James Armstrong Richardson

Who was James Armstrong Richardson?

James Armstrong Richardson, PC was a Canadian Cabinet minister under Pierre Trudeau, and a Winnipeg businessman.

Richardson was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba and attended St. John's-Ravenscourt School. After attending Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario, he enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force. He served as an anti-submarine pilot based in Iceland and Labrador during World War II. He finished his War service with the rank of pilot officer.

Following the war, Richardson joined the family owned grain company, James Richardson and Sons, and became Chief Executive Officer and chairman in 1966.

He left the company to enter politics, winning a seat in the Canadian House of Commons in the 1968 election as the Liberal Member of Parliament for Winnipeg South. Richardson easily defeated future provincial cabinet minister Bud Sherman, his Progressive Conservative opponent.

Richardson was appointed to the cabinet of Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau as a minister without portfolio on June 6, 1968. He also served as acting Minister of Transport for five days in early 1969, and was promoted to Minister of Supply and Services on June 5 of the same year.