Quick Facts
LibraBiography
Léon Balcer, PC (October 13, 1917 – March 22, 1991) was a Canadian politician.
He was born on October 13, 1917 in Trois-Rivières, Quebec and was a lawyer by profession.
Member of the House of Commons
He was one of only three Progressive Conservative candidates who were elected to the House of Commons in 1949 from Quebec, representing the district of Trois-Rivières. He was re-elected in the 1953, 1957, 1958, 1962, and 1963 elections.
Balcer held numerous ministerial positions in the cabinet of John Diefenbaker including Solicitor General of Canada (1957–1960), and Minister of Transport (1960–1963). He also briefly acted as Minister of Mines and Technical Surveys (Acting), and Secretary of State of Canada (Acting).
He was Prime Minister John Diefenbaker's Quebec lieutenant and Deputy Leader of the Progressive Conservative Party.
A few months before the 1965 election, he left his party and sat as an Independent, claiming that "there is no place for a French Canadian in the party of Mr. Diefenbaker."He did not run for re-election in that year.
Provincial politics
Balcer ran as a Liberal candidate in the district of Trois-Rivières in 1966, but was defeated by Union Nationale incumbent Yves Gabias.
Death
Balcer died on March 22, 1991.