Crerar, Thomas Alexander National Historic Person
Russell, Manitoba
Hon. Thomas Alexander Crerar, 1936
© William Lyon Mackenzie King / Library and Archives Canada | Bibliothèque et Archives Canada / C-003509
Address :
178 Main Street, Russell, Manitoba
Recognition Statute:
Historic Sites and Monuments Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. H-4)
Designation Date:
2004-03-05
Life Date:
1876 to 1975
Other Name(s):
-
Crerar, Thomas Alexander
(Designation Name)
Research Report Number:
2003-34
Importance:
Influential architect of the Canadian grain trade before 1930; led the Progressive Party
Plaque(s)
Existing plaque: In front of Town Hall 178 Main Street, Russell, Manitoba
Following his early career as an agrarian reformist in Russell, T. A. Crerar achieved prominence through his contributions to national economic development and politics. As head of the Grain Growers' Grain Company, he helped shape the structure of Canadian grain marketing. Championing a better deal for Western farmers, he led the Progressive movement to a position of great political influence in the 1921 election, thus ending the federal two-party system. He later proved a valued member of Prime Minister Mackenzie King's cabinets (1929-1930 and 1935-1945) and an active leader of the Senate before retiring in 1966.