Ramon John Hnatyshyn

Ray Hnatyshyn was born the son of a Canadian senator in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. He attended the University of Saskatchewan[?] and practised law in that province until being elected to the House of Commons. He served as Conservative Member of Parliament for Saskatoon-area ridings from 1974 to 1988.

He was appointed as the energy minister under the Joe Clark government, and as house leader and justice minister under Brian Mulroney. Hnatyshyn was appointed governor-general on December 14, 1989, succeeding Jeanne Sauvé. He was officially sworn in January 29, 1990.

Hnatyshyn was largely responsible for popularizing the office of the governor-general. He opened Rideau Hall[?], the governor-general's official residence, to tourists in 1990, reversing Mme. Sauvé's security policy. He also opened the residence's skating rink to the public and hosted a rock concert to promote education.

He also established the Governor-General's Awards for the Performing Arts[?] in 1992.

The Jean Chrétien government named his successor as Senator Roméo LeBlanc, and Mr. Hnatyshyn completed his term on February 6, 1995. During his time as the Queen's representative, he was the well-liked, humorous official host to 26 Heads of State and made at least 1200 speeches.

From April 1989 to January 1990, he practised law at the establishment of Gowling, Strathy & Henderson[?].

Though he was Ukrainian Orthodox[?], he was commerated at a multi-faith ceremony held December 23, 2002 at Ottawa's Christ Church Cathedral[?].

External link

• The Right Honourable Ramon John Hnatyshyn - Government of Canada (http://www.gg.ca/governor_general/history/bios/hnatyshyn_e.asp)