He was finance minister during World War II; to fund the increase in wartime expenditure, he dramatically expanded the income tax by imposing it on millions of workers and citizens.

He was born in Somerset, Nova Scotia, the son of Randel Ilsley and Catherine Caldwell.

[1] He also led the Victory Bond campaign, brought in wage and price controls in 1941, and deal with several currency crises.

[1] He was also known for his call for personal sacrifice by civilians during the war and led by example by giving up his car and riding the streetcar to Parliament Hill.

J. L. Ilsley High School, opened in 1971 and located in Spryfield, Nova Scotia, bears his name.