Russell Rowe
| Russell Rowe | |
|---|---|
| Ontario MPP | |
|
In office 1963–1981 | |
| Preceded by | William Goodfellow |
| Succeeded by | Howard Sheppard |
| Constituency | Northumberland |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
December 1, 1914 Campbellford, Ontario |
| Died |
September 21, 1994 (aged 79) Cobourg, Ontario |
| Political party | Progressive Conservative |
| Spouse(s) | Marjorie Emma |
| Children | 6 |
| Occupation | Teacher |
Russell Daniel Rowe (December 1, 1914[1] – September 21, 1994[2]) was a Canadian politician who served as Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario from 1974 to 1977.[3]
Background
Born in Campbellford, Ontario, the son of Harold Rowe and Elizabeth Jane Roe,[4] he was educated at Campbellford High School and Queen's University. Rowe served as a pilot in the Royal Canadian Air Force during World War II. After leaving the military he worked as a teacher and stockbroker.[1] He married Marjorie Emma McKeown in 1942 and they had six children.[4] Rowe died at home in Cobourg, Ontario.[2]
Politics
Rowe was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario in the 1963 provincial election as the Progressive Conservative Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) for Northumberland riding.[3]
He was appointed Deputy Speaker in 1971 by Bill Davis and also chaired the select committee on economic and cultural nationalism in Canada. In 1974, he was appointed Speaker[3] after Allan Reuter was forced to resign due to poor health.[1] It was during Rowe's term that the Speaker was given the added responsibility of administering the staff and operations of the legislative buildings and grounds.[5]
The 1975 provincial election produced Ontario's first minority government in thirty years presenting Rowe with a challenging and rowdy session. He was a popular speaker, however, considered "sweet-tempered" by MPPs on both sides of the House.
Rowe was appointed to a third term as Speaker following the 1977 election (which produced a second minority) but resigned shortly into the session to resume his seat on the backbench.[3] He retired from politics before the 1980 general election. In 1983, he was named to the Liquor Control Board of Ontario.[1]
References
- 1 2 3 4 Dale, Clare A (1992). Whose servant I am" : speakers of the assemblies of the province of Upper Canada, Canada and Ontario, 1792-1992. Toronto: Ontario Legislative Library. pp. 282–87.
- 1 2 "Deaths". Globe and Mail. September 23, 1994. p. A15.
- 1 2 3 4 Ontario Legislative Assembly Parliamentarian History
- 1 2 Normandin, Pierre G (1971). Canadian Parliamentary Guide.
- ↑ "Tribute by the Legislative Assembly of Ontario". November 1, 1994.
External links
- "Tribute by the Legislative Assembly of Ontario". November 1, 1994.