SASKATCHEWAN — On March 23, 1938, the very first premier of Saskatchewan Walter Scott died. He was instrumental in the birth of Saskatchewan.
Thomas Walter Scott was born Oct. 27, 1867, in London Township, Ont., just a few months after confederation. A journalist and newspaper publisher by trade, Scott eventually rose to political prominence, serving as an MP for Assiniboia in 1900.
In 1905, Scott handily won the first provincial election, becoming Saskatchewan’s first premier. He would go on to hold his seat for the second-longest continuous term from 1905 to 1916.
The first sitting of the legislature was dominated by the question of where the capital should be. Regina was the unofficial capital, but some wanted Saskatoon. The idea was eventually voted down, and Regina became the official capital of Saskatchewan.
His legacy was one of building and expansion – from the education system to the railways, as well as policies to strengthen local governments. He was instrumental in the development of Wascana Park. In 2012, the Walter Scott Memorial was unveiled in Wascana Centre.
He died March 23, 1938, at the age of 70 in Guelph, Ont.
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100 Years of Saskatchewan History
This article is part of a series that celebrates both the history of Saskatchewan and the 100th anniversary of one of Saskatchewan's most storied radio stations. For more key moments from the last 100 years, visit the CKRM timeline.
