Grattan O'Leary

Grattan O'Leary, born on February 19, 1888, in Percé, Quebec, was a prominent Canadian journalist and politician. His early career began at sea, but he soon transitioned into journalism, starting with the St. John Standard before moving to the Ottawa Journal in 1911, where he eventually became the editor. O'Leary was a dedicated member of the Parliamentary Press Gallery for over two decades, contributing significantly to the field of journalism.

Throughout his career, O'Leary served as the Ottawa correspondent for The Times and contributed to various British, American, and Canadian magazines. He held the position of Canadian Editor for Collier's and attended several important international conferences, including the Potsdam Conference in 1945, showcasing his commitment to public affairs.

In the political arena, O'Leary was an active Conservative Party candidate in the 1925 federal election for the Gaspé riding, although he was not successful. He was a trusted confidant to several prime ministers, including Arthur Meighen and John Diefenbaker, and chaired the Royal Commission on Publications. In 1962, Diefenbaker appointed him to the Senate, further solidifying his influence in Canadian politics.

O'Leary's contributions extended to academia when he served as the rector of Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario, in 1968, although he resigned under student pressure. His life came to a close in Ottawa on April 7, 1976, leaving behind a legacy of journalism and public service.