Ian Scott (Ontario politician) facts for kids

Ian Gilmour Scott OC (July 13, 1934 – October 10, 2006) was an important Canadian politician and lawyer. He was a member of the Liberal party in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario from 1985 to 1992. He represented parts of downtown Toronto. Ian Scott also served as a cabinet minister in the government led by David Peterson. He was the Attorney General of Ontario and Solicitor General. Many people saw him as a key thinker in the Peterson government.

About Ian Scott

Family Background

Ian Gilmour Scott was born on July 13, 1934, in Ottawa. His family had a strong history in politics. One of his great-grandfathers, Richard William Scott, was a well-known Canadian politician. He even led the government in the Senate of Canada. Another great-grandfather, W.W. Sullivan, was the Premier of Prince Edward Island.

On his mother's side, one of his great-grandfathers was Andrew G. Blair. He served as Premier of New Brunswick. Ian Scott's father and grandfather were also active supporters of the Liberal Party. Even as a schoolboy in 1948, Ian Scott helped write speeches for Brooke Claxton. Claxton was the Minister of National Defence at the time.

Education and Early Career

Ian Scott studied at St. Michael's College at the University of Toronto. He graduated in 1955. During his last year, he was the president of the student council. After college, he earned a law degree from Osgoode Hall Law School in 1959. He then started working as a lawyer. His law firm later became known as Cameron Brewin and Scott.

Besides working in court, Scott also taught law. He taught civil procedure at the University of Toronto Law School starting in 1968. One of his students was Bob Rae, who later became a premier. From 1974 to 1976, Scott worked on a special project. This project looked at how building pipelines would affect Indigenous people in the Northwest Territories.

Starting in Politics

Ian Scott first ran for a political office in the provincial election of 1981. He considered joining another party, but decided to run for the Ontario Liberal Party. He wanted to challenge the Progressive Conservative party, which had been in power since 1943. He ran in the Toronto area of St. David. He lost that election to a Progressive Conservative minister.

Scott was not always happy with the Liberal Party's direction in the early 1980s. He didn't initially support David Peterson, who became the Liberal leader in 1982. However, Scott decided to remain the Liberal candidate for the 1985 provincial election.

Serving as Attorney General

The 1985 election was a big moment in Ontario politics. The Progressive Conservatives did not win enough seats to form a strong government. The Liberals gained many seats across the province. Ian Scott won his seat in St. David. After the election, Scott helped the Liberals make an agreement with another party. This agreement allowed the Liberals to form a government.

On June 26, 1985, Ian Scott was appointed Attorney General. He was also the Minister responsible for Indigenous Affairs. He held these jobs throughout the Peterson government. He also served as the Minister responsible for Women's Issues and Race Relations for some time. In the 1987 provincial election, he was re-elected easily. He won in the new area called St. George—St. David.

Before entering politics, Scott was a well-known lawyer who specialized in constitutional law. As Attorney General, he sometimes went to court himself to argue the government's cases. He brought in many changes. These included ending certain legal appointments and introducing Ontario's first law about freedom of information. He also set up an independent group to suggest judges. This made the process fairer. He helped bring in equal pay for public sector workers. He also added protection against discrimination based on sexual orientation to the Ontario Human Rights Code.

After Government Service

Ian Scott was re-elected by a very small number of votes in the 1990 election. The Peterson government lost that election. Scott was not happy being in the opposition. He resigned from his seat in the legislature in 1992.

He then took a teaching job at York University. He also appeared on television as a political expert. In 1994, he had a serious stroke that made speaking difficult. This forced him to stop his legal career.

In 1995, he was made an officer of the Order of Canada. This is a high honour in Canada. In 2001, he published his memories in a book called To Make A Difference.

In his final years, Ian Scott remained influential. He often met with important politicians. He also did charity work, leading the Aphasia Institute. This organization helps people who have difficulty speaking after a stroke. Ian Scott passed away in his sleep on October 10, 2006, in Toronto.

Honours and Legacy

The main office building for the Attorney General of Ontario is named the McMurtry-Scott Building. It is named in honour of Ian Scott and Roy McMurtry, who was also an Attorney General.