15 Facts About Ron Ritchie

Ron Ritchie is best known for his role in founding the Institute for Research on Public Policy, but served as a member of the House of Commons of Canada during the Joe Clark government.

Ron Ritchie graduated from the Central Collegiate High School in London, Ontario, before earning a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Political Science from the University of Western Ontario.

Ron Ritchie then earned a Master of Arts from Queen's University.

Ron Ritchie served on the Canadian Wartime Prices and Trade Board during the Second World War.

Ron Ritchie served on the University of Guelph board of governors from 1965 until 1971 and as the body's chair for the last three years.

Ron Ritchie asked Ritchie to prepare a report on the subject.

Ron Ritchie's report, delivered in December 1969 and published in 1971, called for the creation of such an institute.

Trudeau sat on the report for several years, during which time Ron Ritchie said that he was considering acting on it himself until he was dissuaded by Clerk of the Privy Council Gordon Robertson, who assured him that the report was receiving consideration.

Ron Ritchie was elected chair, and took an active role in fundraising for the institute.

Ron Ritchie ran in the 1974 election as the Progressive Conservative candidate in the riding of Algoma, finishing third of four candidates.

Ron Ritchie was elected in the 1979 federal election from a field of seven candidates in York East, unseating incumbent Liberal David Collenette.

Ron Ritchie served on the standing committees on Finance, Trade, and Economic Affairs and on Public Accounts.

Ron Ritchie was defeated by Collenette in the 1980 election.

Ron Ritchie served as a member of the Canadian Ditchley Foundation.

Ron Ritchie was admitted as a member of the Order of Canada on June 10,2005.