10 Facts About Edgar Benson

Edgar Benson held four cabinet posts, most notably that of Minister of Finance under Pierre Trudeau, where he was instrumental in reforming Canada's income tax law.

Edgar Benson became a chartered accountant and partner in the accounting firm of England, Leonard, Macpherson and Company, and co-owner of CKLC.

Edgar Benson was first elected to the House of Commons of Canada in the 1962 general election as the Liberal Member of Parliament for Kingston, Ontario.

Edgar Benson was an early supporter of Pierre Trudeau in the 1968 Liberal leadership campaign to replace the retiring Pearson, and, together with Jean Marchand, was co-chairman of Trudeau's leadership bid.

Edgar Benson was later appointed Minister of Finance, serving from 1968 to 1972.

Edgar Benson was instrumental in rolling out a national medical care plan and supplementary old age pensions and played a key role in federal-provincial relations.

Edgar Benson later served as Minister of National Defence from January to August 1972, when he retired from politics, choosing not to run in the 1972 election.

Edgar Benson served as President of the Canadian Transport Commission from 1972 to 1982, and as Canadian Ambassador to Ireland from 1982 to 1985.

Edgar Benson died on September 2,2011, at the age of 88.

Edgar Benson was conferred honorary degrees as a Doctor of Laws from:.