Events January 25 - Sir Louis-Olivier Taillon becomes premier of Quebec, replacing John Ross January 27 - Honoré Mercier becomes premier of Quebec, replacing Sir Louis-Olivier Taillon February 22 - Federal election: Sir John A. Macdonald's Conservatives win a third consecutive majority March 28 - William Smithe, Premier of British Columbia, dies in office April 1 - Alexander Davie becomes premier of British Columbia May 3 - 148 coal miners are killed in a mine explosion near Nanaimo, British Columbia June 2 - Wilfrid Laurier becomes leader of the Liberal Party of Canada December 26 - David Harrison becomes premier of Manitoba, replacing John Norquay The first premiers' conference is held at Quebec City, Quebec Births February 25 - Andrew McNaughton, army officer and politician Deaths March 28 - William Smithe, Premier of British Columbia, dies in office