Lou Hyndman facts for kids

Louis Davies Hyndman (July 1, 1935 – November 24, 2013) was an important Canadian lawyer and politician from Alberta. He served as a Member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta (MLA) for 19 years. During this time, he was a key member of the government cabinets led by Premiers Peter Lougheed and Don Getty. Later in his life, Hyndman became the 15th Chancellor of the University of Alberta. He also held the honorary title of Captain of the 4th Destroyer Squadron in the Royal Canadian Navy.

Louis Hyndman: A Life of Public Service

Early Life and Education

Louis Davies Hyndman was born in Edmonton, Alberta, on July 1, 1935. His father was Louis Davis Hyndman Sr., a well-known lawyer. His grandfather, James Hyndman, was an Edmonton city council member and a judge. Louis Hyndman was also the great-grandson of Sir Louis Henry Davies, who was a Premier of Prince Edward Island and a Chief Justice of Canada.

Louis Hyndman attended the University of Alberta. He earned two degrees there: a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Laws in 1959. In 1962, he married Mary Evelyn Maclennan, and they had three children together. Before starting his political career, he worked as a lawyer. He also served as an assistant to the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta and was a Lieutenant in the Canadian Forces Naval Reserve.

Becoming a Politician

Louis Hyndman was very active in the Progressive Conservative Party of Canada. In 1965, he met Peter Lougheed, who encouraged him to run for provincial politics. Hyndman first ran for a seat in the Legislative Assembly of Alberta in the 1967 Alberta general election. He won a close election in the area of Edmonton West. Five other members of his party were also elected that year. Together, these six politicians formed the official opposition, which means they were the main group challenging the government.

In the 1971 election, the Edmonton West area was changed. Hyndman ran again in the new area called Edmonton-Glenora. He won this election easily. The Progressive Conservatives, led by Peter Lougheed, won enough seats to form the government. Soon after, Hyndman was chosen to be part of the Executive Council of Alberta, which is like the Premier's main team of ministers. He was appointed as the Minister of Education.

Important Roles in Government

Hyndman ran for re-election in the 1975 election while serving as a minister. He won his district by a large margin. After this election, he was given a new role as the Minister of Federal and Intergovernmental Affairs. This job involved working with the federal government and other provinces.

He ran for his fourth term in the 1979 election. He again won his district with a large majority. After this election, Premier Lougheed appointed Hyndman as the new Provincial Treasurer. This role is similar to a Minister of Finance, managing the province's money.

In his fifth election, the 1982 election, Hyndman won easily. He continued to serve as Provincial Treasurer when Don Getty became Premier in 1985. Hyndman decided to retire from the legislature in 1986, after serving for 19 years.

During his long career in the Alberta Legislature, Hyndman held several important positions. He was the Minister of Education, Minister of Federal and Intergovernmental Affairs, and Provincial Treasurer. He also served as the Government House Leader, helping to manage the government's business in the legislature.

Life After Politics

After leaving provincial politics in 1986, Louis Hyndman continued to be active. He joined the board of directors for TransAlta Utilities, a large energy company.

He also went back to working as a lawyer with the firm now known as Field Law. A significant achievement in his later life was becoming the Chancellor of the University of Alberta. He received an honorary degree from the university in 2000.

Louis Hyndman passed away on November 24, 2013, in Edmonton, at the age of 78, after an illness.

Commissions and Honors

Louis Hyndman led several important commissions, which are special groups that study and make recommendations on specific topics:

• He chaired the Premier's Commission on Future Health Care for Albertans (1987–1989).
• He also led the Royal Commission on a National Passenger System for Canada in the 21st Century (1989–1992).
• In 1993, he chaired the Canadian Safety and Accident Board Review Commission.

Hyndman received several honors for his service:

• He was named Queen's Counsel (QC) in 1975, a special title for lawyers.
• In 1993, he was made an Officer of the Order of Canada (OC), which is one of Canada's highest honors.

Louis D. Hyndman Sr. Lecture and Awards

The University of Alberta has a special lecture and awards program named after Louis D. Hyndman Sr. You can find more information here: Louis D. Hyndman Sr. Lecture and Awards, University of Alberta

Affiliations

Louis Hyndman was involved with several organizations:

• Alberta Association of Children and Adults with Learning Disabilities
• Goodwill Rehabilitation Institute of Alberta
• CD Howe Institute
• Asia Pacific Foundation