliamentary Guide, 1922, EJ Chambers

[edit] External links