Alexander, Lincoln (1922-2012), in 1968 became the first Black member of Canada’s federal Parliament. He served in the House of Commons as a Progressive Conservative until 1980. Alexander also became the first Black member of the federal Cabinet and the first Black lieutenant governor in Canada. During his career in public service, Alexander worked against discrimination and tried to further the interests of young people, elderly people, and workers.
Lincoln MacCauley Alexander was born on Jan. 21, 1922, in Toronto, Ontario. His parents were working-class immigrants from the Caribbean. Alexander grew up in a mostly white community in Toronto. Marital difficulties led his mother to move to New York City in the United States, and Alexander lived with her there for several years as a teenager. He returned to Ontario in 1939 and worked as a machinist. In 1942, Alexander enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force. At that time, the air force rejected many Black applicants. Alexander remained in the air force until 1945, working as a radio operator.
From 1946 to 1949, Alexander studied political economics and history at McMaster University, in Hamilton, Ontario, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree. In 1953, he received a law degree from Osgoode Hall Law School, now part of York University, in Toronto. After law school, Alexander initially had trouble finding work because of his race. From the 1950’s through the 1970’s, he practiced law at several firms, including two interracial firms where he was a partner (part owner). In 1965, Alexander was named queen’s counsel, an honorary title awarded for contributions to the legal profession.
Alexander became interested in politics following a trip to Africa with a group of volunteers. In 1965, with encouragement from former prime minister John Diefenbaker, he ran unsuccessfully for the federal Parliament. Three years later, Alexander ran again and won a seat representing the riding (electoral district) of Hamilton West, Ontario. He was reelected in 1972, 1974, 1979, and 1980. As a member of Parliament, he supported ending capital punishment. He was also one of the few members of the Progressive Conservative Party to support new legislation banning hate speech against minority groups. In 1979 and 1980, Alexander served as minister of labour under Prime Minister Joe Clark.
Alexander resigned from Parliament in 1980 and became the first Black chairperson of the Ontario Workmen’s Compensation Board, later renamed the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board. In this position, which he held until 1985, he helped business and labor groups cooperate better to help injured workers.
In 1985, Alexander was named lieutenant governor of Ontario. The lieutenant governor is the British monarch’s representative in the province. He was the first Black lieutenant governor in Canada. His term ended in 1991. Alexander then served five terms as chancellor of the University of Guelph, from 1991 to 2007. Alexander used these positions to promote ending discrimination and providing opportunities for all, especially youth. He was known for his ability to relate to ordinary people and to get along with different social groups.
Alexander received many awards and honors during his life. In 1992, he was made a Companion of the Order of Canada and appointed to the Order of Ontario—high honors that recognize outstanding achievement and service benefiting others. In 2006, Alexander published the memoir Go to School, You’re a Little Black Boy. According to Alexander, the title was inspired by something that his mother used to say to him.
Alexander died on Oct. 19, 2012, in Hamilton. In 2013, the Ontario legislature declared January 21 Lincoln Alexander Day in the province. The day became a day of national celebration in 2015.
