Lincoln Alexander was a leading figure in the fight for racial equity in Canada. In provincial, federal, public and private roles, he consistently advocated for the equal treatment of black Canadians.

In 1968, Alexander became the first Black person to be elected a seat in the House of Commons. He went on to represent Hamilton West for 12 years as a Progressive Conservative. During his final year in Parliament, he became the first Black Cabinet Minister when he was appointed Minister of Labour.

After federal politics, he was appointed by Prime Minister Brian Mulroney to serve as Ontario’s Lieutenant Governor from 1985 to 1991. His mandate focused on youth and education and the Lincoln M. Alexander Award was created in his honour.

In 1992 he was awarded one of Canada's highest honours, the Order of Canada, and Ontario's highest honour, the Order of Ontario.

You can learn more about the life and times of Lincoln M. Alexander, including watching an interview conducted with him, online at the Government of Ontario Archives.