Joey Smallwood

Joey Smallwood

Joseph Roberts "Joey" Smallwood, PC, CC (December 24, 1900 – December 17, 1991) was the main force that brought Newfoundland into the Canadian confederation, and became the first Premier of Newfoundland. As premier, he vigorously promoted economic development, championed the welfare state, and emphasized modernization of education and transportation. Smallwood abandoned his youthful socialism and collaborated with bankers, turning against the militant unions that sponsored numerous strikes. 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. Never shy, he dubbed himself "the last Father of Confederation."