He served in the cavalry unit of the local militia and served as a major during the Upper Canada Rebellion. Dickson represented Niagara in the Legislative Assembly of the Province of Canada from 1844 to 1851. In 1855, he was appointed to the Legislative Council and served until Confederation, when he was appointed to the Senate.
Dickson's military service included a role in the Upper Canada Rebellion, where he rose to the rank of major. He held political positions in the Province of Canada, representing Niagara in the Legislative Assembly and later serving on the Legislative Council before being appointed to the Senate upon Confederation.