Robert Layton

For the English special effects designer, see R. T. Layton.
The Honourable
Robert Layton
PC, MP
Minister of State for Mines
In office
1984–1986
Member of the Canadian Parliament
for Lachine
In office
1984–1988
Preceded by Roderick Blaker
Succeeded by Riding abolished
Member of the Canadian Parliament
for Lachine—Lac-Saint-Louis
In office
1988–1993
Preceded by Riding established
Succeeded by Clifford Lincoln
Personal details
Born Robert Edward John Layton
December 25, 1925
Montreal, Quebec
Died May 9, 2002 (aged 76)
Montreal, Quebec
Resting place Wyman United Church, Hudson, Quebec
Nationality Canadian
Political party Progressive Conservative Party of Canada
Spouse(s) Doris Elizabeth Steeves
Children Jack Layton
Residence Montreal, Quebec
Alma mater McGill University
Occupation Politician
Profession business consultant
Religion United Church of Canada

Robert Edward John "Bob" Layton, PC (December 25, 1925 May 9, 2002) was a Canadian politician.

Early career

Robert Layton was born in Montreal, the son of Norah Lestelle (née England) and former Quebec cabinet minister Gilbert Layton. He graduated from McGill University in 1947. He spent much of his professional career running an engineering consulting business in Montreal, Quebec.

He became a political activist for the Liberal Party of Canada, running unsuccessfully in 1972 for the party's nomination for a seat in the Canadian House of Commons for the riding of Vaudreuil.

Member of Parliament

In the 1980s, he joined the Progressive Conservative Party of Canada, and was elected to the Federal Parliament in the 1984 election from the Quebec riding of Lachine, covering suburban communities on the west end of the island of Montreal. He was elected in the general elections of 1984 and 1988, and served as Minister of State for Mines in the federal cabinet of Prime Minister Brian Mulroney from 1984 to 1986, after which he served as National Caucus Chairman until 1993 when he decided to retire from politics after being diagnosed with prostate cancer.

Family

Layton married Doris Elizabeth Steeves, a grand-niece of Father of Confederation William Steeves.

Robert Layton had four children (three sons and a daughter) as well as six grandchildren. His eldest son, Jack Layton, became a leader of the federal New Democratic Party and Leader of the Official Opposition in the House of Commons. His other sons are Rob Layton Jr. and Dave Layton. He is the grandfather of Toronto City Councillor Mike Layton.

Layton died in Montreal and is buried at the Layton family plot in Hudson, Quebec. Some of his son Jack's ashes were scattered at the family plot.

External links