Ged Baldwin

Who was Ged Baldwin?

Gerald William "Ged" Baldwin, OC was a Canadian politician who was known as the "Father and Grandfather" of the Access to Information Act.

Born in Palmerston, New Zealand, he was educated in Edmonton and became a lawyer. During World War II, he served with the Canadian Army in Britain and Europe. He was a candidate in the 1935 provincial elections.

He was first elected to the Canadian House of Commons representing the riding of Peace River in 1958 defeating Social Credit Party of Canada leader Solon Low. He had first run in 1957 but was defeated. A Progressive Conservative he was re-elected in 1962, 1963, 1965, 1968, 1972, 1974, and 1979. From 1962 to 1963, he was the Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister. From 1968 to 1973 and again from 1984 to 1976, he was the Official Opposition House Leader and Progressive Conservative Party House Leader.

In 1985, he was made an Officer of the Order of Canada for "his efforts have stimulated many others to take up the cause, thus encouraging governments in many jurisdictions across Canada to adopt similar legislation.

In 1982, he received an honorary Doctor of Law degree from the University of Alberta.