Joey Smallwood
Joseph Roberts Smallwood (December 24, 1900 – December 17, 1991) was a Newfoundlander and Canadian politician. He was the main force who brought the
Dominion of Newfoundland into
Canadian Confederation in 1949, becoming the first
premier of Newfoundland, serving until 1972. As premier, he vigorously promoted economic development, championed the
welfare state, and emphasized modernization of education and transportation. The results of his efforts to promote industrialization were mixed, with the most favourable results in
hydroelectricity, iron mining and paper mills.
Smallwood was charismatic and controversial. While many Canadians today remember Smallwood as the man who brought Newfoundland into Canada, the opinions held by Newfoundlanders and their diaspora remain sharply divided as to his legacy.
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