James Balfour (Canadian politician)

James Balfour (1830 - 1913) was a Canadian politician and businessman who served in the Legislative Council of the Northwest Territories and the Senate of Canada.

Born in Scotland, Balfour emigrated to Canada and established himself as a prominent businessman in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. He played a significant role in the development of the region, particularly in the areas of agriculture and transportation.

He was appointed to the Legislative Council of the Northwest Territories in 1887 and served until the creation of Saskatchewan as a province in 1905. He was then appointed to the Senate of Canada in 1906, representing Saskatchewan. He held his Senate seat until his death in 1913.

Balfour was generally considered a Conservative in his political leanings. He was known for advocating for the interests of Western Canada and for his support of infrastructure development in the region. He was a strong proponent of improved transportation links, believing they were crucial for economic growth and development in the prairies. His contributions to the political and economic landscape of Saskatchewan and Western Canada are remembered, though perhaps less widely known compared to other prominent figures of the time.