OSHAWA – Today, the Ontario Heritage Trust unveiled a marker commemorating the gravesite of the Honourable Gordon Daniel Conant, premier of Ontario from 1942 to 1943.

“Gordon Daniel Conant was the Premier of Ontario and a prominent figure in the formative years of the City of Oshawa,” said Dr. Thomas H.B. Symons, Chairman of the Ontario Heritage Trust. “He is remembered for his contributions to the province and to his community.”

Born in Oshawa, Gordon Conant was Ontario’s 12th premier. An active member of the Oshawa community, he was elected mayor in 1916, making him the youngest mayor in the province at the time. Conant was elected to the provincial legislature in 1937 as the Liberal MPP for Ontario County and was appointed attorney general. In this position he strived to reform an inefficient justice system. Following his unexpected resignation in 1942, Mitchell Hepburn named Conant as his successor. He served as premier until 1943 and then as Master of the Supreme Court of Ontario until 1950.

“As Premier and Attorney General, Mr. Conant introduced many necessary reforms to Ontario’s justice system,” said Minister of Tourism and Culture Michael Chan. “His efforts have contributed to the quality of life we enjoy in our province today.”

The Premiers’ Gravesites Program honours Ontario’s former premiers and their service to Ontario by marking their gravesites. Specially designed bronze markers inscribed with the individual premier’s name and dates of service will be installed at each gravesite, along with flagpoles flying the Ontario flag, where possible.
This program is administered by the Ontario Heritage Trust with funding support from the Government of Ontario. The Trust is an agency of the government dedicated to identifying, preserving, protecting and promoting Ontario’s heritage for the benefit of present and future generations.

Quick facts:

• Eighteen premiers will be commemorated through the Premiers’ Gravesites Program.
• This is the 12th marker to be unveiled through the program since it began in 2008.

Learn more:

For more information on the Premiers’ Gravesites Program, visit our website.

Contact:

Catrina Colme
Senior Marketing and Communications Specialist
Ontario Heritage Trust
Telephone: 416-325-5074
Email: catrina.colme@heritagetrust.on.ca

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