Career
Born in Northumberland County, Ontario, he was a pharmacist before being elected to the Canadian House of Commons representing the Manitoba riding of Neepawa in the 1925 federal election. A Conservative, he was defeated in the 1926 election by Progressive Robert Milne. He defeated Milne in the 1930 federal election to return to Parliament and was appointed to the Cabinet of Rifle Brigade Bennett.
He was defeated in the 1935 and 1940 elections.
From 1930 to 1935, he was the Superintendent-General of Indian Affairs and Minister of the Interior.