Arthur S. Hardy

Arthur Sturgis Hardy (1837-1901) was a lawyer and Liberal politician who served as Ontario's fourth Premier from 1896 to 1899. Hardy was first elected to the Ontario legislature in 1873 and was promoted to the Cabinet of Sir Oliver Mowat in 1877 as Provincial Secretary. In 1889 as Commissioner of Crown Lands, Hardy established Algonquin Park. Entering his sixties and having been in government for over twenty years, Hardy lacked the energy and strength to take the government forward or excite the populace. In the 1898 election Hardy's government was returned with a narrow six seat majority due to the collapse of the agrarian Patrons of Industry party which had served as the Liberal's allies in the legislature. Exhausted and needing money, Hardy retired from politics in 1899 and died two years later.

\nPreceded by: Sir Oliver Mowat 1872-1896\n

Premier of Ontario 1896-1899

\nSucceeded by: George William Ross 1899-1905\n

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\nPreceded by: Sir Oliver Mowat\n

Ontario Liberal leaders

\nSucceeded by: George William Ross\n

Category:Ontario premiers