Royce Frith facts for kids

Royce Herbert Frith (born November 12, 1923, died March 17, 2005) was a very important Canadian. He was a diplomat (someone who represents their country abroad), a lawyer, a broadcaster, and a politician. He held many key roles in the Canadian government and helped shape Canada's place in the world.

Education and Law Career

Royce Frith studied at several universities. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Toronto. He also got a law degree from Osgoode Hall Law School. Later, he completed more legal studies at the University of Ottawa.

In 1949, he became a lawyer in Ontario. He joined a law firm in Toronto. There, he worked on cases involving lawsuits, city laws, and the broadcasting and entertainment industries.

Broadcasting and Entertainment

Beyond his legal work, Frith was also a talented performer. He enjoyed acting in plays and performing on the radio. He could sing and play several musical instruments.

In 1949, he hosted a western music show called Home on the Range on a Toronto radio station. He also sang in a choir that appeared on CBC Radio. He acted in radio dramas and was a panelist on TV shows in the 1950s. In the 1960s, he hosted a public affairs show called Telepoll on the CTV Television Network.

Frith even got a license to start a new radio station in Windsor, Ontario, in 1963. He later sold the station before it began broadcasting.

Early Political Steps

Frith was active in local politics in Toronto. He was elected to the town council in Leaside in the 1950s. He served as a councillor and then as Deputy Reeve (a local government leader). After his time on council, his law firm became the town's legal advisors.

He was also very involved with the Liberal Party. From 1960 to 1961, he was the president of the Ontario Liberal Party.

Serving in the Canadian Government

Frith became well-known in the 1960s. He was part of the Royal Commission on Bilingualism and Biculturalism. This group studied how to make Canada's English and French languages and cultures work together.

From 1971 to 1977, he advised the Commissioner of Official Languages. This role involved making sure both English and French were used fairly in Canada.

Joining the Senate

In 1977, Pierre Trudeau, who was Prime Minister, appointed Frith to the Senate of Canada. The Senate is the "Upper House" of Canada's Parliament. Senators review laws passed by the House of Commons.

Frith served as a Liberal Senator. He held several important positions in the Senate. He was even the Leader of the Opposition in the Canadian Senate. This meant he was the main spokesperson for the Liberal Party in the Senate when they were not in power.

The Goods and Services Tax Debate

Frith played a key role in a major debate over the Goods and Services Tax (GST). This was a new tax proposed by Prime Minister Brian Mulroney. Frith led a long debate, called a filibuster, to try and stop the tax from passing. This was a very important moment in Canadian political history.

High Commissioner to the UK

In 1994, Frith left the Senate for a new role. He became Canada's High Commissioner to the United Kingdom. This meant he was Canada's top diplomat in the UK.

He used his public speaking skills to represent Canada well. He was especially important during the "Turbot War." This was a dispute between Canada and Spain over fishing rights. Frith helped get British public support for Canada.

He also worked hard to keep Canada House in Trafalgar Square as Canada's main office in London. The government had thought about moving to save money, but Frith convinced them to keep the historic location. He returned to Canada in 1996 and continued his law practice.

Later Life and Achievements

In his final years, Royce Frith continued to work as a lawyer in Vancouver. He went to his office almost every day until shortly before he passed away.

He also served on the boards of many important organizations. These included the National Arts Centre in Ottawa, the Lester B. Pearson United World College of the Pacific, and the Vancouver Symphony. In 2000, he was recognized for his great contributions to Canada. He was appointed a member of the Order of Canada, which is one of the highest honors a Canadian can receive.