Leonard Braithwaite facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Leonard Braithwaite
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|---|---|
| Ontario MPP | |
| In office 1963–1975 |
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| Preceded by | New riding |
| Succeeded by | Ed Philip |
| Constituency | Etobicoke |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Leonard Austin Braithwaite
October 23, 1923 Toronto, Ontario |
| Died | March 28, 2012 (aged 88) Toronto, Ontario |
| Political party | Liberal |
| Spouse | Anne Braithwaite |
| Children | Roger & David |
| Occupation | Lawyer |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | Canada |
| Branch/service | Royal Canadian Air Force |
| Years of service | 1943-46 |
| Rank | DAC |
| Unit | 6th Bomber Group |
Leonard Austin Braithwaite (October 23, 1923 – March 28, 2012) was an important lawyer and politician in Ontario, Canada. He made history as the first Black Canadian person to be elected to the Ontario Legislature. He served as a Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) for the Liberal Party from 1963 to 1975.
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Early Life and Education
Leonard Braithwaite was born in Toronto, Ontario. His father was from Barbados, and his mother was from Jamaica. During World War II, Leonard served overseas with the Royal Canadian Air Force.
After the war, he continued his education. He earned a degree in business from the University of Toronto in 1950. Then, he got another business degree from Harvard Business School in 1952. He later studied law at Osgoode Hall Law School, finishing in 1958. After that, he worked as a lawyer.
Starting in Politics
Leonard Braithwaite began his political journey in 1960. He was elected to the school board in Etobicoke, a part of Toronto. People wanted a new high school in the area, and Braithwaite helped make that happen. Two years later, he became an alderman on the Etobicoke council. An alderman is like a local council member who helps run the city.
In 1963, Braithwaite decided to run for a seat in the provincial government. He ran for the Liberal Party in the new area called Etobicoke. He won by a small number of votes, becoming a Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP).
Making a Difference in Government
As an MPP, Leonard Braithwaite worked to change unfair laws. In 1964, he gave a speech asking the Legislature to remove an old law that allowed schools to be separated by race. This was a very important step towards ending racial segregation in Ontario schools.
He also spoke up for other changes. In 1966, he suggested that girls should be allowed to work as legislative pages. Pages are young people who help out in the Legislature.
Braithwaite was re-elected in 1967 and 1971. During his time in government, he was the Liberal Party's spokesperson for issues related to labour and welfare.
He lost his seat in the 1975 election. However, he continued to be involved in local politics. In 1982, he was elected as a city controller on the Etobicoke City Council.
Later Life and Awards
After his time in provincial politics, Leonard Braithwaite continued to contribute to society. In 1999, he became a bencher for The Law Society of Upper Canada. This is a group that governs lawyers in Ontario.
He received several important awards for his contributions:
- In 1997, he was made a Member of the Order of Canada. This is one of the highest honours a Canadian citizen can receive.
- In 2004, he was appointed to the Order of Ontario. This is the highest honour in the province of Ontario.
Leonard Braithwaite passed away in Toronto on March 28, 2012, at the age of 88. In his honour, a park in Etobicoke was renamed Len Braithwaite Park in 2012.
