Bill Davis passes away at age 92, leaving legacy that shapes Ontario

Home Government Bill Davis passes away at age 92, leaving legacy that shapes Ontario

Bill Davis passes away at age 92, leaving legacy that shapes Ontario

08.08.2021 David Hains 0

Bill Davis, Ontario's second-longest serving premier, died in Brampton on Sunday. He was 92.

Davis became active in politics as a teenager and helped steer the dynastic Big Blue Machine of moderate Progressive Conservative politics of the 1970s and early '80s, leaving legacies in education, energy and infrastructure that continue to reverberate today.

Known for governing under the principle "bland works," Davis provided Ontario with a steady hand at the tiller while navigating significant changes in the province and, in the end, never lost an election.

He served as premier of the province from 1971 to 1985, a duration only surpassed by Oliver Mowat. He also served as the minister of education and was instrumental in expanding Ontario's education and post-secondary education capacity. He was instrumental in forming institutions like TVO and Ontario Place, was the premier who stopped the controversial Spadina Expressway, extended full funding to Catholic schools, expanded bilingual services and the Ontario Human Rights Code, and was a key figure in patriating the constitution.

For his service, he was awarded the Order of Canada and the Order of Ontario, and numerous sites — schools, a park, a TV studio — are named for him.

According to a statement from his family, Davis died of natural causes in Brampton, where he was surrounded by family. A private service will be held soon, as well as public celebrations of his life.

The premier announced that flags will be flown at half-mast across the province in his honour.

Davis became an elder statesman after his life in elected politics. He occasionally weighed in on issues, including on the future of Ontario Place and the current PC government's use of the notwithstanding clause. Politicians continued to honour his place in the province's political constellation, with Premier Doug Ford giving Davis a birthday shout-out in July when the government unveiled its Ontario Place plans.

Memories and grief poured in to remember Davis' life.

PC Party spokesperson Stephanie Bellotto stated, "Mr. Davis will be remembered as one of Ontario’s greatest premiers and leaders of our progressive conservative movement. His leadership and vision improved the lives of Ontarians, and his legacy will live on forever."

Toronto Mayor John Tory, who served as Davis' principal secretary, also shared his condolences.

So too did politicians of all political stripes.

 

David Hains

QP Briefing Reporter

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