Bob Andras facts for kids
Robert Knight "Bob" Andras was an important Canadian politician. He was born on February 21, 1921, and passed away on November 17, 1982. Bob Andras was a Member of Parliament (MP) in the House of Commons of Canada for many years, from 1965 to 1980. He was a member of the Liberal Party. He represented two areas in Ontario: Port Arthur and Thunder Bay—Nipigon. Andras was originally from Lachine, Quebec. He moved to Port Arthur, Ontario to work at a car dealership before becoming a politician.
A Career in Politics
Bob Andras held many important jobs in the Canadian government. Most of these jobs were when Pierre Trudeau was the Prime Minister.
He served in different roles, including:
- Minister without Portfolio (1968-1971): This meant he was a minister but didn't have a specific department to lead.
- Minister of State for Urban Affairs (1971-1972): He helped with issues related to cities and towns.
- Minister of Status of Women (1971-1974): He worked on improving the lives of women in Canada.
- Minister of Consumer and Corporate Affairs (1972): He looked after rules for businesses and protected consumers.
- Minister of Manpower and Immigration (1972-1976): This was a very important role where he managed immigration and jobs.
- President of the Treasury Board (Canada)|President of the Treasury Board (1976-1978): He was in charge of how the government spent its money.
- Minister of State for Economic Development (1978-1979): He helped plan how Canada's economy would grow.
Bob Andras decided not to run for election again in the 1980 federal election.
Making a Difference: The Immigration Act
One of the most important things Bob Andras did was help create the Immigration Act, 1976. This happened when he was the Minister of Manpower and Immigration. This new law replaced an older one from 1952.
The 1976 law was very important because it made sure of two main things:
- It set a minimum number of immigrants Canada would welcome each year.
- It made sure that immigrants would be allowed into Canada without unfair treatment based on their background, gender, or where they came from. This meant everyone had a fair chance.
Andras also worked with another famous politician, Jean Chrétien. They tried to create public policy to help First Nations people in Canada.
Later Life
Bob Andras passed away on November 17, 1982, in Vancouver, British Columbia. He had been battling cancer for about a year.
- Bob Andras – Parliament of Canada biography
