The Honourable Douglas Abbott PC |
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Member of the Canadian Parliament for Saint-Antoine—Westmount |
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In office 1940–1954 |
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Preceded by | Robert Smeaton White |
Succeeded by | George Carlyle Marler |
Puisne Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada | |
In office July 1, 1954 – December 23, 1973 |
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Nominated by | Louis St. Laurent |
Preceded by | Patrick Kerwin |
Succeeded by | Louis-Philippe de Grandpré |
Personal details | |
Born |
Douglas Charles Abbott May 29, 1899 Lennoxville, Quebec |
Died | March 15, 1987 | (aged 87)
Political party | Liberal |
Children | Anthony Abbott |
Alma mater | Bishop's University, McGill Law School, Université de Dijon |
Profession | Lawyer |
Cabinet | Minister of National Defence for Naval Services (1945-1946) Minister of National Defence (1945-1946) Minister of Finance and Receiver General(1946-1954) |
Religion | Anglican |
Douglas Charles Abbott, PC (May 29, 1899 – March 15, 1987) was a Canadian Member of Parliament, federal Cabinet Minister, and justice of the Supreme Court of Canada. Abbott's appointment directly from the Cabinet of Canada as Finance Minister to the Supreme Court is considered one of the most controversial in the Supreme Court's history.
Abbott was born in Lennoxville, Quebec. He attended Bishop's University, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts. He then attended McGill Law School, but interrupted his studies to sign up for service overseas, in 1916. Returning from the Great War, he completed his legal studies, earning his Bachelor of Civil Law. He then went to France to attend the Université de Dijon. Returning to Canada, he was called to the Barreau du Québec in 1921 and practised law in Montreal with the firm of Fleet, Phelan, Fleet & Le Mesurier.
Abbott successfully stood for election to the House of Commons in 1940, and remained a member of the House for fourteen years. A member of the Liberal Party of Canada, Abbott served as both Minister of National Defence and Minister of Finance.
He was appointed to the Supreme Court of Canada on July 1, 1954 and served as Puisne Justice until December 23, 1973.