|
The Dining Room - The Politician
Father of Confederation
Dr Helmcken entered politics shortly after moving to Victoria. When the first Legislative Assembly on Vancouver Island formed in 1856 Dr Helmcken was elected a member and he became its first Speaker, a position he held until the colonies of Vancouver Island and British Columbia united in 1866. He continued to serve on the Assembly after union and was appointed to the Executive Council in 1869.
Although holding grave doubts about the practicalities of Confederation with Canada, Dr Helmcken was persuaded to support the proposed union and formed one of a party of three sent to Ottawa to negotiate the terms for British Columbia’s entry. Following their return Joseph Trutch, soon to be Lieutenant-Governor, attempted to pursue Helmcken to form the first Provincial Government, but Helmcken had decided to leave politics and devote himself to his family and his medical practice.
|
| |
 |
The members of Vancouver Island’s First Legislative Assembly members, Dr. Helmcken is seated in the centre.
BC Archives, G-01345
|
 |
The Legislative buildings in Victoria about 1865
BC Archives, A-00934
|
 |
Dr Helmcken, Dr Carral and Joseph Trutch on their way to Ottawa to begin negotiations.
Painting by John Robert Banks
BC Archive, PDP 00488
|
|
