1979 Letter and Photograph Donation to Canadian Archival Collection from Manitoba Premier Sterling Lyon

On offer, a typed letter on Premier of Manitoba letterhead and signed by Sterling Lyon, responding to a request of “Canadiana” material for an archival collection. Sent to one John Meek in Orangeville, Ontario the Premier included a photograph for the collection. Dated February 14, 1979 this lot includes the unsigned monochrome photograph and original envelope with postmark.

Sterling Lyon was a lawyer, cabinet minister, and the 17th Premier of Manitoba from 1977 to 1981. His government introduced several fiscally-conservative measures, and was sometimes seen as a local version of the government of Margaret Thatcher in the United Kingdom. He played a role in the 1982 patriation of Canada’s Constitution and the development of the Charter of Rights and Freedom, including the inclusion of the notwithstanding clause in the Charter which preserves the supremacy of Parliament with respect to constitutional matters.

This letter measures 8-¼ x 10-¼ inches and bears creases from its original folds. The envelope is a standard #10 business envelope measuring 4-¼ inches tall and trimmed to just under 9 inches long. The glossy photo measures 2-½ x 3-½ inches. All items are in Fine condition.