James Horsman is a well-known and respected figure in Canada. He served as a member of the Legislative Assembly for five consecutive terms and was a Crown Minister for 14 years. Holding various positions, he made a major contribution to the province’s development. Read more about his life and work on edmonton-yes.
Childhood and Youth
The future politician was born in Camrose in 1935. When the Second World War broke out, the boy was sent to live with his grandparents in Meeting Creek, as his father George served overseas, while his mother, Caitlin, worked in a defence research center. After the war ended, James’s family moved to Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, where his father began working as a rehabilitation engineer.
After finishing high school, the young man left Moose Jaw and enrolled at the University of British Columbia. Horsman was an extremely active and diligent student who often engaged in debates with classmates and loved public speaking. In 1959, James earned a Bachelor of Commerce, and in 1960, he completed a law degree.
Political Career, Helping People
After graduation, James tried to settle in Calgary. However, his fate took a turn during a visit to his cousin, who was a veterinarian in Medicine Hat. There, James met a lawyer in need of an assistant. Without hesitating, he seized this opportunity and started a private practice. Before long, James met a young teacher, Betty Whitney, the daughter of a ranch owner from Alberta. In 1964, they were married.
Horsman’s career began with a small law practice that covered a wide range of areas, from drafting wills to court defence. James greatly enjoyed his work. Soon, he developed an interest in public life and became an activist in the Progressive Conservative Party of Alberta. He was then appointed Vice President for Southern Alberta, after which he ran for office. Following two unsuccessful attempts, he persevered and, by 1975, became the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Medicine Hat.
James served in the Alberta Legislature as Minister of Advanced Education and Manpower, Minister of Federal and Intergovernmental Affairs, and Attorney General. During this time, he left a lasting legacy: he led Alberta’s negotiations on the Canada-U.S. Free Trade Agreement and was Alberta’s chief representative in the discussions following the repatriation of the Canadian Constitution. Horsman was also the founder of the Alberta Heritage Scholarship Fund, which has been awarding grants to more than 10,000 Alberta students each year since its inception in 1981, while actively promoting support for Alberta’s universities, colleges, and institutes.
In 1993, James left politics but continued to serve the people of Alberta. He also served as a chief negotiator on free trade issues in Canada. Horsman was Chancellor of the University of Lethbridge and actively supported that institution’s leading work in water and environmental research. He was one of the founders of the Alberta Elections Council and a member of the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Arts Awards Foundation. For many years, James represented the province as a national and international speaker on constitutional law, Senate reform, and free trade. He was also a member of the Advisory Council of the Association for Canadian Studies in the United States.
Achievements
James Horsman did a great deal for the development of Medicine Hat, including serving as chair of the Medicine Hat College Board of Governors and taking part in many other activities aimed at supporting the institution. At the same time, Horsman led the 1995 Flood Relief Committee, worked with the local Kinsmen club, the Chamber of Commerce, and Saint John’s Presbyterian Church.
For his considerable contributions, James is a member of the Order of Canada. He was also awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the University of Lethbridge, along with the Queen Elizabeth II Silver and Golden Jubilee Medals. It is important to note that Horsman always took pride in his numerous achievements. He is known and respected not only for his compassion, humility, and ability to listen to others, but also for all he has done for the people of his home province.