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William Walker Kennedy, MC, QC (February 6, 1882 – February 10, 1963) was a distinguished Canadian politician and lawyer from Manitoba.

Born in Leeds County, Ontario, Kennedy pursued his education at Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario, before relocating to Manitoba in 1904. Initially, he spent two years as a journalist before enrolling in the University of Manitoba's law school. In 1909, he earned his law degree and subsequently was called to the bar.

During World War I, Kennedy demonstrated his dedication to service by joining the Canadian Expeditionary Force in November 1915. He served in France with the 46th Battalion from May 1917, earning recognition for his bravery at the Battle of Passchendaele, where he was wounded and received the Military Cross. Further commendations followed for his contributions to the Battle of Valenciennes, leading to field promotions to captain and then major before his discharge in 1919.

Transitioning back to civilian life, Kennedy ventured into politics and was elected to the House of Commons of Canada as the Conservative Member of Parliament for Winnipeg South Centre in the 1925 federal election. Despite his defeat in the 1926 federal election, he made a successful return to Parliament in the 1930 federal election.

Notably, Kennedy assumed the role of Chairman of the Royal Commission on Price Spreads and Mass Buying during Prime Minister R.B. Bennett's administration. This commission, commissioned to address concerns raised by cabinet member H.H. Stevens, underscored Kennedy's commitment to public service.

Following a political career marked by highs and lows, Kennedy faced defeat in the 1940 federal election and, for the final time, in the 1945 election, bringing an end to his impactful contributions to Canadian politics.

Electoral history

1925 Canadian federal election: Winnipeg South Centre
Party Candidate Votes %
Conservative William Walker Kennedy 12,094 52.9
Liberal Joseph Fergus Davidson 7,132 31.2
Labour Alexander Henry 3,643 15.9
Total valid votes 22,869 100.0
1926 Canadian federal election: Winnipeg South Centre
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Liberal Joseph Thorarinn Thorson 12,315 51.2 +20.0
Conservative William Walker Kennedy 11,737 48.8 −4.1
Total valid votes 24,052 100.0
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1930 Canadian federal election: Winnipeg South Centre
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Conservative William Walker Kennedy 17,355 56.0 +7.2
Liberal Joseph Thorarinn Thorson 13,637 44.0 −7.2
Total valid votes 30,992 100.0
1935 Canadian federal election: Winnipeg South Centre
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Liberal Ralph Maybank 11,264 36.4 −7.6
Conservative William Walker Kennedy 9,382 30.3 −25.7
Co-operative Commonwealth Stanley Knowles 6,573 21.2
Reconstruction Alfred James Susans 2,642 8.5
Social Credit Arthur Brown 1,114 3.6
Total valid votes 30,975 100.0
1940 Canadian federal election: Winnipeg South Centre
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Liberal Ralph Maybank 19,486 54.5 +18.1
National Government William Walker Kennedy 10,698 29.9 −0.4
Co-operative Commonwealth John Julius Swanson 5,576 15.6 −5.6
Total valid votes 35,760 100.0

Note: "National Government" vote is compared to Conservative vote in 1935 election.

1945 Canadian federal election: Winnipeg South Centre
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Liberal Ralph Maybank 16,389 44.0 −10.5
Co-operative Commonwealth Lloyd Cleworth Stinson 12,393 33.3 +17.7
Progressive Conservative Frank Edward Womersley 8,461 22.7 −7.2
Total valid votes 37,243 100.0

Note: Progressive Conservative vote is compared to "National Government" vote in 1940 election.

References


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