 | This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. (September 2022) |
The Honourable Sir William Ralph Meredith | |
|---|---|
 Portrait of Meredith in the 1890s | |
| Chief Justice of Ontario | |
| In office 1913–1923 | |
| Preceded by | Sir Charles Moss |
| Succeeded by | Sir William Mulock |
| Member of the Ontario Legislative Assembly for London | |
| In office 1872–1894 | |
| Preceded by | Sir John Carling |
| Succeeded by | Francis Baxter Leys |
| Personal details | |
| Born | March 31, 1840 Westminster Township, Upper Canada |
| Died | August 21, 1923 (aged 83) Montreal, Quebec |
| Political party | Conservative |
| Spouse | Mary Holmes |
| Children | 4 |
| Relatives | Sir Vincent Meredith, Richard Martin Meredith, Charles Meredith, Thomas Graves Meredith |
Sir William Ralph Meredith, QC (March 31, 1840 – August 21, 1923) was a Canadian lawyer, politician and judge. He served as Leader of the Ontario Conservatives from 1878 to 1894, Chancellor of the University of Toronto from 1900 until his death, and Chief Justice of Ontario from 1913 until his death. Through his principles, known as the "Meredith Principles", he is regarded as the founding father of the Workers' Compensation System in Ontario, the impact of which was felt throughout Canada and the United States.