John Howatt Bell
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John Howatt Bell (December, 1846 – January 29, 1929) was a Prince Edward Island politician. Bell entered politics in 1896 when he was elected to the province's legislative assembly as a Liberal. In 1898 he won a seat in the Canadian House of Commons as a supporter of the federal Liberals under Sir Wilfrid Laurier. He lost his seat in 1900 but returned to the provincial assembly in 1915 when he was chosen to lead the Liberal Party and became leader of the opposition. Bell led the Liberals to power in 1919 and became Premier. His government extended the province's road system and adopted a "highway improvement policy" through an unpopular tax that contributed to the government's unpopularity. His administration also extended the voting franchise to women in 1922.
Bell's government was ridden with disputes within his cabinet which harmed the party's unity and popularity and led to his government's electoral defeat in 1923 after a single term in office. Bell retired from politics and died six years later.
External links
- Biography at the Dictionary of Canadian Biography Online (http://www.biographi.ca/EN/ShowBio.asp?BioId=42028)
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Preceded by: Aubin E. Arsenault 1917-1919 |
Premier of Prince Edward Island 1919-1923 |
Succeeded by: James D. Stewart 1923-1927 |