The Hon. Lincoln Alexander

Lincoln Alexander (1922-2014) recounts his extraordinary career as a trailblazer in Canadian law and politics in this comprehensive 1997 oral history interview. Born in Toronto to West Indian parents, Alexander served in the RCAF during World War II before attending McMaster University and Osgoode Hall Law School, where he famously confronted Dean Smalley-Baker over racist language. After articling with Samuel Gotfrid and working with several firms, he joined John Millar’s groundbreaking multi-racial law firm in Hamilton in 1962.

Alexander’s political career began when John Diefenbaker recruited him to run as a Conservative candidate in 1965. He was elected in 1968, becoming Canada’s first Black Member of Parliament and serving until 1980, including as Minister of Labour in Joe Clark’s government. His post-political career included chairing the Workers’ Compensation Board of Ontario and serving as Lieutenant Governor of Ontario from 1985-1991, another historic first for a Black Canadian.

Throughout the interview, Alexander reflects candidly on facing discrimination in legal practice and public service, while emphasizing the importance of mentorship and breaking barriers. He discusses his role as Chair of the Canadian Race Relations Foundation and his commitment to youth development, offering insights into the evolution of diversity in the Canadian legal profession and the ongoing challenges of combating racism in professional settings.

This description was written by AI and may contain some inaccuracies.