Harold Edward Winch was a Canadian politician active with the Co-operative Commonwealth Federation and its successor, the New Democratic Party.
11 Facts About Harold Winch
Harold Winch was active during the relief camp strike in Vancouver that precipitated the On-to-Ottawa Trek in 1935, acting as a liaison between unemployed protesters and the government.
Harold Winch performed the same role as a new MLA in 1938, and assisted the police in ending a month-long occupation at the Vancouver Art Gallery on what became known as "Bloody Sunday".
An electrician by trade, Harold Winch joined the CCF at its founding.
Harold Winch was first elected to the British Columbia Legislative Assembly in the 1933 provincial election as the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Vancouver East.
Harold Winch became leader of the party following the 1937 general election and leader of the opposition in 1941.
Harold Winch opposed holding a new election, arguing that the CCF was able to form a new government.
Harold Winch stepped down as party leader, and entered federal politics.
Harold Winch was elected to the House of Commons of Canada in the 1953 federal election as the Member of Parliament for Vancouver East.
Harold Winch survived the 1958 federal election that almost wiped the CCF out, and remained with the party as it transformed into the New Democratic Party in 1961.
Harold Winch's father, Ernest Edward Winch was a CCF MLA from 1933 until his death in 1957.