24 Facts About Harry Hays

Harry Hays was an auctioneer, rancher and breeder as well as a radio broadcaster.

Harry Hays was a founding member and president of the Alberta Poultry Breeders' Association and served as president of the Alberta Holstein Breeders' Association.

Harry Hays led the Canadian Swine Breeders during World War II when it initiated the "Bacon for Britain" campaign of increased production as part of the war effort.

Harry Hays is the creator and namesake of the Harry Hays Converter beef cattle breed.

Harry Hays is credited with starting the Calgary Stampede pancake breakfast tradition.

In 1934 Harry Hays married Muriel Biglund and had one son Daniel Harry Hays, who was a former member of the Senate of Canada appointed in 1984 where he served as Speaker and Leader of the Opposition.

Harry Hays was elected the 27th Mayor of Calgary in the October 1959 Calgary municipal election.

Harry Hays would be re-elected for a second term in the 1961 Calgary municipal election.

Harry Hays resigned effective June 30,1963, Grant MacEwan appointed as Mayor by Council and sworn on July 3,1963.

Harry Hays campaigned on more efficiency in government, and the creation of a robust business climate.

In June 1962 Sykes and Harry Hays would announce CPR led development into a two-block project east of the Palliser Hotel.

Harry Hays did not inform his colleagues on council of the announcement, besides Alderman Jack Leslie, and would be censured by in a following council meeting.

Harry Hays would prove to be an ardent supporter of the Calgary Municipal Airport and its continued growth.

Harry Hays was recruited by Lester Pearson to run for the Liberals in the 1963 federal election in Calgary South, defeating Progressive Conservative opponent, current Aldermen, and future Calgary Mayor Jack Leslie.

Harry Hays would be the only Liberal Member of Parliament elected in Alberta or Saskatchewan.

At the time, Calgary South was considered a conservative stronghold and Harry Hays would have a difficult contest against his conservative opponent Leslie.

Harry Hays continued his work as an auctioneer as well as his volunteer duties for the Rotary Club.

Harry Hays described his agricultural policy by saying "We want a flush-toilet, not an outhouse, farm economy for Canada".

Harry Hays advocated a minimum guaranteed income for farmers and a system of marketing boards.

Harry Hays was responsible for the Farm Machinery Syndicate Credit Act which extended loans to farmers to buy machinery co-operatively.

Harry Hays established the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Saskatoon and was responsible for expanding crop insurance and introducing a national farm accounting system.

Harry Hays once challenged Hamilton to prove he could beat Harry Hays in a cow milking contest but the competition never came to pass.

Harry Hays was defeated in his attempt to retain his seat in the 1965 federal election by Progressive Conservative candidate and two-term Calgary Aldermen Ray Ballard by a margin of 115 votes.

Harry Hays died in office in 1982 following heart surgery.