Thomas Greenway

Greenway, Thomas

Thomas Greenway, merchant, farmer, land speculator, politician, premier of Manitoba (b at Kilkhampton, Eng 25 Mar 1838; d at Ottawa 30 Oct 1908). Instrumental in the formation of the Liberal Party of Manitoba, Greenway was its first leader and premier of Manitoba 1888-1900. In 1844 the Greenways immigrated to Huron County, Canada W. Thomas eventually became an independent supporter of Sir John A. MACDONALD's Liberal-Conservative Party and MP for South Huron, 1875-78. However, he broke with Macdonald on the NATIONAL POLICY tariff and became a Liberal. In 1879 he moved to Manitoba and was elected MLA that year; by 1882 he led a provincial rights opposition which became the Liberal Party. As premier he ended federal disallowance of Manitoba railway legislation and the CPR monopoly, bringing the Northern Pacific into the province to induce competition in freight rates. He is remembered, however, for the elimination of minority educational rights for Roman Catholics; the MANITOBA SCHOOLS QUESTION dominated provincial and federal politics during his years as premier. He remained leader of the provincial Liberals until his election as MP for Lisgar in 1904.