McIntosh, Lachlan Fraser (1897- 1962)

Lachlan McIntosh.

Saskatchewan Archives Board R-A2891

Born in Bottineau, North Dakota, on July 30, 1897, McIntosh moved in 1906 with his family to the Qu'Appelle district where he was educated and began farming. Moving to Prince Albert, he became involved in the co-operative movement. In 1923 he helped organize the Saskatchewan Wheat Pool and was the first delegate from the Prince Albert region in 1924. McIntosh was involved in many Prince Albert organizations such as the Board of Trade and the Agricultural Society. In 1944, McIntosh was elected as the CCF member representing Prince Albert. He was appointed to T.C. Douglas' first Cabinet initially as Minister of Public Works, but soon was asked to establish the new department of Co-operation. During his five years as Minister, the number of co-operatives and credit unions in Saskatchewan increased significantly, as did their membership. McIntosh served for a period as Minister of Agriculture. After re-election in 1948, he became Minister of Municipal Affairs where he implemented a program whereby the province paid half of the cost of upgrading 12,000 miles of the municipal grid road for all-weather travel. After Woodrow Lloyd became Premier in 1961, McIntosh was moved back into the Co-operation portfolio. He was still in office when he died on March 17, 1962.

Brett Quiring