A high and representative type of the Scotchmen who have done so
much for Canada is Sir George Alexander Drummond, who for many years
has been very actively identified with the best elements in Canadian
commercial and social life. Sir George was born in Edinburgh in 1829,
and in 1854, after graduation from Edinburgh University, came to
Canada to assume the management of the extensive sugar refinery which
had been established in Montreal by the late John Redpath. Though the
refinery was for some years very successful under the direction of
Sir George, it was closed in 1874 because of the appalling effects
of a high tariff. It was reopened, however, in 1879, when Sir George
founded the Canadian Sugar Refining Company, which has exerted a strong
influence in the upbuilding of the prosperity of the Dominion. Sir
George steadily grew in commercial power. He became a director of the
Bank of Montreal in 1882 and vice-president of the institution in 1887.
For two years he was president of the Montreal Board of Trade. He also
assumed the presidency of the company which owns very valuable coal and
iron mining properties at Londonderry, Nova Scotia, and he has been
connected with many other enterprises of importance.
His activities, however, have been by no means confined to commerce.
He has been president of the Art Association of Montreal, and
possesses one of the finest art collections on the continent. He is
an enthusiastic golfer and has been president of the Canada Golf
Association. He has busied himself with philanthropic projects and was
made one of the trustees of Victoria Order of Nurses in 1897. He was
called to the Senate of Canada by the Marquis of Lorne and was knighted
by the Queen.