The Development and Leadership of B.C.

1. It was snowing last class!!! The Development and Leadership of B.C. 1. James Douglas 2. Mathew Ballie Begbie 3. John Sebastian Helmcken By Gavin Feng, Hubert Yuan

2. Biography – James Douglas • Born in 1803, Demerara (now part of Guyana). • Parents from free-mixed European and African ancestry. • Schooled in Scotland and England. • Joined the NWC at the age of sixteen

3. Legacy– James Douglas • Company fur-trader and a British colonial governor on Vancouver Island • Worked for the NWC, and later for the HBC, becoming a high-ranking company officer. • Governor of the Colony of Vancouver island from 1851 to 1864 • Became the first Governor of the Colony of British Columbia in 1858 • Remained governor of Vancouver Island and British Columbia until 1864.

4. Legacy – James Douglas • Often credited as "The Father of British Columbia”. • Asserted British authority during the Fraser Canyon Gold Rush, which had the potential to turn the B.C. Mainland into an American state.

5. Biography – Matthew Ballie Begbie • Raised in the island of Mauritius until seven years old • Returned to Great Britain for education. • Educated at Elizabeth College from 11 to 17 years old • Received his first degree at the University of Cambridge • Involved in a great number of extracurricular activities • Studied law at Lincoln’s Inn. • Established a successful law practice in London

6. Legacy– Matthew Ballie Begbie • Became the first Chief Justice of the Crown Colony in1858 • Served as the first Judge of the Supreme Court from 1858 - 1866 • Chief Justice of the Supreme Court from 1870 to 1871 • Served as the first Chief Justice in 1871

7. Biography – John Sebastian Helmcken • Born in London England • Educated at St. George's German and English school • Apprenticed as a physician • Traveled to India and China after completing his certification • Hired aboard the HBC’s Prince Rupert in 1847 • Intended to join the Navy, but was persuaded to join HBC in 1849

8. Legacy– John Sebastian Helmcken • Arrived in Vancouver Island on March 1850 • Posted at Fort Rupert as a magistrate • Six months later James Douglas called Helmcken to Fort Victoria • Joined the "family-company compact” when he married Douglas’s daughter • Elected to the first Legislative Assembly of Vancouver Island in 1856. • Served as its speaker until the colony merged with BC in 1866. • By 1863 he had risen to rank of chief trader within the HBC, • In 1870 Governor Musgrave appointed him to his executive council. • He then became Speaker of the Legislative Council of the new colony until Confederation in 1871.

9. Legacy –John Sebastian Helmcken • Favored confederation in 1866 • Was sent withtwo other ambassadors to Ottawa • The terms negotiated were favorable to BC • British Columbia became a Canadian province on July 20, 1871. • The founding president of British Columbia’s Medical society in 1885 • Part of the decision in moving capital of BC to Victoria

10. Connections: James Douglas Spoke Fluent French Self-education Thrived in strict structure of HBC Denounced Slavery Understood business and finance * Suitable Position: Finance Minister

11. * Suitable Position : Minister of the Environment Connections: Sir Matthew Baillie Begbie * Suitable Position : Minister of the Environment Naturalist Wrote Legislation & law for BC Travelled all around BC to have courts Spoke many languages include Aborginal

12. Connections: John Sebastian Helmcken Understood health & money Helped make a very good deal for BC to join Canada People found him influential Well- respected Turned down political positions * Suitable Position : Health Minister