Career
He represented York West in the Canadian House of Commons from 1872 to 1878 as a Liberal member. He was educated in Scotland and at the University of Toronto. Blain was called to the bar in 1860 and set up practice in Toronto, partnering for a time with Albert Prince.
He retired from the practice of law in 1868.
Blain was defeated in a bid for reelection in 1878. He died in Toronto at the age of 76.