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Harrison's political fortunes went through a remarkable rise and fall between 1882 and 1888. He forged an alliance with Premier John Norquay soon after moving to Manitoba, and in the election of 1883 was elected for the riding of Minnedosa as a Liberal-Conservative, easily defeating his Liberal opponent David Glass . On August 27, 1886, Harrison was appointed Minister of Agriculture, Statistics and Health , and was touted as a possible successor to Norquay. He was re-elected for the new riding of Minnedosa West later in the year, this time defeating Liberal J.W. Shanks.
Norquay was forced to resign in early December 1887, after a financial crisis involving railway transfers cost him the support of his ministers. Harrison became Premier on December 26, 1887, and attempted to form an administration from the remnants of Norquay's alliance.
Harrison's ministry never got off the ground. He was unable to win the support of a clear majority of MLAs, and lost a vital by-election on January 12January 12 is the 12th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar. There are 353 days remaining (354 in leap years). Events 1528 Gustav I of Sweden crowned king of Sweden 1709 Little Ice Age: Two-month freezing period begins in France The coast of the Atla, 1888. He resigned one week later, at which time the Lt. Governor called on Liberal Thomas GreenwayThomas Greenway ( March 25, 1838- October 30, 1908) was a politician, merchant and farmer. He served as Premier of Manitoba from 1888 to 1900. A Liberal, his ministry formally ended Manitoba's non-partisan government, albeit that a de facto two-party syst to form a new administration.
Harrison was technically a "non-partisan" Premier, but his ministry was closely aligned with the national Conservative Party of John A. MacDonald and was dominated by local Conservatives. An official Conservative Party was formed in the province soon after his resignation.
After resigning as Premier, Harrison seems to have abandoned active political life. He allowed Norquay to retake the leadership of the "Conservative Party", and did not seek re-election in 1888. Achieving success in Neepawa as a banker, he moved to British Columbia in 19001900 is the common year starting on Monday. see link for calendar) For the film, see 1900 (film). Events January January 1 Nigeria becomes British protectorate January 2 John Hay announces the Open Door Policy to promote trade with China. January 2 Chicag. He died of a lingering illness five years later.
| Preceded by: John Norquay 1878-1887 | Premier of Manitoba 1887-1888 | Succeeded by: Thomas Greenway 1888-1900 |