William John Ward

For the British admiral, see William Ward (Royal Navy officer).

William John Ward
Member of the Canadian Parliament for Dauphin
In office 1921–1930
Preceded by	Robert Cruise
Succeeded by	James Langstaff Bowman
In office 1935–1945
Preceded by	James Langstaff Bowman
Succeeded by	Fred Zaplitny
In office 1949–1953
Preceded by	Fred Zaplitny
Succeeded by	Fred Zaplitny
Personal details
Born	(1880-10-25)October 25, 1880 near Owen Sound, Ontario
Died	August 18, 1971(1971-08-18) (aged 90) Dauphin, Manitoba
Party	Progressive Party of Canada Liberal Progressive Liberal Independent Liberal

William John Ward (born October 25, 1880) was a Canadian politician, farmer, insurance, and real estate agent. A member of the Ginger Group, he represented the Dauphin electoral district in the House of Commons of Canada from 1921–1930, 1935–1945, and 1949–1953.

He was a member of a group which advocated for the establishment of Riding Mountain National Park in western Manitoba.

Early life and education

William John Ward was born in October 25, 1880, near Owen Sound, Ontario.

He was the seventh of ten children of Charles Christopher Ward and Janet Mitchell. After attending school in Williamsford, he moved to Dauphin with his widowed mother.

Career

In Manitoba, Ward worked as a farmer, insurance and real estate agent. He later served as the managing president of the United Farmers of Manitoba (1931-1932) and as the president of Adanac Whale and Fish Products Limited in Churchill.

Politics

In 1921, he was elected to the House of Commons of Canada for Dauphin, and was re-elected in 1925–1926.

As a member of the Ginger Group, he joined the Progressive Party of Canada.

During his initial parliamentary tenure (1921–1930), Ward advocated for separating the commemoration of World War I from Thanksgiving Day. Following his defeat by James Langstaff Bowman in the 1930 federal election, MP Alan Webster Neill introduced the 1931 legislation that formally renamed the holiday to Remembrance Day and fixed its observance strictly on November 11.

In 1926, he became a Liberal Progressive up until 1935, when he transitioned into a Liberal.

He was re-elected in 1935 and 1940. In 1945, he was defeated by Fred Zaplitny.

He was re-elected in 1949, but did not seek election in 1953. He was defeated in the 1957 election by Fred Zaplitny.

Personal life

On December 15, 1909, Ward married Annie Helen Fisher (1890–1953) in Dauphin, Manitoba.

On August 16, 1971, Ward died, and was buried in Riverside Cemetery.

Legacy

Ward was commemorated by he community of Ward.