The University will also recognize Herb Gray’s exceptional contribution to political life and a career entirely devoted to serving Canada’s population. First elected to Parliament in 1962, he was reelected 12 times in subsequent federal elections, which constitutes a record both in terms of number of victories and length of service: 39 years, six months and 26 days as Liberal MP for Windsor-West.
In government, Herb Gray held ten different cabinet portfolios under three prime ministers. Having served as Governement Leader, Solicitor General and President of Treasury Board,he was also the first federal MP to occupy full-time the position of Deputy Prime Minister.