Leo Bernier
Leo Bernier | |
---|---|
Ontario MPP | |
In office 1966–1987 | |
Preceded by | Robert Gibson |
Succeeded by | Frank Miclash |
Constituency | Kenora |
Personal details | |
Born | Progressive Conservative | August 12, 1928
Spouse | Marjorie Bernier |
Children | 4 |
Occupation | Businessman |
Leo Edward Bernier (August 12, 1928 – June 28, 2010) was a politician in
Background
Bernier was born in Sioux Lookout, Ontario, and educated in the area. He worked as a bush pilot and became the general manager of Bernier & Sons Contractors, and served as president of the local Chamber of Commerce.[1] He was an honorary member of the Royal Canadian Legion and the Knights of Columbus.
Politics
He ran for the Ontario legislature in the
Bernier was easily re-elected in the
Bernier was re-elected without serious opposition in the elections of
Bernier initially supported Dennis Timbrell in the Progressive Conservative Party's January 1985 leadership convention, but crossed to Frank Miller after Timbrell was eliminated. Miller retained him in the Northern Affairs portfolio after becoming Premier of Ontario on February 8, 1985.[12] The Progressive Conservatives under Miller were reduced to a tenuous minority government in the 1985 election, and were defeated in the house in June 1985. In opposition, Bernier served as his party's critic for Natural Resources and Northern Affairs and Mines. He did not run for re-election in 1987.
In 1975, Bernier selected amethyst as Ontario's mineral emblem.[13]
Cabinet positions
Later life
He served as chair of the Boreal West Round Table in the 1990s, and remained active in the Ontario Progressive Conservative Party until his death. In 2004, he supported John Tory's successful bid to become party leader.
Bernier died on June 28, 2010, in Sioux Lookout hospital at the age of 81.[1] In 2012, Highway 664 was renamed in his honour.[14]
References
Notes
- ^ Bernier was also Minister of Lands and Forests from February 2, 1972 to April 7, 1972 when it was merged into Natural Resources.
- ^ On February 3, 1977, responsibility was changed to Minister of Northern Affairs which remained until June 1985.
- ^ Bernier was retained as Minister of Northern Affairs by Frank Miller in both of his cabinets from February to June, 1985.
Citations
- ^ a b "Leo Bernier was voice of Northern Ontario". Toronto Star. June 30, 2010. p. A10.
- ^ Canadian Press (September 26, 1963). "78 in Tory Blue Wave -- 23 Is All Grits Saved". The Windsor Star. Windsor, Ontario. p. 25. Retrieved 2014-05-24.
- ^ Canadian Press (October 18, 1967). "Tories win, but..." The Windsor Star. Windsor, Ontario. p. B2. Retrieved 2014-03-30.
- ^ Manthorpe, Jonathan; Slinger, John (March 2, 1971). "Changes in policies promised: Davis priorities to include environment and jobless". The Globe and Mail. p. 1.
- ^ "Riding-by-riding returns in provincial election". The Globe and Mail. October 23, 1971. p. 10.
- ^ "The Cabinet for Ontario". The Globe and Mail. February 3, 1972. p. 4.
- ^ "Table of vote results for all Ontario ridings". The Globe and Mail. September 19, 1975. p. C12.
- ^ "Ontario provincial election results riding by riding". The Globe and Mail. June 10, 1977. p. D9.
- ^ Canadian Press (1981-03-20). "Winds of change, sea of security". The Windsor Star. Windsor, Ontario. p. 22. Retrieved 2014-04-01.
- ^ "Results of vote in Ontario election". The Globe and Mail. May 3, 1985. p. 13.
- ^ Allen, David (February 3, 1977). "Davis names Timbrell new health minister". The Toronto Star. p. 1.
- ^ "The Ontario Cabinet". The Globe and Mail. February 9, 1985. p. 4.
- ^ "Ontario's official stone is no 'dumb jewel'". Toronto Star. May 16, 1975. p. B2.
- ^ "Highway 664 dedicated to the "King of the North"". Daily Commercial News and Construction Record. Vol. 85, no. 155. August 13, 2012. p. 1.