Article

Peter John Veniot

Published Online February 14, 2008

Last Edited December 14, 2013

Peter John Veniot, "Pierre," journalist, politician, premier of NB 1923-25 (b at Richibucto, NB 4 Oct 1863; d at Bathurst, NB 6 July 1936). First elected MLA for Gloucester in 1894 he resigned in 1900 to become Bathurst collector of customs.

Veniot, Peter John

Peter John Veniot, "Pierre," journalist, politician, premier of NB 1923-25 (b at Richibucto, NB 4 Oct 1863; d at Bathurst, NB 6 July 1936). First elected MLA for Gloucester in 1894 he resigned in 1900 to become Bathurst collector of customs. Hired in 1912 to reorganize the provincial Liberals, he was re-elected in 1917 and as minister of public works undertook extensive road-building projects. He succeeded W.E. FOSTER as premier in 1923 and supported public ownership of the provincial hydro system and the Maritime Rights Movement. The first Acadian NB premier, he was recognized as the leader of Acadian Liberalism. Following the defeat of his party in 1925, he ran successfully as MP for Gloucester and was appointed postmaster general by PM KING. He sat as an MP until his death.