12 Facts About Douglas Harkness

Douglas Harkness was born in Toronto, Ontario, and moved to Calgary, Alberta in 1929.

Douglas Harkness graduated from the University of Alberta, then farmed and taught school in the vicinity of Red Deer.

Douglas Harkness taught at Crescent Heights High School until 1939.

Douglas Harkness fought during the Second World War from 1940 to 1945, serving in the European theater of war.

Douglas Harkness was posted to Great Britain, Sicily, Italy and Northwest Europe.

Douglas Harkness was awarded the medal for his organization of the abandonment of the ship.

In 1945, Douglas Harkness was the commanding officer of the 5th Anti-Tank Regiment of the 4th Armoured Division.

In 1945, Douglas Harkness was elected to the House of Commons of Canada for the constituency of Calgary East and briefly held the Cabinet positions of Minister of Northern Affairs and Minister of National Revenue under the government of John Diefenbaker.

Douglas Harkness was sworn into the Queen's Privy Council for Canada on August 7,1957, as Minister of Agriculture.

Douglas Harkness was appointed Minister of National Defence, being sworn in on October 11,1960.

Douglas Harkness continued to sit as a Member of Parliament until 1972.

Douglas Harkness lived in Calgary until his death in 1999.