John Bruce (Canada)

John Bruce or Brousse (* 1837, † October 26, 1893 ) was a Canadian politician and judge. He was the first president of the provisional government of the Red River colony during the Red River Rebellion in 1869.

Biography

Bruce was working at Fort Garry ( Winnipeg today ) as a carpenter, next he supported other Métis in court proceedings. In October 1869, formed a " National Committee of the Métis ," with Bruce as President and Louis Riel as secretary. Their goal was, the designated Vice Governor William McDougall to prevent them from entering the Red River colony, until the Canadian government had made firm commitments regarding the land rights. The National Committee called on December 8, 1869 from a provisional government and appointed Bruce as their President. However, he resigned the office on 27 December at Riel from, citing health problems.

As Bruce remained passive in the further course of the rebellion, Vice Governor Adams George Archibald named him after the establishment of the new province of Manitoba to the judge for minor offenses and magistrates. In August 1871 Bruce sold his plot when the Métis were exposed to the attacks of the radical Canadian Party and from volunteer militia from Ontario, and moved to North Dakota.

Bruce is said to have taken part in a ( ultimately unsuccessful ) attack of the Fenian Brotherhood, as he preferred the annexation of Manitoba by the United States. He was subsequently relieved of his duties. In 1874, he turned against his former comrades when he testified in court against Ambroise Lépine - Dydime, the military commander of the provisional government.