Harvie André

Harvie André, politician (born 27 July 1940 in Edmonton, AB; died 21 October 2012). Educated at the California Institute of Technology and University of Alberta (PhD 1963), Harvie André taught chemical engineering at the University of Calgary 1966-72. Elected to the House of Commons for Calgary in 1972, he was a key supporter of Joe Clark's successful bid for the PC leadership in 1976.

A trusted Clark adviser thereafter, André was a vocal opponent of Petro-Canada and the National Energy Program. He also developed an expertise on defence questions, pushing as Opposition defence critic for a stronger, better-equipped Canadian Armed Forces. He served as minister of supply and services in the Mulroney government in 1984-85 and was associate minister of defence 1985-86.

A tough but relentlessly cheerful government spokesman, he was appointed minister of consumer and corporate affairs (1986-89) as well as minister responsible for Canada Post Corp in 1987. Re-elected to the House of Commons in 1988, Harvie André was named Minister of Regional Industrial Expansion and Minister of State for Science (1989-90). On 6 March 1993 he announced his retirement from public life.