Thomas William Bird (May 4, 1883 – June 9, 1958) was a politician and clergyman. He was elected to the House of Commons of Canada in 1921 as a Member of the Progressive Party to represent the riding of Nelson. He was re-elected in 1925 and again in 1926 then defeated in 1930. He died a natural death late in his life.

Thomas William Bird
Member of the Canadian Parliament
for Nelson
In office
1921–1930
Preceded byJohn Archibald Campbell
Succeeded byBernard Munroe Stitt
Personal details
BornMay 4, 1883
Killington, Westmorland, England, United Kingdom
DiedJune 9, 1958(1958-06-09) (aged 75)
St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada
NationalityBritish subject
Political partyProgressive Party
Occupationclergyman

Bird played an unexpectedly pivotal role in the King–Byng Affair, paired with an absent pro-government Progressive MP, voted against the government, stating immediately afterward that he had not noticed a fellow MP's exit from the house, and that as he was paired with that MP, that he should not have voted against the government. This resulted in the non-confidence motion being passed by a single vote and the government falling as a result.[1][2]

References

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  1. ^ "Canadian Parliamentary Review - Article". www.revparl.ca.
  2. ^ "House of Commons Debates, 15th Parliament, 1st ... - Canadian Parliamentary Historical Resources". parl.canadiana.ca. Retrieved 17 June 2024.
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