Memorial service held for former Ontario premier Bill Davis
Posted November 4, 2021 10:13 pm.
Politicians of all stripes gathered in downtown Toronto on Thursday to remember former Ontario premier Bill Davis.
From former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, to past premiers like Bob Rae and David Peterson, politicians from different sides of the aisle put partisanship aside to pay tribute to the longtime premier.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Premier Doug Ford and Toronto Mayor John Tory were among those attending the service held at Roy Thomson Hall.
A visibly emotional Tory spoke about his longstanding friendship with Davis.
“I was blessed to have this wonderful man as a mentor and as a friend, we were all blessed to have him as a leader and as an example,” said Tory.
Lieutenant Governor of Ontario Elizabeth Dowdeswell shared a story whose theme was echoed many times during the day, talking about Davis reaching out as a friend and a mentor.
“To my surprise and delight, he took the initiative to call me from time to time, offering words of encouragement, always laced with good humour,” said Dowdswell.
Premier Doug Ford spoke of Davis’s humility.
“He truly was a giant of Ontario politics but he never behaved that way,” said Ford. “But he never behaved that way, you always got the send he thought of himself Bill from Brampton.”
Trudeau says Davis’ goal was always to help people, which is why he loved politics.
“It’s no secret that my father and Bill didn’t always see eye to eye politically, that didn’t prevent them from sharing a strong friendship rooted in mutual respect,” said Trudeau. “When it mattered, Bill put partisanship aside in favour of pragmatism.”
Davis was the 18th premier of Ontario from 1971 to 1985.
During his time in office, Davis was credited with creating Ontario’s community college system, the province’s first Ministry of Environment and the province’s public broadcaster, TVO.
He died on Aug. 8 at his home in Brampton, Ont. He was 92.
