James Walker

Education

In that vote he finished eighth out of twenty first place.

Career

During that time he served as official opposition leader twice and was leader of the Independents. He was involved in large scale farming in Raymond, Alberta. He specialized in growing Sugar Beets, and became chairman of the Beet Growing Industry.

He also primarily raised sheep on his farm.

He would be defeated by Social Cr candidate Solon Earl Low finishing a distant second place, but still ahead of incumbent Frank Leffingwell. Walker himself would run for a second time in the Warner electoral district against Low.

Walker had trouble gaining traction as leader. Prior to the start of the 4th Legislative session.

The Independents lost two caucus members who joined Joseph Trembley to sit in the Assembly as Liberals.

The Independents despite knowing about the timing of the 1944 Alberta general election well in advance failed to field a full slate of candidates. On elections night Social Cr under Ernest Manning surged in popularity and the Independents were returned in just three seats. Walker was personally defeated in his own electoral district by Low and did not return to provincial politics.

Achievements

• Walker served in World War I. He attained the rank of Major and ran in the 1917 Alberta general election soldiers and nurses vote. Walker would run for leadership of the Independent Citizen"s Association and defeat David Elton on a first ballot win at Calgary on January 23, 1944. His win would make him the first permanent leader of the Independents.

Politics

Walker would return to provincial politics running as a United Farmers of Alberta candidate in the 1935 Alberta general election. The party and Walker were criticized heavily as being unable to form government and unable to be a viable alternative.

Membership

He served as a member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta from 1940 to 1944.

Personality

He was an Independent candidate this time around and defeated Low.