Henri Bourassa (1868-1952) is the former Liberal MP – Francohone Nationaliste – introduced in Season 13 of Murdoch Mysteries, portrayed by Christian Martel.
History[]
Henri Bourassa was a leading French-Canadian nationalist. A successful politician and journalist, he opposed Canada’s close imperial connections, its imposition of conscription, and the concentrations of personal wealth and industry encouraged by wars.
Elected to parliament in 1896 as a Liberal under Wilfrid Laurier, Bourassa opposed his government’s decision to contribute troops to the South African War (1899-1902), fearing it would establish a precedent that would have Canadians fighting in other imperial wars. He consistently opposed the ability of prime ministers to contribute troops to armed conflict without the consent of Parliament. Bourassa resigned his seat in 1899 to protest Laurier’s actions, but was re-elected by acclamation the following year. He eventually left federal politics in 1907, but played a key role in the 1911 election. [* ]
Appearances and Mentions[]
The Trial of Terrence Meyers []
- As one of the opposing members attending Prime Minister Laurier's conference in Toronto, the secret tribunal has Henri Bourassa brought in for questioning at Murdoch's insistence.
- Henri Bourassa freely reveals that he hates Laurier as he has the "the spine of an eel". While the Prime Minister knows that the "two nations are to be equal. Two strands woven into the same cloth" – but Laurier has opened the territories for the non-French speaking to pour into Québec. Thus, he is a political enemy.
- Bourassa claims his hatred is professional; He will watch the jackals from Laurier's own party finish him off.
Gallery[]
| Murdoch Mysteries Season 13 |
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| Troublemakers • Bad Pennies • Forever Young • Prodigal Father • Murdoch and the Cursed Caves • The Philately Fatality • Toronto the Bad • The Final Curtain • The Killing Dose • Parker in the Rye • Staring Blindly into the Future • Fox Hunt • Kill Thy Neighbour • Rigid Silence • The Trial of Terrence Meyers • In the Company of Women • Things Left Behind • The Future is Unwritten
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