Ernest Halpenny

Canadian politician

George Ernest Halpenny, PC (June 14, 1903 - May 10, 1974) was a Canadian politician.

A chemist by training, Halpenny was first elected to the House of Commons of Canada in the 1957 federal election that brought John Diefenbaker to power. Elected as the Progressive Conservative Member of Parliament for London, Halpenny was appointed by Diefenbaker as parliamentary assistant to the Minister of National Health and Welfare in 1957. In 1960, he was promoted to Cabinet as minister without portfolio and in 1962 he was promoted to Secretary of State for Canada.

After winning three successive elections, Halpenny did not run in the 1963 federal election. Halpenny later started a chain of pharmacies called Canada Apothecary with partner William Muchan

References

  • Ernest Halpenny – Parliament of Canada biography
Parliament of Canada
Preceded by
Robert Weld Mitchell, Progressive Conservative
Member of Parliament from London
1957-1963
Succeeded by
Jack Irvine, Progressive Conservative
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1The department was eliminated in 1993 when the government was reorganized. The position of Secretary of State for Canada was not legally eliminated until 1996 when its remaining responsibilities were assigned to other cabinet positions and departments, particularly the newly created position of Minister of Canadian Heritage.