George Johnson (Manitoba politician)

George Johnson, OC ( born November 18, 1920 in Winnipeg, † July 8, 1995 in Gimli, Manitoba ) was a Canadian physician and politician. Between 1958 and 1969 he held several ministerial posts in the provincial governments of Dufferin Roblin and Walter Weir. From 1986 to 1993 he acted as vice- governor of the province of Manitoba.

Biography

Johnson studied medicine at the University of Manitoba. From 1941 to 1945, he served during World War II as a lieutenant in the Royal Canadian Navy. In 1950 he completed his studies and practice in the city Gimli as a doctor.

1958 Johnson ran for the Progressive Conservative Party of Manitoba in elections to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba and won in the constituency Gimli. The new Prime Minister Dufferin Roblin then appointed him as Minister of Social Welfare. From 1961 he was Minister of Health from 1963 Minister of Education. Dufferin successor Walter Weir made ​​him in 1968 as Minister of Health and Social Development. Among his greatest accomplishments include the founding of the University of Winnipeg and Brandon University and the introduction of national health insurance Medicare.

Johnson sought re-election in 1969 and practiced in Winnipeg back to his ancestral profession. From 1978 to 1986 he served as Special Advisor to the provincial government for health care. Governor General Jeanne Sauvé sworn him on 11 December 1986 as the Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba. This representative office he held until March 5, 1993. The University of Winnipeg honored him in 1992 as honorary doctorate in 1994, he received the Order of Canada.