Robert Bruce (Yukon politician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Robert Bruce
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|---|---|
| MLA for Vuntut Gwitchin | |
| In office 1996–2000 |
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| Preceded by | Esau Schafer |
| Succeeded by | Lorraine Peter |
| Personal details | |
| Political party | New Democrat |
Robert Bruce was born on July 12, 1948. He is a Canadian politician from the Yukon territory. He served as a member of the Yukon Legislative Assembly, which is like the parliament for Yukon. He represented the area called Vuntut Gwitchin from 1996 to 2000. Robert Bruce was part of the Yukon New Democratic Party.
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Robert Bruce's Political Journey
Robert Bruce was born in a community called Old Crow, Yukon. He received his education right there in the Yukon. Before becoming a politician for the whole territory, he was a leader for his community.
Becoming an MLA
In the 1996 election, something very unusual happened. The vote between Robert Bruce and the person already in office, Esau Schafer, ended in a tie! To decide who would win, they had to draw a name out of a hat. Robert Bruce's name was chosen, and he became the new representative.
However, a court later decided in 1997 that the election results needed to be checked again. This led to a special new election, called a by-election, just for that area. Robert Bruce won this new election too, showing that people in Vuntut Gwitchin wanted him to represent them.
Serving as Speaker
While he was an MLA, Robert Bruce also had an important job called the Speaker for the assembly. The Speaker is like the referee in a debate. They make sure everyone follows the rules during meetings of the Legislative Assembly. He served as Speaker from 1996 until the election results were overturned. After he won the by-election, he became Speaker again from April 14, 1997, until the assembly finished its term in 2000. He decided not to run for re-election in the year 2000.
Before the Legislative Assembly
Before he became an MLA, Robert Bruce was a councillor for the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation. This is the local government for his community. He even served as the chief of the First Nation from 1992 to 1996. Before his political career, he worked as a heavy equipment operator, which means he operated large machines used in construction or mining.
