Former Premier from Brampton Bill Davis has died

Brampton | Ontario | Latest News |

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Published August 8, 2021 at 4:01 pm

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Former Premier of Ontario William (Bill) Davis has passed away this morning (August 8) at this home in Brampton.

Davis’ family announced that he had passed away this morning at the age of 92.

“It is with immense sadness and deep gratitude for his remarkable life as a husband, father, brother, grandfather of twelve and great grandfather of three, that we announce the passing, in his beloved home town of Brampton,” his family said.

Davis leaves behind quite a legacy: He was the Premier of Ontario for 14 years (1971 to 1985), leading the final 14 years of a 42-year period in which the Progressive Conservatives governed the province. Before that, he served as education minister and universities minister.

He is credited with helping build Ontario’s current college system and establishing several new universities (York, Laurentian, Brock, & Trent), among many other notable achievements.

Even after the end of his term, Davis was involved in politics — he endorsed Christine Elliott’s bid to become Ontario PC leader and Patrick Brown’s bid to become mayor of Brampton.

Brown called the news of Davis’ passing “heartbreaking.”

“He was our most beloved resident in Brampton, Ontario’s most successful Premier and the definition of decency. His legacy is one of profound accomplishment & he will be missed greatly,” said Brown.

“We wouldn’t have a Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms if it wasn’t for Bill Davis’ patriotism and willingness to put partisanship aside for the good of Canada.”

RELATED: A look back at the life of “Brampton Billy”, Ontario’s former premier

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