DCHP-1 Online

councillor counsellor

• 1 n. in pre-Confederation days, an appointed member of the Executive Council or Legislative Council, the second chamber of the legislature; now in Quebec only.

  • 1836  While the public lands and their revenues are lavished on Councillors and government favorites, the sufferers by the late American War must be paid out of taxes raised from their productive fellow country men.
  • 1844  The Home Government assent entirely and unreservedly to responsible Government Resolutions of September, 1841, but not to the anti-Responsible Government demands of the late Counsellors.
  • 1963  At present, councillors are appointed for life. Under the new bill, those named after July 1, 1963, will be forced to retire at 75.

• 2 n. in Prince Edward Island, one of that half of the members of the Legislative Assembly, elected by special provisions. See 1962 quote.

  See also: assemblyman  

  • 1962  The house is made up of 15 councillors and 15 assemblymen, each with equal rights. Only property owners, their wives or husbands, and over-seas war veterans and clergymen may vote for councillors.
  • 1963  Unlike other provinces, Prince Edward Island elects two types of members to the House--councillors and assemblymen--a system unaltered since the Legislative Council was merged with the Assembly in 1893.

• 3 n. an elected member of a council.

  See also: council  

  • 1852  (1853)  Townships or union of townships [will have] five councillors.
  • 1963  Etobicoke councillors voted to support North York by appointing counsel.

• 4a n. an Indian sub-chief.

  • 1871  (1880)  Two councillors and two braves of each band were to receive a dress, somewhat inferior to that provided for the Chiefs, and the braves and councillors of the Portage band excepted, were to receive a buggy.
  • 1929  [Pound-maker] had been what is called a councillor, or head man under a chief.

• 4b n. an Indian, below the rank of chief, elected to the band council.

  See also: councilman  

  • 1963  This is the second time I've been Counsellor for the Band. The first time I was elected for two years. . . .
  • 1964  Mr. Paupanekis is an elected Councillor of the Norway House Band, president of the Norway House Social Club, and has taught school for two years.