Andrew Davison

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.

Political career

In 1921, Davison was elected to Calgary City Council as a Labor Alderman. After serving seven consecutive terms in that capacity he was elected the 24th Mayor of Calgary. He was re-elected Mayor five times and served a total of sixteen years, a record unequaled before or since. During his term, the ambitious and controversial Glenmore Dam waterworks system was completed.

Davison ran for the Canadian House of Commons 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.