Willie Adams (politician) facts for kids
Willie Adams is an important Canadian politician. He was born on June 22, 1934. He is an Inuk person, which means he is part of the Indigenous people of the Arctic. Mr. Adams was a member of the Senate of Canada for many years, from 1977 to 2009.
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Willie Adams' Early Life and Career
Willie Adams was born in a place called Fort Chimo. This is now known as Kuujjuaq. It is the biggest Inuit community in Nunavik, Quebec. He went to school at mission schools in Northern Quebec. After school, he became an electrician. He later started and owned many businesses across Canada.
Serving His Community
Mr. Adams was very involved in his community. He was the leader of the local council in Rankin Inlet for two terms. In 1970, he was chosen to be a member of the Northwest Territories Territorial Council. This group helps make laws for the Northwest Territories. He represented the area of Keewatin South until 1975.
Becoming a Senator
In 1977, Pierre Trudeau was the Prime Minister of Canada. He decided that an Inuk person should join the Senate. The Senate is a group of people who review laws and speak for different parts of Canada. Senators are chosen, not elected by voters.
The Prime Minister sent a minister named Warren Allmand to talk to possible candidates. Willie Adams was one of them. At first, he wasn't sure about joining the Senate. He even joked that he didn't know what it was! But when he learned about the salary, he saw it as a great chance.
On April 5, 1977, Willie Adams was officially appointed as a Senator. This was done by Jules Léger, who was the Governor General of Canada at the time. The Governor General acts on the advice of the Prime Minister. Mr. Adams became a Senator for the Northwest Territories. He joined the Liberal Party.
Willie Adams was very interested in the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement. This agreement helped create the territory of Nunavut. When Nunavut was formed in 1999, he became a Senator for this new territory.
He served in the Senate for over 32 years. In 2009, he retired when he turned 75. At that time, he was the longest-serving Senator in Canada. He had served in Parliament without ever needing to run in an election.
Business Ventures
Willie Adams also had a successful business career. By 1997, he had started several companies. These included Kudlik Electric Ltd. and Kudlik Construction Ltd. He also owned the Nanuq Inn in Rankin Inlet. Another one of his businesses was Umingmak Expediting Ltd. in Ottawa. He was also the president of Polar Bear Cave Investments. This company owned the Nanuq Inn until it closed in 2003.
Personal Life
Willie Adams married his wife, Mary, in the late 1970s. They met when Mary came to the Northwest Territories for work. They have a son named Isaac. In 2023, Mr. Adams was given a special honor. He was appointed as an Officer of the Order of Canada. This is one of Canada's highest honors. He lives in Kemptville, Ontario today.
