KERROBERT MUSEUM Judge’s Chambers

Have you ever wondered about the history of this giant painting that stands in the Judge’s Chambers?

This is a painting of Sir Frederick William Alpin Gordon Haultain. Born in England in 1857, Haultain’s family moved to Upper Canada in 1860. Haultain studied law in Toronto and in 1884 he moved to what was once the Northwest Territories, establishing his practice in Fort McLeod.

Sir Frederick William Alpin Gordon Haultain

Haultain became the first Premier of the Northwest Territories. He advocated for the creation of one province, but had been left out of planning regarding provincial status after the Liberal government was re-elected. In 1905, the two provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan were created. Haultain believed that two provinces, rather than just one, made the North West’s position weaker within Confederation.

Haultain challenged Walter Scott in the 1905 Saskatchewan provincial election with the Provincial Rights Party. He retired from politics in 1912 and was made Chief Justice of Saskatchewan. He was knighted, he served as Chancellor of the University of Saskatchewan, and was also made an honorary Cree chief.

The artist behind this painting is Victor Albert Long, a Canadian artist known for specializing in portraits of politicians and leaders. His work hangs all over Canada, including in the country’s Parliament Buildings.

Information gathered from the Encyclopedia of Saskatchewan.
Courtesy Kerrobert Museum Facebook