Edward Gawler Prior (1850-1929) was the Premier of British Columbia from 21 November 1902 to 1 June 1903. He was also was a British civil engineer and railway manager who made significant contributions to the development of the railway industry in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Prior was born in 1850 in London, England, and received his education at the City of London School and the Royal School of Mines. After completing his education, Prior began his career as a civil engineer, working on various projects in the United Kingdom and abroad.

Prior is perhaps best known for his work as a railway manager. He served as the general manager of the Great Western Railway (GWR) from 1892 to 1899, and later as the chairman of the London and South Western Railway (LSWR) from 1899 to 1922. During his tenure at the GWR and LSWR, Prior implemented numerous improvements and innovations, including the introduction of the first electric multiple unit trains in the United Kingdom and the development of the Southern Railway's suburban network.

The specific reasons why Edward Gawler Prior came into power as the Premier of British Columbia in 1902 are not well documented. However, it is likely that he was elected as the leader of his political party and was able to form a government with the support of a majority of members in the legislature.

In general, during that period of British Columbia history, the politics was dominated by the Liberal party, Prior was a member of that party and the premier before him, James Dunsmuir resigned, Prior was elected as the leader of the party and became the premier.

Prior was also active in the field of education, serving as a member of the council of the University of London and as a governor of the City and Guilds of London Institute. In addition, he served as president of the Institution of Civil Engineers and the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. Prior died in 1929 at the age of 79.