Leonard Arthur Kitz

Who was Leonard Arthur Kitz?

Leonard Arthur Kitz QC was the first Jewish mayor of Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, to Harry and Yetta Kitz, he grew up with older sister Hildred Kitz and younger brother Joe. He attended Halifax's Protestant school system and graduated from the Halifax Academy. He attended Dalhousie University, where he studied law, graduating from Dalhousie Law School in 1938.

With World War II breaking out in Europe in 1939, Kitz joined the Canadian Army becoming an infantry officer in the Princess Louise Fusiliers. During the war, he served in Italy and Holland. After the war he served as a lawyer in military tribunals.

While serving in England in 1945, Kitz met and married Dr. Alice Duff Findlay. The two returned to Halifax after the war where Kitz opened his own law firm, located on Granville Street. His law firm was eventually joined by Robert Matheson becoming Matheson and Kitz. Kitz served as President of the Nova Scotia Barristers Association from 1968-1969.

In 1948, Kitz decided to enter politics and he was elected an alderman in Halifax. He served as an alderman from 1948-1955.