Lionel Chevrier

Who was Lionel Chevrier?

Lionel Chevier, PC CC QC was a Canadian Member of Parliament and cabinet minister.

Born in Cornwall, Ontario, the son of former Cornwall mayor Joseph E. Chevrier, he was educated in Cornwall, at the University of Ottawa, the University of Montreal and Osgoode Hall. Chevrier was called to the bar in 1928 and was named King's Counsel in 1939. He married Lucienne Brûlé in 1932. He was first elected as a Liberal candidate in the Ontario riding of Stormont in the 1935 federal election. He was re-elected in the 1940, 1945, 1949, and 1953 elections. He resigned in 1954, when he was appointed the first president of the Saint Lawrence Seaway Authority. Returning to politics, he was elected in the 1957 election in the Quebec riding of Laurier. He was re-elected in the 1958, 1962, and 1963 elections.

From 1943 to 1945, he was Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Munitions and Supply. From 1945 to 1954, he was the Minister of Transport. He was President of the Privy Council from April 25, 1957 to June 20, 1957. From 1963 to 1964, he was the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada. From 1957 to 1963, he was the Official Opposition House Leader and Liberal Party House Leader.