Robert W. Mackenzie: Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|Canadian politician}} |
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{{Use Canadian English|date=January 2023}} |
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| name = Bob Mackenzie |
| name = Bob Mackenzie |
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| image = |
| image = |
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| term_start1 = 1975 |
| term_start1 = 1975 |
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| term_end1 = 1995 |
| term_end1 = 1995 |
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| predecessor1 = [[ |
| predecessor1 = [[Reg Gisborn]] |
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| successor1 = [[Dominic Agostino]] |
| successor1 = [[Dominic Agostino]] |
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| constituency1 = [[Hamilton East (provincial electoral district)|Hamilton East]] |
| constituency1 = [[Hamilton East (provincial electoral district)|Hamilton East]] |
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| office2 = [[#Cabinet positions|More...]] |
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| birth_name = Robert Warren Mackenzie |
| birth_name = Robert Warren Mackenzie |
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| birth_date = {{birth date|1928|06|06}} |
| birth_date = {{birth date|1928|06|06}} |
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| birth_place = [[Orillia]], [[Ontario]] |
| birth_place = [[Orillia]], [[Ontario]], Canada |
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| death_date = {{death date and age|2011|01|17|1928|06|06}} |
| death_date = {{death date and age|2011|01|17|1928|06|06}} |
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| party = [[Ontario New Democratic Party|New Democrat]] |
| party = [[Ontario New Democratic Party|New Democrat]] |
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| occupation = Labour union executive |
| occupation = Labour union executive |
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| spouse = Sylvia |
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| children = 6 |
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}} |
}} |
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'''Robert Warren (Bob) Mackenzie''' (June 26, 1928 – January 17, 2011) was a [[politician]] in Ontario, [[Canada]]. |
'''Robert Warren (Bob) Mackenzie''' (June 26, 1928 – January 17, 2011) was a [[politician]] in Ontario, [[Canada]]. He was a [[Ontario New Democratic Party|New Democratic Party]] member of the [[Legislative Assembly of Ontario]] from 1975 to 1995, and a prominent [[cabinet minister]] in the government of [[Bob Rae]]. |
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==Background== |
==Background== |
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Mackenzie was a longtime member of Canada's union movement. |
Mackenzie was a longtime member of Canada's union movement. He was raised in western [[Quebec]], and quit school after grade seven to work at the [[E.B. Eddy Company]] paper mill in [[Hull, Quebec|Hull]]. He later worked as a merchant seaman, and claims that he was introduced to [[social democracy]] in this period by a [[Scandinavia]]n co-worker. He later moved to [[Windsor, Ontario]], and worked in an auto plant. Finally settling in [[Hamilton, Ontario|Hamilton]], he was a member of the [[United Steelworkers of America]] Local 5328 and an executive member of the Hamilton and District Labour Council. His son Andrew Mackenzie ran for the Hamilton East seat, but was defeated by Liberal [[Dominic Agostino]]. His son David was a personal advisor to [[New Democratic Party]] leader, [[Jack Layton]]. He had four other children.<ref>{{cite news |title=Ontario's first NDP cabinet |publisher=Toronto Star |date=2 October 1990 |page=A17}}</ref> |
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==Politics== |
==Politics== |
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Mackenzie |
Mackenzie ran for provincial office in the [[1955 Ontario general election|provincial election of 1955]], as a candidate of the [[Co-operative Commonwealth Federation (Ontario Section)|Ontario CCF]] in the riding of [[Windsor—Walkerville (federal electoral district)|Windsor—Walkerville]]. He finished second, losing to [[Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario|Progressive Conservative]] [[M. C. Davies (politician)|M.C. Davies]] by about 3,000 votes.<ref name="1955 Election Results">{{cite news|author=Canadian Press|title=Complete Results of Ontario Voting by Constituencies|newspaper=The Ottawa Citizen|date=1955-06-10|location=Ottawa|page=4|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=vCAvAAAAIBAJ&sjid=TN0FAAAAIBAJ&pg=4268%2C2256424|accessdate=2014-03-06}}</ref> |
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He ran for the [[ |
He ran for the [[House of Commons of Canada]] for the federal [[New Democratic Party]] in the [[1972 Canadian federal election|1972 federal election]], but finished third in the riding of [[Ancaster—Dundas—Flamborough—Westdale (federal electoral district)|Hamilton—Wentworth]] in a close three-way race.<ref name="1972 results">{{cite news |title=How the 1,117 candidates fared across Canada |newspaper=The Toronto Star |date=October 31, 1972 |page=15}}</ref> He ran again in the [[1974 Canadian federal election|1974 federal election]], and lost by a wider margin. [[Progressive Conservative Party of Canada|Progressive Conservative]] candidate [[Sean O'Sullivan (priest)|Sean O'Sullivan]] won the riding on both occasions.<ref name="1974 results">{{cite news |title=How the party candidates fared across the country |newspaper=The Toronto Star |date=July 9, 1974 |page=A12}}</ref> |
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===In opposition=== |
===In opposition=== |
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Mackenzie was elected to the Ontario legislature in the [[Ontario general election |
Mackenzie was elected to the Ontario legislature in the [[1975 Ontario general election|provincial election of 1975]], winning the [[working class]] riding of [[Hamilton East (provincial electoral district)|Hamilton East]] by a wide margin.<ref name="1975 results">{{cite news |title=Table of vote results for all Ontario ridings |newspaper=The Globe and Mail |date=September 19, 1975 | page=C12}}</ref> He was re-elected in the elections of [[1977 Ontario general election|1977]], [[1981 Ontario general election|1981]], [[1985 Ontario general election|1985]], [[1987 Ontario general election|1987]] and [[1990 Ontario general election|1990]].<ref name="1990 results">{{cite news |title=Ontario election: Riding-by-riding voting results |newspaper=The Globe and Mail |date=September 7, 1990 |page=A12}}</ref> The only time he faced a serious challenge was in 1985, when [[Ontario Liberal Party|Liberal]] [[Shirley Collins (politician)|Shirley Collins]] came within 1,600 votes of defeating him.<ref name="1985 results">{{cite news |title=Results of vote in Ontario election |newspaper=The Globe and Mail |date=May 3, 1985 |page=13}}</ref> On all other occasions, he won by significant margins. Mackenzie supported Bob Rae for the NDP leadership in 1982. |
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Following the inconclusive 1985 election, the NDP under Bob Rae allowed the Liberal Party under [[David Peterson]] to form a [[minority government]], which lasted for two years. Mackenzie was part of a minority group in the NDP caucus that recommended supporting the Progressive Conservatives instead, on the grounds that urban-based "[[Red Tory|Red Tories]]" would be more likely to support labour issues than the Liberal Party (which was then dominated by rural members). Mackenzie served as his party's Labour Critic from 1985 to 1990. |
Following the inconclusive 1985 election, the NDP under Bob Rae allowed the Liberal Party under [[David Peterson]] to form a [[minority government]], which lasted for two years. Mackenzie was part of a minority group in the NDP caucus that recommended supporting the Progressive Conservatives instead, on the grounds that urban-based "[[Red Tory|Red Tories]]" would be more likely to support labour issues than the Liberal Party (which was then dominated by rural members). Mackenzie served as his party's Labour Critic from 1985 to 1990.<ref>{{cite news |title=NDP blasts bill to end strike at Wheel-Trans |first=Sandro |last=Contenta |newspaper=Toronto Star |date=April 1986 |page=A1}}</ref> |
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===In government=== |
===In government=== |
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The NDP won a majority government in the 1990 provincial election, and Mackenzie was appointed as the province's [[ |
The NDP won a majority government in the 1990 provincial election, and Mackenzie was appointed as the province's [[Ministry of Labour (Ontario)|Minister of Labour]] on October 1 of that year.<ref name="1990RaeCabinet">{{cite news |title=Ontario cabinet |newspaper=The Windsor Star |date=October 1, 1990 |page=A4}}</ref> In 1992, he helped navigate the passage of Bill 40, which introduced anti-[[Scab labour|scab]] provisions during strikes and other positions supported by the labour movement. The bill became law on January 1, 1993, and is generally regarded as one of the most labour-friendly bills in recent Ontario history. Mackenzie also introduced legislation dealing with [[pay equity]] for nurses and child-care attendants, and extended unionization rights to farm workers. In 1993, he accepted the Rae government's ''[[Social Contract (Ontario)|Social Contract]]'' legislation as necessary for the province. |
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In office, Mackenzie was known as a passionate supporter of labour interests within cabinet. |
In office, Mackenzie was known as a passionate supporter of labour interests within cabinet. Journalist Thomas Walkom recounted the following story in his book, ''Rae Days'': |
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:"At one early cabinet meeting, for instance, Mackenzie had just finished delivering a passionate plea for aid to jobless Steelworkers in the hard-hit [[uranium]]-mining town of [[Elliot Lake]]. Suddenly Energy minister [[Jenny Carter]] spoke up. "Why bother?" said the [[Peterborough, Ontario|Peterborough]] anti-nuclear activist. "They'll all be dead of cancer soon anyway." Mackenzie, according to one participant at the meeting, was so furious he literally lunged across the cabinet table at the hapless Carter. Luckily, it was a wide table."<ref>Thomas Walkom |
:"At one early cabinet meeting, for instance, Mackenzie had just finished delivering a passionate plea for aid to jobless Steelworkers in the hard-hit [[uranium]]-mining town of [[Elliot Lake]]. Suddenly Energy minister [[Jenny Carter]] spoke up. "Why bother?" said the [[Peterborough, Ontario|Peterborough]] anti-nuclear activist. "They'll all be dead of cancer soon anyway." Mackenzie, according to one participant at the meeting, was so furious he literally lunged across the cabinet table at the hapless Carter. Luckily, it was a wide table."<ref>{{Cite book |first=Thomas |last=Walkom |title=Rae Days |location=Toronto |publisher=Key Porter Books |year=1994 |page=126}}</ref> |
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There was some controversy in early 1994 when Mackenzie's son David was hired as a special advisor to the Premier's office. |
There was some controversy in early 1994 when Mackenzie's son David was hired as a special advisor to the Premier's office. Mackenzie resigned as Labour Minister on October 20, 1994, and did not seek re-election in 1995. |
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===Cabinet positions=== |
===Cabinet positions=== |
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| post1preceded = [[Gerry Phillips]] |
| post1preceded = [[Gerry Phillips]] |
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| post1 = [[Ministry of Labour (Ontario)|Minister of Labour]] |
| post1 = [[Ministry of Labour (Ontario)|Minister of Labour]] |
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| post1years = |
| post1years = 1990–1994 |
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| post1note = |
| post1note = |
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| post1followed = [[Shirley Coppen]] |
| post1followed = [[Shirley Coppen]] |
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In 2004, Mackenzie supported [[Andrea Horwath]]'s successful campaign to replace Agostino in a [[by-election]]. |
In 2004, Mackenzie supported [[Andrea Horwath]]'s successful campaign to replace Agostino in a [[by-election]]. |
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Mackenzie died on January 17, 2011 at the age of 82.<ref>Joan Walters |
Mackenzie died on January 17, 2011, at the age of 82.<ref>{{cite news |first=Joan |last=Walters |newspaper=The Hamilton Spectator |url=https://www.thespec.com/news/hamilton-region/2011/01/18/ndp-politician-bob-mackenzie-dead.html |title=NDP politician Bob Mackenzie dead |date=18 January 2011|accessdate=2020-12-04}}</ref> |
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==References== |
==References== |
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==External links== |
==External links== |
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* {{OntarioMPPbio| |
* {{OntarioMPPbio|id=bob-warren-mackenzie}} |
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{{Rae Ministry}} |
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{{Persondata <!-- Metadata: see [[Wikipedia:Persondata]]. --> |
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| NAME =Mackenzie, Robert |
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| ALTERNATIVE NAMES = |
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| SHORT DESCRIPTION = Canadian politician |
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| DATE OF BIRTH =June 6, 1928 |
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| PLACE OF BIRTH =[[Orillia]], [[Ontario]] |
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| DATE OF DEATH = January 17, 2011 |
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| PLACE OF DEATH = |
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}} |
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Mackenzie, Robert}} |
{{DEFAULTSORT:Mackenzie, Robert}} |
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[[Category:1928 births]] |
[[Category:1928 births]] |
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[[Category:2011 deaths]] |
[[Category:2011 deaths]] |
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[[Category:New Democratic Party candidates in the 1974 Canadian federal election]] |
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[[Category:Canadian socialists]] |
[[Category:Canadian socialists]] |
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[[Category:Members of the Executive Council of Ontario]] |
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[[Category:People from Orillia]] |
[[Category:People from Orillia]] |
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[[Category: |
[[Category:Politicians from Hamilton, Ontario]] |
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Revision as of 17:59, 14 January 2024
Bob Mackenzie | |
|---|---|
| Ontario MPP | |
| In office 1975–1995 | |
| Preceded by | Reg Gisborn |
| Succeeded by | Dominic Agostino |
| Constituency | Hamilton East |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Robert Warren Mackenzie June 6, 1928 Orillia, Ontario, Canada |
| Died | January 17, 2011 (aged 82) |
| Political party | New Democrat |
| Spouse | Sylvia |
| Children | 6 |
| Occupation | Labour union executive |
Robert Warren (Bob) Mackenzie (June 26, 1928 – January 17, 2011) was a politician in Ontario, Canada. He was a New Democratic Party member of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario from 1975 to 1995, and a prominent cabinet minister in the government of Bob Rae.
Background
Mackenzie was a longtime member of Canada's union movement. He was raised in western Quebec, and quit school after grade seven to work at the E.B. Eddy Company paper mill in Hull. He later worked as a merchant seaman, and claims that he was introduced to social democracy in this period by a Scandinavian co-worker. He later moved to Windsor, Ontario, and worked in an auto plant. Finally settling in Hamilton, he was a member of the United Steelworkers of America Local 5328 and an executive member of the Hamilton and District Labour Council. His son Andrew Mackenzie ran for the Hamilton East seat, but was defeated by Liberal Dominic Agostino. His son David was a personal advisor to New Democratic Party leader, Jack Layton. He had four other children.[1]
Politics
Mackenzie ran for provincial office in the provincial election of 1955, as a candidate of the Ontario CCF in the riding of Windsor—Walkerville. He finished second, losing to Progressive Conservative M.C. Davies by about 3,000 votes.[2]
He ran for the House of Commons of Canada for the federal New Democratic Party in the 1972 federal election, but finished third in the riding of Hamilton—Wentworth in a close three-way race.[3] He ran again in the 1974 federal election, and lost by a wider margin. Progressive Conservative candidate Sean O'Sullivan won the riding on both occasions.[4]
In opposition
Mackenzie was elected to the Ontario legislature in the provincial election of 1975, winning the working class riding of Hamilton East by a wide margin.[5] He was re-elected in the elections of 1977, 1981, 1985, 1987 and 1990.[6] The only time he faced a serious challenge was in 1985, when Liberal Shirley Collins came within 1,600 votes of defeating him.[7] On all other occasions, he won by significant margins. Mackenzie supported Bob Rae for the NDP leadership in 1982.
Following the inconclusive 1985 election, the NDP under Bob Rae allowed the Liberal Party under David Peterson to form a minority government, which lasted for two years. Mackenzie was part of a minority group in the NDP caucus that recommended supporting the Progressive Conservatives instead, on the grounds that urban-based "Red Tories" would be more likely to support labour issues than the Liberal Party (which was then dominated by rural members). Mackenzie served as his party's Labour Critic from 1985 to 1990.[8]
In government
The NDP won a majority government in the 1990 provincial election, and Mackenzie was appointed as the province's Minister of Labour on October 1 of that year.[9] In 1992, he helped navigate the passage of Bill 40, which introduced anti-scab provisions during strikes and other positions supported by the labour movement. The bill became law on January 1, 1993, and is generally regarded as one of the most labour-friendly bills in recent Ontario history. Mackenzie also introduced legislation dealing with pay equity for nurses and child-care attendants, and extended unionization rights to farm workers. In 1993, he accepted the Rae government's Social Contract legislation as necessary for the province.
In office, Mackenzie was known as a passionate supporter of labour interests within cabinet. Journalist Thomas Walkom recounted the following story in his book, Rae Days:
- "At one early cabinet meeting, for instance, Mackenzie had just finished delivering a passionate plea for aid to jobless Steelworkers in the hard-hit uranium-mining town of Elliot Lake. Suddenly Energy minister Jenny Carter spoke up. "Why bother?" said the Peterborough anti-nuclear activist. "They'll all be dead of cancer soon anyway." Mackenzie, according to one participant at the meeting, was so furious he literally lunged across the cabinet table at the hapless Carter. Luckily, it was a wide table."[10]
There was some controversy in early 1994 when Mackenzie's son David was hired as a special advisor to the Premier's office. Mackenzie resigned as Labour Minister on October 20, 1994, and did not seek re-election in 1995.
Cabinet positions
Later life
In 2004, Mackenzie supported Andrea Horwath's successful campaign to replace Agostino in a by-election.
Mackenzie died on January 17, 2011, at the age of 82.[11]
References
- ^ "Ontario's first NDP cabinet". Toronto Star. 2 October 1990. p. A17.
- ^ Canadian Press (1955-06-10). "Complete Results of Ontario Voting by Constituencies". The Ottawa Citizen. Ottawa. p. 4. Retrieved 2014-03-06.
- ^ "How the 1,117 candidates fared across Canada". The Toronto Star. October 31, 1972. p. 15.
- ^ "How the party candidates fared across the country". The Toronto Star. July 9, 1974. p. A12.
- ^ "Table of vote results for all Ontario ridings". The Globe and Mail. September 19, 1975. p. C12.
- ^ "Ontario election: Riding-by-riding voting results". The Globe and Mail. September 7, 1990. p. A12.
- ^ "Results of vote in Ontario election". The Globe and Mail. May 3, 1985. p. 13.
- ^ Contenta, Sandro (April 1986). "NDP blasts bill to end strike at Wheel-Trans". Toronto Star. p. A1.
- ^ "Ontario cabinet". The Windsor Star. October 1, 1990. p. A4.
- ^ Walkom, Thomas (1994). Rae Days. Toronto: Key Porter Books. p. 126.
- ^ Walters, Joan (18 January 2011). "NDP politician Bob Mackenzie dead". The Hamilton Spectator. Retrieved 2020-12-04.
