Léo Cadieux facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Léo Cadieux
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Cadieux, c. 1968
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| Canadian Ambassador to France | |
| In office 16 October 1970 – 8 September 1975 |
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| Prime Minister | Pierre Trudeau |
| Preceded by | Paul André Beaulieu |
| Succeeded by | Gérard Pelletier |
| Minister of National Defence | |
| In office 19 September 1967 – 16 September 1970 |
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| Prime Minister | Lester B. Pearson Pierre Trudeau |
| Preceded by | Paul Hellyer |
| Succeeded by | Charles Drury (acting) |
| Associate Minister of National Defence | |
| In office 15 February 1965 – 18 September 1967 |
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| Prime Minister | Lester B. Pearson |
| Preceded by | Lucien Cardin |
| Succeeded by | Vacant |
| Member of Parliament for Labelle |
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| In office 25 June 1968 – 5 October 1970 |
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| Preceded by | Gaston Clermont |
| Succeeded by | Maurice Dupras |
| Member of Parliament for Terrebonne |
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| In office 18 June 1962 – 24 June 1968 |
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| Preceded by | Marcel Deschambault |
| Succeeded by | Joseph-Roland Comtois |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Joseph Alphonse Léo Cadieux
28 May 1908 Saint-Jérôme, Quebec, Canada |
| Died | 11 May 2005 (aged 96) Ottawa, Ontario, Canada |
| Political party | Liberal |
| Spouse |
Monique Plante
(m. 1961) |
| Children | 1 |
Léo Alphonse Joseph Cadieux was an important Canadian politician. He was born in Saint-Jérôme, Quebec, on May 28, 1908. Before becoming a politician, he worked as a newspaper journalist and publisher. He passed away on May 11, 2005, in Ottawa, Ontario.
Cadieux served in the Canadian government for many years. He was a Member of Parliament, a Minister of National Defence, and even an Ambassador to France. He helped make important decisions for Canada's defence and its relationships with other countries.
Contents
Léo Cadieux's Political Journey
Léo Cadieux started his career in politics in 1962. He was elected to the House of Commons of Canada as a Liberal Member of Parliament. He represented the area of Terrebonne in Quebec.
Becoming a Cabinet Minister
In 1965, Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson chose Cadieux to join his team. He became the Associate Minister of National Defence. This role meant he helped the main Defence Minister.
Just two years later, in 1967, Cadieux was promoted. He became the Minister of National Defence. He was the first French-speaking person to hold this important job. He continued in this role under Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau until 1970.
Key Decisions as Defence Minister
As Defence Minister, Léo Cadieux made some big changes. Canada decided to reduce the number of its troops in Europe. The number went from 10,000 to 5,000 soldiers. This decision came after a review of Canada's defence plans.
He also worked on Canada's emergency plans. He oversaw the reorganization of the Canadian Emergency Measures Organization. This agency helps protect people during disasters or emergencies. Cadieux also took part in important discussions about Canada's overall defence strategies.
Serving as an Ambassador
After leaving politics in 1970, Cadieux took on a new role. He became Canada's Ambassador to France. This meant he represented Canada in France and helped build good relationships between the two countries. He served as Ambassador until 1975.
A National Honour
In 1974, Léo Cadieux received a special honour. He was made an Officer of the Order of Canada. This award recognizes Canadians who have made great contributions to the country.
