William G. Davis

Lawyer and statesman Bill Davis served as the eighteenth premier of Ontario, from 1971 to 1985. He was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario at the age of 29 and appointed a minister in John Robarts’ cabinet. Responsible for education and university affairs, he created Trent and Brock Universities, 22 colleges and the TVO educational network. He succeeded Robarts as party leader and led the Conservatives to victory in three consecutive elections. A dedicated federalist, Davis played a key role in negotiating Canada's constitutional accord, promoting the spirit of compromise that made the agreement possible. After retiring from politics, he served as the Special Envoy on Acid Rain and as director of several corporations. He is sworn to the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada and is a recipient of the Légion d’honneur, France’s highest honour.