Article

John Robson

Published Online October 31, 2010

Last Edited March 4, 2015

John Robson, journalist, politician, premier of BC 1889-92 (b at Perth, UC 14 or 15 Mar 1824; d at London, Eng 29 June 1892). Coming to BC in 1859, Robson established the New Westminster British Columbian in 1861. In 1869 he
Robson, John
The Honourable John Robson, premier of BC, 1889 - 1892 (courtesy Library and Archives Canada/C-036107).

John Robson

 John Robson, journalist, politician, premier of BC 1889-92 (b at Perth, UC 14 or 15 Mar 1824; d at London, Eng 29 June 1892). Coming to BC in 1859, Robson established the New Westminster British Columbian in 1861. In 1869 he moved to Victoria and became editor of the Daily British Colonist, a position he held until becoming paymaster for CPR surveyors in 1875. Robson was an eloquent advocate of representative and RESPONSIBLE GOVERNMENT and of CONFEDERATION, joining his rival Amor DE COSMOS in the "Confederation League" in 1868. He served on the New Westminster Council (1863-67), in the Legislative Council of BC, and in the Legislative Assembly (1871-73, 1882-92). In 1883 he became provincial secretary and minister of finance and agriculture in the Cabinet of William SMITHE and, after the death of A.E.B. DAVIE in 1889, headed the government. His administration was noted for giving bonuses to railways, attempting to check undue exploitation of natural resources, redistributing legislative seats and promoting immigration. He died in office after injuring a finger in a carriage door and developing blood poisoning.