Sir Ambrose Shea KCMG (17 September 1815 – 30 July 1905) was a political and business figure in colonial Newfoundland who later served as Governor of the Bahamas.

In addition, he helped found the Newfoundland Natives Society in 1840, serving on the management committee in 1842, and as president in 1846.

[citation needed] When the invitation to the Quebec Conference arrived in 1864, Shea acted as one of two delegates, along with F. B. T.

However, his presence there drew much criticism and provoked many anti-Confederation attacks, to the point where he was unable to sway even Catholic opinion in favour of union.

His plan to promote union by employing Newfoundlanders on the construction of the Intercolonial Railway (ICR) was unsuccessful, as many men either failed find work on the line, or drifted away without returning to the island.

[2] In the 1869 election, Shea was forced to campaign in Placentia against Charles Fox Bennett, the anti-Confederation leader, and an electorate strongly opposed to union.

When Carter re-assumed the premiership after the fall of the Bennett government in 1873, Shea remained in the Assembly, wielding considerable influence in the Executive Council although he was not a member.

[2] Shea was one of the primary supporters of railway construction, and was a member of the joint committee that recommended establishment of a line in 1880.

Although Shea retained his seat in the 1882 election, he began campaigning for employment with the British imperial government.

[citation needed] Although the Colonial Office initially decided to appoint Shea, it was forced to withdraw his name in the face of protests organized by Carter.

[citation needed] Despite efforts to placate Shea, many in the Newfoundland government felt he was an embarrassment, and wished to see him employed elsewhere.