Russell Doern

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Russell John "Russ" Doern (October 20, 1935 – February 19, 1987) was a Manitoba politician. He served as a cabinet minister in the New Democratic government of Edward Schreyer (1969–1977), but left the New Democratic Party in 1984.[1]

He was born in

discus at the Junior Canadian Track and Field Competitions. He taught English and history at high schools in Winnipeg from 1959 to 1966.[3] In the early 1960s, Doern became involved in the province's New Democratic Party
organization.

Doern was first elected to the Manitoba legislature in the

Winnipeg riding of Elmwood.[1] Like most other members of the NDP caucus, he believed that party leader Russell Paulley needed to be replaced before the next election. In 1968, he co-signed a letter which called for Edward Schreyer
to lead the provincial party. Schreyer became party leader in 1969, and led the Manitoba NDP to its first-ever election victory later in the year.

Although left out of Schreyer's initial cabinet, Doern was appointed a Minister without Portfolio on November 4, 1970. He was promoted to

Minister of Public Works on September 9, 1971, and held this position until the defeat of the Schreyer government in 1977.[1]

Initially regarded as a supporter of youth and the arts (he had tried to book

1979 convention, he received the support of only 53 delegates, compared to 467 for winning candidate Howard Pawley
.

In 1981, Doern published his memoirs from the Schreyer years, entitled Wednesdays Are Cabinet Days.[3]

The NDP was returned to government in the

bilingualism), and created an organization called Manitoba Grassroots
to coordinate opposition to the policy.

Doern left the NDP over this issue on March 7, 1984.[1] In 1985, he published a book entitled "The Battle Over Bilingualism", detailing his role in the controversy.[3]

Doern ran as an Independent in the election of 1986. He polled a respectable 2006 votes, but was defeated by New Democratic candidate Jim Maloway.[1]

Later in 1986, Doern ran an unsuccessful campaign to become

Winnipeg, finishing second with 48,567 votes, against 78,998 for incumbent Bill Norrie. Doern's campaign was not exclusively focused on anti-bilingualism; he also emphasized public safety concerns. He was criticized in Winnipeg Free Press
editorials as an opportunistic candidate who had previously shown little interest in municipal issues. Despite having left the NDP, Doern's electoral strength remained focused in the party's north-end stronghold.

According to reports from friends, Doern became extremely depressed after failing in his bid to become Mayor of Winnipeg. He wanted to return to active political service, but had few available options as an independent. Tory MLA Harry Enns has claimed that he saw Doern wandering aimlessly through the legislative buildings on several occasions during this period. Early in 1987, he made arrangements to host a radio talk-show on political affairs.

On February 19, 1987, Doern committed suicide at his cousin's barn in Overstoneville, Manitoba, in the southeastern section of the province.[3] He killed himself with a single shot to the chest,[4] using a gun he had borrowed from a friend a few days earlier. Doern had stopped taking anti-depressant medication by this time, and was by all accounts distraught by the fact that he had little chance to return to political life.

Electoral record (partial)

1986 Manitoba general election: Elmwood
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
New Democratic Jim Maloway 3,241 45.84 -21.99
Independent Russell Doern 2,006 28.37 –
Progressive Conservative Ray Brunka 1,435 20.29 -4.91
Liberal Gilbert Benoit 389 5.50 0.92
Total valid votes 7,071 – –
Rejected 34 –
Eligible voters / Turnout 11,044 64.33 -1.84
New Democratic hold Swing
Source(s)
Source: Manitoba. Chief Electoral Officer (1999). Statement of Votes for the 37th Provincial General Election, September 21, 1999 (PDF) (Report). Winnipeg: Elections Manitoba.


1981 Manitoba general election: Elmwood
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
New Democratic Russell Doern 5,140 67.83 16.72
Progressive Conservative Eveline Holtmann 1,910 25.20 -15.35
Liberal Eric Wood 347 4.58 -3.76
Progressive Curtis Bloodworth 181 2.39 –
Total valid votes 7,578 – –
Rejected 36 –
Eligible voters / Turnout 11,506 66.17 -6.17
Source(s)
Source: Manitoba. Chief Electoral Officer (1999). Statement of Votes for the 37th Provincial General Election, September 21, 1999 (PDF) (Report). Winnipeg: Elections Manitoba.

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f "MLA Biographies - Deceased". Legislative Assembly of Manitoba. Retrieved 2013-11-24.
  2. ^ Normandin, Pierre G (1976). Canadian Parliamentary Guide.
  3. ^
    ISBN 0887553184
    . Retrieved 2013-11-24.
  4. ^ "Funeral preparations underway for former Man. cabinet minister". Phoenix. February 23, 1987. p. 12. Retrieved 2013-11-24.
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