Roland Fairbairn McWilliams

The Honourable Roland Fairbairn McWilliams (October 10, 1874-December 10, 1957) was a Canadian politician and office-holder. He served as Lieutenant-Governor of Manitoba from 1940 to 1953.

McWilliams was born in Peterborough, Ontario, and was educated at the University of Toronto and Osgoode Hall. He subsequently worked as a barrister and solicitor. In 1906, he was elected Mayor of Peterborough. He moved to Winnipeg, Manitoba in 1910, and continued to practice law for several years.

McWilliams was also a leading organizer within the Young Men's Christian Association, serving as its North American Vice President in 1923 and 1924, and as its Canadian leader from 1922 to 1929. He also served as the leader of Winnipeg's Town Planning Institute from 1925 to 1929. He does not appear to have sought political office in Manitoba, though his wife Margaret was a respected Winnipeg municipal councillor for several years.

McWilliams was appointed as Manitoba's Lt. Governor on November 1, 1940, and held the position until August 1, 1953. The position was largely ceremonial. A strict temperance follower, McWilliams forbade the serving of alcohol at Government House for the entirely of his time in office.