Jean Corbeil, Canadian lawyer and politician, 29th Canadian Minister of Labour (d. 2002)

Jean Corbeil (January 7, 1934 – June 25, 2002) was a distinguished Canadian politician and public servant whose career spanned both municipal and federal levels of government, leaving a notable mark on Canadian public life.

Early Life and Municipal Leadership in Anjou

Born in Montreal, Quebec, Jean Corbeil began his impactful political journey at the local level. He served as the mayor of the city of Anjou for an extensive period, from 1973 to 1988. During his 15-year tenure, Anjou was an independent municipality located on the island of Montreal, before it was officially merged into the larger City of Montreal as a borough in 2002. As mayor, Corbeil played a pivotal role in the development and governance of Anjou, overseeing local services, urban planning, and community initiatives that shaped the daily lives of its residents.

National Recognition in Municipal Affairs

Corbeil's influence extended beyond the borders of Anjou. From 1987 to 1988, he notably served a term as the chairman of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM). The FCM is the national voice of Canadian municipal governments, dedicated to improving the quality of life in Canadian communities by advocating for their interests to the federal government. His leadership at the FCM demonstrated his commitment to municipal advocacy on a national scale, representing the collective concerns and priorities of cities and towns across Canada.

Transition to Federal Politics and Cabinet Roles

In 1988, Jean Corbeil successfully transitioned from municipal to federal politics, demonstrating his versatility and broader political ambitions. In the significant 1988 federal election, he was elected to the House of Commons of Canada, representing the federal electoral district of Anjou—Rivière-des-Prairies. He ran under the banner of the Progressive Conservative Party of Canada, which, at the time, was led by Prime Minister Brian Mulroney and won its second consecutive majority government in that election.

Serving in the Federal Cabinet

Corbeil quickly rose through the ranks, earning a place in the federal Cabinet, a testament to his capabilities and experience. He served under two Prime Ministers, Brian Mulroney and his successor, Kim Campbell, holding key ministerial portfolios:

Post-Cabinet Career and Political Campaigns

Jean Corbeil's distinguished career in federal politics concluded with electoral defeats in the subsequent federal elections. In the 1993 federal election, a pivotal moment in Canadian political history, the Progressive Conservative Party suffered a historic defeat, reduced to only two seats in the House of Commons from a majority government. This widespread rejection of the ruling party led to Corbeil's defeat in his riding. He made another attempt to re-enter federal politics in the 1997 federal election but was again unsuccessful, marking the end of his career as an elected federal politician.

Frequently Asked Questions About Jean Corbeil

Who was Jean Corbeil?
Jean Corbeil was a Canadian politician who served as mayor of Anjou, chairman of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, and a federal Member of Parliament and Cabinet Minister under Prime Ministers Brian Mulroney and Kim Campbell.
What were Jean Corbeil's key roles in the Canadian government?
He held significant federal Cabinet positions including Minister of Labour (1989-1991), Minister of State (Transport) (1990-1991), and Minister of Transport (1991-1993).
When was Jean Corbeil mayor of Anjou?
Jean Corbeil served as mayor of the city of Anjou, Quebec, from 1973 to 1988.
What is the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM)?
The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) is the national association that represents and advocates for the interests of Canadian municipalities at the federal level.