Robert Bonner (politician)
 | This article includes a improve this article by introducing more precise citations. (September 2022) ) |
Robert Bonner | |
|---|---|
British Columbia Legislative Assembly for Columbia | |
| In office 24 November 1952 – 9 June 1953 | |
| Preceded by | Richard Orr Newton |
| Succeeded by | Richard Orr Newton |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 10 September 1920 Vancouver, British Columbia |
| Died | 12 August 2005 (aged 84) Vancouver, British Columbia |
| Political party | Social Credit |
| Spouse |
Barbara Newman (m. 1942) |
| Education | University of British Columbia (BA 1942, LLB 1948) |
| Military service | |
| Branch/service | Canadian Army |
| Years of service | 1942–1953 |
| Rank | Lieutenant Colonel |
| Unit | Seaforth Highlanders of Canada |
| Commands | University of British Columbia COTC |
QC (10 September 1920 – 12 August 2005) was a Canadian lawyer, politician, and corporate executive. He pursued his career working in the British Columbia
government and in B.C.-based companies.
Biography
Bonner was born and raised in
W.A.C. Bennett, who would go on to lead the Social Credit Party to victory in the 1952 provincial election. To the surprise of many, Bennett appointed the unelected, 32 year-old Bonner as the province's Attorney General — the youngest in B.C.'s history. Bonner would be elected to represent the riding of Vancouver-Point Grey in the provincial election of 1953
, which was also the first Social Credit majority government in the province. He would retain the position of Attorney General for the next sixteen years, quickly becoming one of the most powerful ministers and closest advisors to Bennett in the Socreds' long spell of governance.
Bonner's tenure as Attorney General was marked by legal clashes with
public education
led to the apprehension en masse of Freedomite children, and their confinement in a government boarding school.
During his time in cabinet, Bonner also served at various times concurrently as Minister of Commercial Transport, Minister of Education and Minister of Industrial Development, Trade and Commerce. In the
House Leader. Contemporaries described him as "articulate, urbane, and always well prepared, with a demonstrated air of superiority and a ready laugh."[1]
Bonner left provincial politics in 1968 to become vice-president of
crown corporation
responsible for producing and supplying hydroelectric power. He retired from that position in 1985.
Bonner died in Vancouver in 2005.
Cabinet Positions
References
- Encyclopedia of British Columbia. Vancouver:Harbour Publishing, 2001.
- David Mitchell, "The Good Old Days? W. A. C. Bennett and the Legislative Assembly", in the Canadian Parliamentary Review, vol. 6, 1983.