Michel Borne (September 19, 1784 – October 19, 1853) was a merchant and political figure in Canada East (now Quebec).
That manoeuvre was key to building the alliance between Baldwin and Louis-Hippolyte LaFontaine, which ultimately led to the establishment of responsible government in the Province of Canada.
[3] In 1828, Borne was an unsuccessful candidate for the Quebec Upper Town seat in the Lower Canada Legislative Assembly, losing to Thomas Lee.
When LaFontaine was unable to win election, due to mob violence in his constituency, Baldwin arranged for his nomination to a vacant seat in the Toronto area.
[8][9] The next year, when Baldwin was defeated in a ministerial by-election, LaFontaine returned the favour, by encouraging Borne to resign his seat.
[2][9][10] Borne's disinterested decision to resign strengthened the political and personal bonds between LaFontaine and Baldwin, who eventually formed the first ministry under responsible government.