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Lest We Forget
Wednesday, November 4, 2020 Vol. 43, No. 45
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Don Mazankowski remembered - Canada’s 4th Deputy Prime Minister born in Viking Patricia Harcourt Editor
Former MP and Deputy Prime Minister Don Mazankowski was born in Viking 85 years ago and made a storied and highly respected political career out of serving his community and country. His passing on October 28 was met with glowing tributes about that career as well as his personal attributes. Those who spoke of him emphasized his integrity and principles, a man who won people over with a ready smile for everyone. “While Canadians knew him as Canada’s 4th Deputy Prime Minister, and a long-time federal cabinet minister, to his friends and colleagues he was known simply as ‘Maz.’ However, first and foremost he was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, a legacy that he shared with his partner in life, his wife Lorraine,” read part of a statement from the family on the day of his passing. The family statement called him “a compassionate and steadfast family man born in Viking Alberta. He spent his life dedicated to his loved ones and public service. He will be greatly missed.” Mazankowski and four siblings were born to U.S. immigrants of Polish descent, Frank and Dora Mazankowski, and lived on the family farm near Viking. The children, including Albina, Leona, Ray, Emil and Don, got their education in a one-room school called Cobourg. Don went on to start his business life as the owner of a service station in Innisfree until 1959, when he moved to Vegreville and opened a car dealership with his brother, Ray. But his political career began after meeting John Diefenbaker, when he became inspired to run for office. In 1968 at the age of 33, he became Member of Parliament for Vegreville under the Progressive Conservative banner and served there for the next 25 years. His first roles were as transportation and economic critic while his party sat in Opposition. In 1979, he served under Prime Minister Joe Clark as Minister of Transport, and redrafted the National Transportation Act to reduce regulatory burdens on businesses. The PCs won the federal election under Prime Minister Brian Mulroney in 1984, and Mazankowski again served as Minister of Transport, government House Leader (1986-88) and Finance Minister (19911993).
Then in 1986, he was appointed Canada’s 4th Deputy Prime Minister, a role he held until his retirement in 1993. In that year, he was conferred the title of “Right Honourable.” His proud family says that this was “a unique and appropriate honour for a person who gave so much to his country.” In a tribute the day after his passing, Mulroney recalled how Mazankowski became known as, “the minister of everything.” He paid a large tribute to his former minister speaking of Mazankowski’s abilities but also of a likeability factor which won over people of many political persuasions. Mazankowski served the Vegreville Constituency for 25 years, successfully running in seven general elections. Throughout his political career, he and his wife of 62 years, Lorraine, raised a family and stayed true to their rural roots often travelling to the home area for local events. “He devoted his life to public service for the betterment of his nation; he was a man of faith and was widely known as a humble and principled man - a man who garnered respect from all who met him and who was genuinely liked and admired by all,” stated his obituary eulogy. His legacy includes the $217 million Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute at the University of Alberta Hospital, which opened in 2008. “Don Mazankowski was a truly great Albertan who loved and served his community and country without reserve,” said Alberta Premier Jason Kenney. Upon his death Oct. 28, flags at the Alberta Legislature were lowered to half-mast, in Mazankowski’s honour. The accolades kept coming after his political retirement in 1993. In 2000, he was named Officer of the Order of Canada and, in 2013, was presented the insignia of Companion of the Order of Canada. He also received an Honourary Doctor of Engineering Degree from the Technical University of Nova Scotia and an Honourary Doctor of Laws Degree from the University of Alberta. In 2003, he was inducted into the Alberta Order of Excellence as a “champion in Canadian and Alberta politics.” There will be a funeral held for family only due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is expected that a public memorial and celebration of Mazankowski’s life will take place later when circumstances permit.
Due to the observance of Remembrance Day, the next edition of The Weekly Review will distribute on Thursday, November 12