CANADA HISTORY - Govenors General

Edward Schreyer

Edward Richard Schreyer, the 22nd Governor General of Canada and the fourth Canadian to hold the position, had a remarkable and multifaceted career that spanned decades of public service, diplomacy, and political activism. Born on December 21, 1935, in Beausejour, Manitoba, Schreyer's journey from a small town in rural Manitoba to Rideau Hall represents not only a personal triumph but also a significant chapter in Canadian political history. His legacy includes a commitment to social justice, environmental conservation, and the upholding of Canadian national identity, all while navigating the complexities of political life at both the provincial and federal levels.

Early Life and Education Edward Schreyer grew up in Beausejour, a small town in Manitoba, where he was raised in a Catholic family. His early education took place in local schools, where his academic talents became apparent. After completing his elementary and high school education in Beausejour, Schreyer attended United College (now the University of Winnipeg) and St. John’s College, before transferring to the University of Manitoba. There, Schreyer’s academic career took shape, and he earned degrees in Pedagogy and Education. Schreyer's intellectual curiosity and dedication to learning were further exemplified when he pursued a Master’s degree in International Relations and Economics at the University of Manitoba, laying the foundation for his future political career.

Schreyer’s academic accomplishments led him to a brief teaching career, where he taught international relations at St. Paul’s College in Manitoba. During this time, he met and married Lilly Schultz, his lifelong partner, with whom he would share both personal and professional milestones. Schreyer’s involvement in education was a reflection of his deep belief in the power of knowledge and his desire to influence social and economic policy on a broader scale. This intellectual foundation would later serve him well in his approach to both provincial and national politics.

Early Political Career

In 1958, at the age of 22, Edward Schreyer made his first foray into politics. Running in the provincial election for the Co-operative Commonwealth Federation (CCF), Schreyer became the youngest elected representative in Manitoba’s history. His success was a testament to his political acumen and his ability to connect with voters, even at such a young age. The CCF, a precursor to the New Democratic Party (NDP), was founded on principles of social democracy and labor rights, values that resonated deeply with Schreyer and would shape his political career.

Throughout the 1960s, Schreyer’s political career continued to evolve. He shifted to federal politics, successfully winning a seat in the House of Commons in Ottawa as an MP for the NDP. His time in federal politics further broadened his perspective on national issues, particularly those related to social justice, economic policy, and international relations. However, in 1969, Schreyer made a strategic decision to return to provincial politics. He was elected leader of the Manitoba NDP and soon after became the Premier of Manitoba, a position he would hold until 1977.

Premier of Manitoba (1969-1977)

Schreyer’s tenure as Premier of Manitoba marked a period of significant social and economic reform in the province. His government was known for its progressive policies, focusing on issues such as healthcare, education, labor rights, and environmental conservation. Under Schreyer’s leadership, Manitoba implemented policies aimed at reducing income inequality and improving public services, which aligned with the NDP’s broader vision of social democracy.

Schreyer’s government was also notable for its efforts to promote bilingualism and equal rights for women. He was a strong advocate for gender equality, and his government made significant strides in promoting women’s rights, particularly in the workplace. Schreyer’s commitment to equality and social justice extended beyond gender, as his government worked to address the needs of Indigenous communities and other marginalized groups in the province.

However, Schreyer’s time as Premier was not without its challenges. In 1977, after eight years in power, the Manitoba NDP was defeated by the Progressive Conservative Party in a provincial election. Schreyer became the leader of the opposition, a role he held until 1979 when an unexpected opportunity arose: Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau appointed him as Governor General of Canada.

Governor General of Canada (1979-1984)

On January 22, 1979, Edward Schreyer was sworn in as the 22nd Governor General of Canada. His appointment was historically significant, as Schreyer was only the fourth Canadian-born individual to hold the office, following in the footsteps of Canadians such as Roland Michener and Georges Vanier. Schreyer’s appointment marked a shift in the role of Governor General, as he was known for his pragmatic, straightforward demeanor, which stood in contrast to the more ceremonial image of some of his predecessors.

As Governor General, Schreyer placed a particular emphasis on promoting Canadian nationalism, bilingualism, and social justice. He was a strong supporter of Pierre Trudeau’s vision for a united and bilingual Canada, and he worked to promote these ideals during his time in office. Schreyer also maintained a deep interest in the environment, establishing the Governor General’s Conservation Awards to recognize individuals and organizations that made significant contributions to environmental protection and conservation.

Schreyer’s tenure as Governor General coincided with several critical political events in Canadian history, including the 1980 Quebec referendum and the repatriation of the Canadian Constitution in 1982. These events placed significant pressure on his office, as he had to navigate complex political dynamics while maintaining the neutrality required of a Governor General. In December 1979, for example, Joe Clark’s minority government lost a non-confidence vote in the House of Commons, which created a constitutional question about whether the Liberal Party under Pierre Trudeau should be asked to form a government or whether an election should be called. Schreyer decided to dissolve Parliament and call a general election, a decision that demonstrated his understanding of the importance of adhering to constitutional conventions.

Perhaps one of the most challenging moments of Schreyer’s tenure came during the constitutional negotiations of 1981-1982, when Prime Minister Trudeau sought to repatriate the Constitution from Britain. This period of intense political debate raised the specter of a constitutional crisis, as the provincial premiers, particularly those from Quebec, were deeply divided over the terms of the repatriation. Schreyer, aware of the gravity of the situation, hinted that he might dissolve Parliament and call a general election if a constitutional crisis were to arise. Ultimately, a compromise was reached, and the Constitution Act, 1982, was signed into law, bringing Canada full sovereignty and enshrining the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Schreyer’s time as Governor General was not without controversy, particularly in his relationship with the media. His public persona was often portrayed as somewhat stiff and formal, which led to criticisms that he lacked the warmth and charisma of some of his predecessors. Despite these challenges, Schreyer remained focused on his duties and continued to promote the values of social justice, equality, and Canadian unity.

Post-Governor General Career and Legacy
After leaving Rideau Hall in 1984, Schreyer’s public service career continued. He was immediately appointed as Canada’s High Commissioner to Australia, a diplomatic role that allowed him to further contribute to Canada’s international relations. He served as High Commissioner until 1988, during which time he also represented Canadian interests in Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu.

Upon his return to Canada in 1988, Schreyer remained active in public life, dedicating much of his time to environmental causes and charitable organizations. He founded the Canadian Shield Foundation, to which he donated his Governor General’s pension for five years, reflecting his deep commitment to environmental conservation. Schreyer was also heavily involved with Habitat for Humanity, working to promote affordable housing for low-income families.

In 2002, Schreyer was appointed Chancellor of Brandon University, a role that allowed him to return to his roots in education and contribute to the academic community. He served as Chancellor until 2008, further solidifying his legacy as a champion of education and public service.

Schreyer never fully left the political arena. In 2006, he made an unexpected return to electoral politics, running as the NDP candidate in the federal riding of Selkirk-Interlake. Though he was not successful in winning the seat, Schreyer’s decision to run demonstrated his enduring commitment to public service and his belief in the values of social democracy.

In the years following his term as Governor General, Schreyer continued to speak out on political issues, particularly those related to the functioning of Canada’s parliamentary democracy. He was critical of the 2008 proroguing of Parliament by Prime Minister Stephen Harper and the decision of Governor General Michaëlle Jean to grant the request. Schreyer expressed concerns about the erosion of parliamentary accountability, arguing that any government seeking to govern must face and seek the confidence of Parliament.

Edward Schreyer’s long and distinguished career in public service left an indelible mark on Canada’s political landscape. From his early days as a young MLA in Manitoba to his time as Premier, and later as Governor General, Schreyer remained committed to the principles of equality, social justice, and environmental stewardship. His legacy as Governor General is one of navigating complex political challenges with integrity and adhering to the constitutional responsibilities of the office.

Schreyer’s continued involvement in public life, even after leaving office, underscores his dedication to the well-being of his country and his belief in the power of public service to create positive change. Whether as a politician, diplomat, educator, or advocate, Edward Schreyer remains a significant figure in Canadian history, whose contributions continue to resonate today.