10 Facts About Peter Heenan

Peter Heenan, was a Canadian union leader and politician, and served as a cabinet minister at the federal and provincial levels.

An attack of yellow fever forced Peter Heenan to move to Canada in 1902, where he first worked on a Western ranch, and then as a locomotive engineer for the Canadian Pacific Railway on the run between Winnipeg and Kenora.

Peter Heenan was instrumental in getting Harry Mills appointed as the Province's first Minister of Mines.

Peter Heenan secured the passage of the Mother's Allowance Act and the Old Age Pensions Act.

Peter Heenan still found time to work as a locomotive engineer when the House was not in session.

Peter Heenan resigned his federal seat, after winning a provincial seat as the Liberal Party of Ontario candidate in the 1934 election for the riding of Kenora.

Peter Heenan was charged with promoting Hepburn's policies on natural resource development, including the aggressive position with respect to timber licenses in Northern Ontario that were being held by companies that would not cut wood on them.

Peter Heenan sought to exploit other uses for provincial lands.

Peter Heenan was appointed as provincial Minister of Labour.

Peter Heenan took good care of his constituents' interests, and arranged for many improvements for Northwestern Ontario, including the construction of the Peter Heenan Highway to serve Kenora and Rainy River.