His residence in Calgary, however, didn't last long, as five years later, he moved to the nearby capital city of Edmonton, where he attended Prebysterian schooling.

Although not intending to have a career in politics, a group of citizens persuaded him to run in the 1935 election, in which he defeated United Farmers Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) Oran McPherson by 66% of the vote.

During his 26-year tenure, from 1937 until his death in 1963, he witnessed and presided over many events, such as the first instance of crossing the floor in Alberta and naming a fellow MLA for remarks made at a provincial official.

He also witnessed two royal visits to Alberta from two different monarchs, King George IV in 1939, and Queen Elizabeth II 20 years later, in which he presided over the installation of a fountain in the Legislature's rotunda.

[2] Although he had no interest in politics at first,[3] Dawson ran in the 1935 election as a Social Credit candidate in the riding of Little Bow, at the urging of a citizens' group.

He was also responsible for many other things, including, though not a part of his official duties, writing the Speech from the Throne, which he compiled from various information from government departments.

[5] Dawson's time as speaker saw many firsts in Alberta legislative history; one was the defection in 1937 of cabinet ministers William N. Chant and John Hugill from the Social Credit caucus to sit as independents.

[5] In June 1939, Dawson played a major role in ceremonies at the Legislature during the royal visits of King George VI and Princess (later Queen) Elizabeth.

[4] During a debate on child welfare in 1949, Dawson ruled comments by Alberta Liberal Leader James Harper Prowse unparliamentary.

[8] On February 9, 1956, at the opening of the second session of the 13th Legislature, Dawson accepted a new mace from the Civil Service Association of Alberta on the occasion of the province's 50th anniversary of entry into Confederation.

[6][9] On the occasion of another royal visit in 1959, this time by Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth, Dawson had a permanent fountain installed in the rotunda of the Legislature.

[14] Dawson enjoyed a wide range of recreational activities, including golf, curling, badminton and gardening at his home in Vulcan.

[6] Dawson received many honours during his time as Speaker, including a life membership in the Alberta Legislative Press Gallery Association, in which he had served as an honorary president.

[10] On March 24, 1963, after a speaking engagement in Red Deer, to the Masons at Lodge Perfection, Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, to whom he delivered a sermon entitled "We know not the hour!

The reputation he built with his fair judgments and honest ability won him the confidence and respect of all members of the Assembly and extended beyond the borders of Alberta.

"[15] Dawson's son David recalled his father's personableness in that he "talked easily with complete strangers" and could start up a conversation with anyone he met.

[15] Former MLA and future Lieutenant Governor Grant MacEwan likened sitting in the Assembly under Dawson to "attending the school of a strict but well-qualified and kindly teacher.