The year 1854 marked the relocation of George Alexander Drummond from Edinburgh to Montreal, initiating his career at Redpath Sugar under his brother-in-law, John Redpath. This move transformed his professional trajectory, leading him from his studies in chemistry at the University of Edinburgh into the core of the Canadian industrial and financial sectors.
Corporate Leadership and Finance
Drummond managed Redpath Sugar as a co-director alongside Peter Redpath. His influence extended significantly into the banking sector, where he served as vice-president of the Bank of Montreal from 1887 to 1896. By 1897, he assumed de facto control of the institution, officially becoming its president in 1905, a position he held while simultaneously managing his broader business interests.
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In 1888, he entered the Senate of Canada representing the Kennebec division in Quebec. His tenure in the Senate was continuous from that appointment until his death in 1910. He fulfilled his legislative duties in Ottawa throughout several parliamentary terms, specifically serving during the periods 1888-1891, 1891-1896, 1896-1900, 1900-1904, 1904-1908, and 1908-1910.
Civic Engagement and Cultural Contributions
Beyond commerce and politics, he participated in social and institutional development. He helped establish St. Margaret's Home for Incurables in 1894 and served as president of the Royal Edward Institute, which focused on tuberculosis prevention, starting in 1909. His involvement in the arts was marked by his presidency of the Art Association of Montreal, while his athletic interests included serving as the first president of the Royal Canadian Golf Association in 1895.
Personal Life and Honours
Drummond maintained several residences, including a home on Sherbrooke Street in Montreal's Golden Square Mile, a summer estate named Gads Hill at Cacouna, and a property called Huntlywood in Beaconsfield. He received the Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George in 1904 and the Commander of the Royal Victorian Order in 1908. Following his death in 1910, he was interred at the Mount Royal Cemetery.
Fast facts
- Born: 1829, Edinburgh
- Died: 1910, Montreal
- Education: University of Edinburgh
- Senate Service: 1888-1910
- Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George: 1904
- Commander of the Royal Victorian Order: 1908
- Burial site: Mount Royal Cemetery
Questions readers ask
What major financial institution did George Alexander Drummond lead?
He served as the president of the Bank of Montreal, having acted in that capacity from 1897 before officially taking the role in 1905.
Which organizations did he preside over during his life?
He served as the first president of the Royal Canadian Golf Association and as president of the Art Association of Montreal and the Royal Edward Institute.
Achievements
- Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George
- Educated at University of Edinburgh
