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George Baker (politician)

The Honourable
George S. Baker
PC
Senator from Newfoundland and Labrador
Assumed office
March 26, 2002
Nominated by Jean Chrétien
Appointed by Adrienne Clarkson
Preceded by Raymond Squires
Member of Parliament for Gander—Grand Falls
In office
1988–2002
Succeeded by Rex Barnes
Minister of Veterans Affairs
In office
1999–2000
Preceded by Fred Mifflin
Succeeded by Ron Duhamel
Member of Parliament for Gander—Twillingate
In office
1974–1988
Preceded by John Lundrigane
Succeeded by First Member
Personal details
Born (1942-09-04) September 4, 1942 (age 74)
Newfoundland and Labrador
Political party Liberal (until 2014)
Independent Liberal
(2014-present)
Children Annelle Baker, Averill Baker, Eli Baker, Joscelyn Baker, Michael Baker, and granddaughter Annelle.
Occupation Canadian Senator
Religion United [1]

George S. Baker, PC (born September 4, 1942) is a Canadian politician and member of the Senate of Canada.

Baker was first elected to the House of Commons in the 1974 election as the Liberal Member of Parliament (MP) for Gander—Twillingate, in Newfoundland and Labrador. He was re-elected in every subsequent election (representing Gander—Grand Falls after 1988) until his appointment to the Senate by Governor General Adrienne Clarkson, on the recommendation of Prime Minister Jean Chrétien, in 2002.

Although a popular and articulate MP, he was hurt by the tradition of appointing no more than one Canadian Cabinet minister from Newfoundland at a time, and by his reputation as a maverick who said what he thought rather than what the party leadership would like him to say. Fred Mifflin's and Brian Tobin's appointments to cabinet following the 1993 election meant Baker had to remain on the backbench. Tobin's resignation from the cabinet to become Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador opened the way for Baker to be appointed as Minister of Veterans Affairs. But when Prime Minister Chrétien lured Tobin back to Ottawa for the 2000 election, Baker was removed from Cabinet. He was appointed to the Senate in 2002.


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