Canadian politician. Born in Boucherville, Quebec, he was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Lower Canada in 1830. A lawyer, he helped establish responsible government and was the first Prime Minister of the United Province of Canada. He was instrumental in the renaming of King's College to the University of Toronto, severing ties to the church; incorporated many French Canadian colleges and established Université de Laval. He also fought to restore the official status of the French language. Lafontaine retired to private life in 1851 but was later appointed chief justice of Canada East in 1853. He was made a baronet in 1854 and a knight commander in the pontifical Order of St. Sylvester in 1855.
Canadian politician. Born in Boucherville, Quebec, he was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Lower Canada in 1830. A lawyer, he helped establish responsible government and was the first Prime Minister of the United Province of Canada. He was instrumental in the renaming of King's College to the University of Toronto, severing ties to the church; incorporated many French Canadian colleges and established Université de Laval. He also fought to restore the official status of the French language. Lafontaine retired to private life in 1851 but was later appointed chief justice of Canada East in 1853. He was made a baronet in 1854 and a knight commander in the pontifical Order of St. Sylvester in 1855.
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