Paul Dick

Paul Dick, born on October 27, 1940, in Kapuskasing, Ontario, was a distinguished lawyer and Canadian politician. He was the son of Wyatt Dick and Constance Grace Harrison and received his education in Arnprior and Port Hope, later attending the University of Western Ontario and the University of New Brunswick. After being called to the Ontario bar in 1969, he began his career as an assistant crown attorney for Carleton County, a role he held until 1972 when he transitioned into private practice in Ottawa. In recognition of his legal expertise, he was appointed Queen's Counsel in 1981.

His political journey began when he was elected to the House of Commons of Canada in the 1972 general election, representing the Progressive Conservative Party for the riding of Lanark—Renfrew—Carleton. Dick quickly rose through the ranks, becoming Deputy Opposition House Leader in 1983. Following the Tory victory in the 1984 election, he was appointed as a parliamentary secretary and later promoted to Cabinet as the Associate Minister of National Defence in 1986.

In 1988, Dick was re-elected for the newly redistributed riding of Lanark—Carleton and took on the role of Minister of Supply and Services in 1989. When Kim Campbell succeeded Brian Mulroney as Prime Minister in June 1993, she retained him in his ministerial roles, adding Minister of Public Works to his responsibilities. However, his political career faced a setback in the 1993 election when he was defeated by Liberal candidate Ian Murray.

After leaving politics at the age of fifty-three, Dick encountered challenges in securing executive positions due to his extensive political background. He eventually found success in the financial sector, working at a stock brokerage firm where he earned a six-figure salary. His life post-politics is notably featured in Steve Paikin's 2003 book, The Dark Side: The Personal Price of a Political Life.

Paul Dick passed away at home from a heart attack at the age of seventy-seven. His legacy is preserved in the Paul W. Dick fonds at Library and Archives Canada.