James Arthur Nielsen | |
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Member of the British Columbia Legislative Assembly for Richmond |
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In office December 11, 1975 – October 22, 1986 |
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Preceded by | Harold Steves |
Succeeded by |
Nick Loenen Bill Vander Zalm |
Personal details | |
Born |
Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan |
August 6, 1938
Political party | Social Credit |
Profession | Broadcaster |
James (Jim) Arthur Nielsen (born August 6, 1938) is a Canadian former politician. He served in the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia from 1975 to 1986, as a Social Credit member for the constituency of Richmond.
He was appointed to Cabinet as the first Minister of Environment. He then held the post of Consumer and Corporate Affairs, and became Minister of Health from 1981 - 1986 . He was given the additional duties as Minister of Human Resources for a period of time, which reflected the support he had from Premier Bill Bennett. He was considered "tough, but fair" by his supporters and critics alike. He was referred to as "The Fonz" by Premier Bill Bennett due to his hairdo and sideburns. After leaving office he became the Chairman of the Workers Compensation Board of British Columbia from 1987 until 1989.
Prior to entering politics he was a broadcaster for CFAX, CFUN & CJOR prior to entering politics. Nielsen also ran as a candidate for the Progressive Conservative Party in the 1974 Federal election for the riding of Burnaby—Seymour.