James Auld (politician)

James Alexander Charles Auld (July 22, 1921 – June 30, 1982) was an Ontario political figure. He represented Leeds in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario from 1954 to 1981 as a Progressive Conservative member.

James Auld
Ontario MPP
In office
1954–1981
Preceded byCharles MacOdrum
Succeeded byBob Runciman
ConstituencyLeeds
Personal details
Born(1921-07-22)July 22, 1921
Toronto, Ontario
DiedJune 30, 1982(1982-06-30) (aged 60)
Brockville, Ontario
Political partyProgressive Conservative
SpouseNancy Eleanor Gilmour
OccupationWholesaler
Military service
Branch/serviceCanadian Army
RankCaptain
UnitQueen's Own Rifles
Battles/warsD-Day landings

Background

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He was born in Toronto, the son of James Carswell Auld, and educated in Toronto and at the University of Toronto. In 1946, he married Nancy Eleanor Gilmour. Auld served as captain in the Queen's Own Rifles. He participated in the D-Day landings at Normandy in 1944. He worked as a wholesaler in Brockville.[1]

Politics

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He was a member of the town council for Brockville.

In 1954 he was elected in a by-election in the provincial riding of Leeds to replace Charles MacOdrum who had died earlier in the year.[2] He beat Liberal candidate Mary Sheldon by over 5,000 votes.[3] He was re-elected in every election up until his retirement in 1981, serving a total of 27 years.[1]

He served in the provincial cabinet as Minister of Transport from 1962 to 1963, Minister of Travel and Publicity from 1963 to 1964, Minister of Tourism and Information from 1964 to 1971, Minister of Public Works from 1971 to 1972, Minister of the Environment from 1972 to 1974, Minister of Colleges and Universities from 1974 to 1975, Minister of Government Services in 1977, Minister of Energy from 1978 to 1979 and Minister of Natural Resources from 1978 to 1981. Auld was also Chair of the Management Board of Cabinet and commissioner on the Board of Internal Economy.

Cabinet positions

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Ontario provincial government of Bill Davis
Cabinet posts (7)
Predecessor Office Successor
Frank Miller Minister of Natural Resources
1978–1981
Alan Pope
Reuben Baetz Minister of Energy
1978–1979
Bob Welch
John Smith Minister of Government Services
1977 (June–September)
George McCague
Eric Winkler Chair of the Management Board of Cabinet
1975–1978
George McCague
John White Minister of Colleges and Universities
1974–1975
Harry Parrott
George Kerr Minister of Environment
1972–1974
Bill Newman
John Simonett Minister of Public Works
1971–1972
James Snow
Ontario provincial government of John Robarts
Cabinet posts (2)
Predecessor Office Successor
Bryan Cathcart Minister of Travel and Publicity[note 1]
1963–1971
Fernand Guindon
Leslie Rowntree Minister of Transport
1962–1963
Irwin Haskett

Later life

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After his retirement from politics, he was appointed as chairman of the St. Lawrence Parks Commission in May 1981. On June 1, 1982, he was appointed as chairman of the Electoral Expenses Commission.[4] On June 30 he was found unconscious at his desk and died later in hospital after suffering a heart attack. He was 60 years old.[1]

References

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Notes

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  1. ^ On March 25, 1964 it was renamed as the Minister of Tourism and Information.

Citations

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  1. ^ a b c Speirs, Rosemary (July 1, 1982). "James Auld 27 years in the Legislature, headed voting cost board". The Globe and Mail. p. S6.
  2. ^ "By Elections Sept. 16: Contests Assured In 4 Ontario Ridings". The Globe and Mail. September 3, 1954. p. 5.
  3. ^ "Ontario By-Elections: Three PC Victories. Votes Show Confidence In Frost". The Globe and Mail. September 17, 1954. p. 1.
  4. ^ Speirs, Rosemary (May 8, 1982). "Auld appointment patronage, Opposition says". The Globe and Mail. p. 4.

Further reading

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  • Canadian Parliamentary Guide, 1977, PG Normandin
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