Spotlight on our Heritage #8: The Acadian Renaissance - Amand Landry

EDITOR'S NOTE: The following is the eighth in a series of features prepared for Heritage Week 2017 (February 13 – 20), entitled Spotlight on our Heritage. The blog series celebrates 150 years of history, and reflects upon New Brunswick’s role in Confederation. 

Amand Landry 

Amand Landry, born in Memramcook, was a farmer, school teacher, and pillar of the community. Landry was one of the first Acadian politicians on a provincial level in New Brunswick. He was elected to Legislative Assembly in 1846 as a representative for Westmorland County. He lost his seat in 1850 only to regain it again in 1853. He earned his seat in 1861 and stood in assembly until 1870 

Amand Landry brought to light the thoughts and concerns of the Acadian people on Confederation. He maintained that Confederation would not benefit the Acadian population and that all of the railways that were being promised were projects that they would never see and still be forced to pay for. They were also afraid of being governed by a second layer of English politicians, effectively losing the small voice they had. After the Albert James Smith Anti-Confederation government lost, Amand Landry held on to his seat until 1870 as one of the 8 Anti-Confederation members who were reelected in 1865.