William Alexander Blaikie
1951 – 2022 – Inducted in 2023
Category of Political Life
William (Bill) Alexander Blaikie was born and raised in Transcona, where he continued to live and raise his family in the community.
Bill served as a member of Parliament from 1979 to 2008, representing Elmwood-Transcona and its former ridings in the House of Commons. Following his retirement from federal politics, he was a member of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba from 2009 until 2011, during which time he served as Minister of Conservation.
Bill was a tireless advocate throughout his political life for the people of Transcona. He worked with all levels of government to bring resources and improvements to the community – many initiatives that continue to have an impact on the community today. He played a role in the creation of the Transcona bio-reserve, as well as advocating for the preservation of the local 2747 locomotive on Plessis Avenue. He was actively involved in the early initiatives to save the Scout Hall and maintained a relationship with the Transcona scouting community.
Bill helped advocate for the conversion of Maple Leaf Community Club to be the Transcona Seniors Centre, improve healthcare for the community at large, maintain and enhance work opportunities particularly at the CNR yards, even going so far one time to fight to ensure that a “food desert” did not occur in the West End of Transcona by organizing a rally to save a grocery store at Regent Park Shopping Centre. Bill was also involved in the Legion apartment building on Victoria Avenue, again with the goal of caring and providing for seniors in our community.
He also worked with thousands of constituents of Transcona over the years to try and resolve problems they were having, big or small. He was also successful in advocating for veterans, working with local Hong Kong veterans and Dieppe veterans for the recognition they so richly deserved.
Bill has received many awards and acknowledgments during his life, most notably he was appointed to the Order of Canada in 2020 for his lifelong contributions to parliamentary service and for his steadfast commitment to progressive change and social activism.