Ron Duhamel

Ronald J. Duhamel, P.C. (March 2, 1938 – September 30, 2002) was a Canadian Member of Parliament and Senator.

Born in Saint Boniface, Manitoba, he obtained a Bachelor of Arts (BA) from Lakehead University and a Master of Arts (MA) and ph.D. from the University of Toronto. He was a teacher, school principal, professor at the University of Manitoba, assistant deputy minister of education, and deputy minister of education in Manitoba. In 1987, he was awarded the Manitoba Lieutenant-Governor's Medal in Public Administration.

He was elected as a Liberal candidate in the riding of Saint Boniface in the 1988 federal election. He was re-elected in 1993, 1997 and 2000. Duhamel was wildly popular in the riding and never won an election with less than 50% of the vote, winning each of his elections by 52%, 63%, 51% and 52%.

In 2000, Duhamel was appointed to the federal Cabinet by Prime Minister Jean Chrétien to the portfolio of Veterans Affairs, a post he held until 2002. Other posts he held include Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Works (Public Works and Government Services), Parliamentary Secretary to the President of the Treasury Board, Secretary of State (Science, Research and Development), Secretary of State (Western Economic Diversification), and Secretary of State (Francophonie).

He was appointed to the Senate on January 15, 2002 representing the senatorial division of Manitoba. After a long battle with cancer, he died on September 30, 2002.

He married Carolyn and had three daughters; Kathie, Natalie and Karine.

References

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* [http://www.parl.gc.ca/37/2/parlbus/chambus/senate/deb-e/003db_2002-10-02-E.htm?Language=E&Parl=37&Ses=2 Debates of the Senate (Hansard), 2nd Session, 37th Parliament, Volume 140, Issue 3]