Robert de Cotret, Canadian economist and politician, 56th Secretary of State for Canada (d. 1999)

Robert René de Cotret, born on February 20, 1944, and passing away on July 9, 1999, was a distinguished Canadian politician whose career spanned pivotal moments in late 20th-century Canadian federal politics. Known for his keen intellect and administrative prowess, de Cotret served in various high-profile ministerial roles, leaving a lasting mark on the Progressive Conservative party and the nation.

Early Life and Entry into Federal Politics

Before stepping onto the federal political stage, Robert de Cotret honed his leadership skills as the President and CEO of The Conference Board of Canada from 1976 to 1978. This role, leading an independent research organization focused on socio-economic policy, provided him with a deep understanding of Canada's economic landscape and public policy challenges. His transition into electoral politics came swiftly thereafter. In 1978, he successfully contested a by-election for the federal riding of Ottawa Centre, securing a seat in the House of Commons of Canada as a Progressive Conservative Member of Parliament (MP). His election was particularly notable because he was one of a relatively small number of francophone MPs within the Tory caucus, making him a valuable voice for French-Canadian perspectives within the party.

The Shifting Tides: From Clark's Minority to Mulroney's Majority

The 1979 general election brought a Progressive Conservative victory, led by Joe Clark, but de Cotret unfortunately lost his seat. However, Clark's minority government was in urgent need of French-Canadian Cabinet ministers to ensure regional and linguistic representation. Recognizing de Cotret's capabilities and his francophone background, Prime Minister Clark appointed him to the prestigious Senate of Canada. Concurrently, de Cotret was brought into the Cabinet as the Minister of Industry, Trade and Commerce, a significant portfolio tasked with steering Canada's economic and international trade policies during a period of global economic shifts. This was a testament to his perceived talent and the strategic importance of francophone representation in government. The life of a minority government, however, proved short-lived. When Clark's government faced defeat in a motion of non-confidence, a new federal election was called for February 18, 1980. Demonstrating his commitment to serving in the elected chamber, de Cotret resigned his Senate seat to run for the House of Commons once more, this time in the riding of Berthier—Maskinongé. Despite his efforts, he was defeated in the 1980 election, a loss that mirrored the broader defeat of the Clark government.

De Cotret's political fortunes, like those of his party, dramatically reversed in the 1984 election. With Brian Mulroney leading the Progressive Conservatives to a historic majority government, Robert de Cotret was successfully re-elected to the House of Commons. Mulroney quickly recognized de Cotret's experience and appointed him to Cabinet as President of the Treasury Board. This crucial role involved overseeing government spending and administrative policy, demanding meticulous fiscal management and strategic planning. His influence continued to grow, and in 1987, de Cotret transitioned to become the Minister of Regional Industrial Expansion, a portfolio focused on fostering economic development across Canada's diverse regions. In 1989, he reassumed the demanding Treasury Board portfolio, showcasing his deep understanding of government finance. His final years in Cabinet saw him take on increasingly broad responsibilities, serving as Minister of the Environment in 1990, where he addressed pressing ecological concerns, and then as Secretary of State for Canada in 1991, a role overseeing cultural policy, official languages, and federal institutions. Robert de Cotret retired from Cabinet in January 1993 and chose not to seek re-election in the subsequent 1993 federal election, bringing a distinguished and varied political career to a close.

Frequently Asked Questions about Robert René de Cotret

Who was Robert René de Cotret?
Robert René de Cotret was a prominent Canadian politician who served in the House of Commons and the Senate, holding several key Cabinet positions under Prime Ministers Joe Clark and Brian Mulroney.
What political party did Robert de Cotret belong to?
He was a member of the Progressive Conservative Party of Canada throughout his political career.
What were some of his significant Cabinet roles?
De Cotret held several important portfolios, including Minister of Industry, Trade and Commerce; President of the Treasury Board; Minister of Regional Industrial Expansion; Minister of the Environment; and Secretary of State for Canada.
When was Robert de Cotret first elected to the House of Commons?
He was first elected as an MP in a 1978 by-election for the riding of Ottawa Centre.
Why was he appointed to the Senate by Joe Clark?
Prime Minister Joe Clark appointed de Cotret to the Senate and Cabinet in 1979 after de Cotret lost his House of Commons seat, primarily because Clark's minority government needed experienced francophone ministers to ensure adequate representation.