St. Laurent, Hon. Louis S. National Historic Person

Compton, Quebec
Prime Minister Louis St. Laurent with children, probably during election campaign. © Library and Archives Canada/PA-123988
Prime Minister Louis St. Laurent
© Library and Archives Canada/PA-123988
Prime Minister Louis St. Laurent with children, probably during election campaign. © Library and Archives Canada/PA-123988Louis Saint-Laurent with his grand children at an Easter family gathering. © Herbert L. McDonald/Library and Archives Canada/ a125907
Address : Principale Street South, Compton, Quebec

Recognition Statute: Historic Sites and Monuments Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. H-4)
Designation Date: 1973-11-15
Life Date: 1882 to 1973

Event, Person, Organization:
  • Louis S. St. Laurent  (Person)
Other Name(s):
  • St. Laurent, Hon. Louis S.  (Designation Name)

Importance: Prime Minister of Canada (1948-57)

Plaque(s)


Existing plaque: St-Laurent store Principale Street South, Compton, Quebec

Saint-Laurent was born in Compton. Called to the bar in 1905, he acted for many large companies, and represented the federal government before the Privy Council in London. He entered politics as minister of justice in 1941, served as secretary of state for external affairs (1946-48), and was prime minister from 1948 to 1957. A fervent advocate of national unity, he played a key role in the legal and constitutional development of Canada. He was one of the architects of the new Commonwealth, a signer of the United Nations Charter, and promoter of NATO. He died in Québec City.