Albert Edward McPhillips


Albert Edward McPhillips was a Canadian politician and a barrister.

Early years

He was the son of George McPhillips and Margaret Lavin, both of whom were Irish and he was the youngest of six boys His father and three brothers were land surveyor's. His brother, George McPhillips Jr. is commemorated by McPhillips Street in Winnipeg.

Military service

McPhillips held a second class certificate from Toronto School of Infantry. He was a lieutenant in the 90th Battalion, Royal Winnipeg Rifles, during the Northwest Rebellion in 1885. He fought at the Battle of Fish Creek and Battle of Batoche and received a medal bar and clasp. He retired in 1890 with rank of Captain.

Law and political career

McPhillips was called to the Bar in Manitoba, in Trinity Term in 1882, and to the Bar of British Columbia in 1891. He was a member of Legislative assembly for British Columbia, serving Victoria City from 1898 to 1903, and The Islands from 1907 to 1912. He was Attorney General of British Columbia, resigning on 5 November 1903. McPhillips sat on the British Columbia Court of Appeal as a judge from 1913, serving up until his death in 1938.

Personal life

In 1896, he married Sophia Emily Davie, daughter of the late Hon. A.E.B. Davie Q.C. and had 3 children. His youngest son Albert McPhillips was also a barrister & politician.