Andrew Davison


Andrew Davison was a Canadian politician.

Early life

Davison was born in 1886 in Moneymore, County Londonderry, Ireland. He arrived in Alberta in 1895 and received his education in both Edmonton and Calgary.
Prior to entering politics, Davison worked as a printer, a linotype operator and publisher and was associated with the Calgary Herald, the Calgary Albertan and the News Telegram. During the World War, 1914–1918, he served overseas as a Pay Sergeant with the Canadian Army Pay Corps. He served as Pay Master of the Second Battalion, Calgary Highlanders, with the rank of captain, during World War II.

Political career

In 1921, Mr. Davison was elected to Calgary City Council as a Labour Alderman. After serving four terms as Alderman from 1922 to 1926, he was acclaimed as the 24th Mayor of Calgary on November 12, 1929. He was re-elected Mayor another seven times, serving a total of sixteen years as the City's Chief Magistrate, a record unequalled before or since. During his term, the ambitious and controversial Glenmore Dam waterworks system was completed.
Davison ran for the House of Commons of Canada in the 1935 Canadian federal election as the Conservative candidate in the Bow River district. He was defeated by Social Credit candidate Charles Edward Johnston.
Davison ran for the Legislative Assembly of Alberta in the 1940 Alberta general election in the Calgary district as the leader of the Independent Movement, which sought to unite the opposition to Social Credit. He was re-elected in 1944 Alberta general election. He continued to serve as both mayor and a member in the Legislature. He did not run again in 1948.
In 1945, due to ill health, Davison resigned his position as Mayor of Calgary but kept his seat in the Legislature until his term was over. He retired to Vancouver.
Andrew Davison died in 1963.

Election results

1944 Alberta provincial general election

Note:

1935 Canadian general election

Honours

The Andrew Davison Building, a 13 floor building located at 133 6 Avenue SE and the former home of the Calgary Police Service headquarters is named in his honour.