20 Facts About Russell Paulley

Andrew Russell Paulley was a Canadian politician.

Russell Paulley served as leader of the Manitoba Co-operative Commonwealth Federation from 1959 to 1961, and its successor, the New Democratic Party of Manitoba, from 1961 to 1969.

Russell Paulley was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba and was educated in the city.

Russell Paulley moved to the suburb of Transcona and worked as a foreman upholsterer for the Canadian National Railway.

Russell Paulley served as mayor of Transcona from 1946 to 1949 and from 1952 to 1953.

Russell Paulley became a Freemason, and was involved in the province's socialist politics.

Russell Paulley was a CCF candidate for St Boniface in the federal election of 1949, finishing a distant second to Liberal Fernand Viau.

CCF leader Lloyd Stinson lost his seat in the 1959 election, and Russell Paulley was selected as interim leader in his place.

On November 4,1961, Russell Paulley defeated Cliff Matthews and Hans Fries at a delegated convention to become the new party's leader.

Russell Paulley, who was re-elected on both occasions, faced increased opposition from a "modernizing" wing within the party.

Russell Paulley, in turn, was depicted as representing an "old labourite" demographic, unable to reach out to a younger voters or communities which had not previously supported the CCF and NDP.

Russell Paulley responded to this endorsement by claiming that he had long regarded Schreyer as the best choice to be his successor, though he was somewhat ambiguous as to whether he would actually resign if re-elected.

At the 1968 leadership convention, Russell Paulley received 213 votes to Green's 168.

Russell Paulley was re-elected in Transcona, and was sworn in as Minister of Labour and Railway Commissioner on July 15,1969.

Russell Paulley became Minister of Government Services on December 18, holding his position until September 3,1970.

Russell Paulley stepped down as Railway Commissioner on February 16,1973, though continuing to hold the Labour portfolio.

Russell Paulley was the Deputy Premier of Manitoba from c1973 to 1977.

Russell Paulley was one of several MLAs in the Winnipeg area to be targeted by a conservative "citizen's group" in the election of 1973.

Russell Paulley continued to serve as Minister of Labour throughout the second Schreyer government, taking responsibility for the Civil Service Superannuation Act and Public Servants Insurance Act, and the Pension Benefits Act.

Russell Paulley did not seek re-election in 1977, and did not play a significant role in public life following his retirement.