James Leslie (4 September 1786 – 6 December 1873) was a Canadian businessman and political figure. He was named to the Senate of Canada for Alma division in 1867 and died in office. He was born in Kair, Kincardineshire, Scotland, the son of James Leslie, his father was an assistant quartermaster in the British Army who served with General Wolfe at Quebec City in 1759. He studied at Marischal College and the University of Aberdeen and came to Lower Canada in 1804. Leslie owned a food wholesale company in Montreal. He was a member of the local militia and served during the War of 1812; he later became lieutenant-colonel. He helped form the Bank of Montreal and served as a director from 1817 to 1829. He owned the seigneuries of Bourchemin, Ramesay and Lake Matapédia. He represented Montreal E