Nicely detailed historic real-photo postcard of Canadian Army Lieutenant Colonel Oliver Mowat Biggar (c. 1872-?), seen second from left in the light-colored uniform, in this photograph made by Hadden's Art Studio of Alvinston, Ontario.  The Toronto-born Mowat was the grandson of Sir Oliver Mowat (1820-1903), one of the Fathers of Confederation and the longest-serving premier of Ontario (1872-1896).  Col. Biggar, who was a well-known attorney in Edmonton, Alberta (1903-1915), joined the Army in 1915 and was notable in that role for being a member of the Military Service Council which implemented conscription (the draft) in 1917.  He then served as Judge Advocate General (JAG) and chief counsel for the Canadian military.  After the war, he served as legal advisor to Canadian representatives at the Paris Peace Conference of 1919, also known as the Versailles Peace Conference.

 

Col. Biggar next served as Parliamentary Counsel of the House of Commons; with passage of the Dominion Elections Act by Parliament, he became Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) for all of Canada in 1920, supervising all general elections until 1927.  Biggar completely revamped the notoriously corrupt federal elections system, centralizing its finances and organization.  After the 1921 election, Biggar noted the difficulties of women who had been left off of voters' lists.  He advised more voting officials and more advance polls.  After the 1925 election, he recommended changing election day from Thursday to Monday; in 1929, the law changed to permanently establish Monday as election day.  Biggar is one of only five people to have held the CEO position, and the only one to have a legal background.

 

Biggar Township in the Nipissing District of Ontario is named after members of his family.  A desirable Canadian history collectible, of interest to the militaria or Lambton County collector as well.  Very good condition.