Mitchell Sharp

Mitchell Sharp
Hon. Mitchell Sharp
Member of Parliament for Eglinton
In office 1963–1978
Preceded by	Donald Fleming
Succeeded by	Rob Parker
Personal details
Born	Mitchell William Sharp (1911-05-11)May 11, 1911 Winnipeg, Manitoba
Died	March 19, 2004(2004-03-19) (aged 92) Ottawa, Ontario
Political party	Liberal
Profession	Public servant

Mitchell William Sharp, PC, CC (May 11, 1911 – March 19, 2004) was a Canadian politician and a Companion of the Order of Canada, was most noted for his service as a Liberal Cabinet minister. He had, however, served in both private and public sectors during his long career.

Sharp was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He earned his BA from the University of Manitoba in 1934 and completed post-graduate work at that university and then at the London School of Economics. During this time, he worked as a writer focusing on the grain trade.

Sharp started his long career in public service in 1947 when he was offered the job as the director of the Department of Finance's Economic Policy Division. From 1951 to 1957, Sharp served as the Associate Deputy Minister of Trade and Commerce. During his tenure, he was responsible for international trade relations. Soon after, Sharp served a short term as the Deputy Minister of Trade and Commerce. He also proposed the Third Option.

In 1963, Mitchell Sharp was elected as a member of Parliament representing Eglinton. Shortly thereafter, he was assigned the portfolio of Minister of Trade and Commerce. From 1965 through 1968, Sharp was the Minister of Finance. Other ministerial positions held include Secretary of State for External Affairs (1968–1974), President of the Privy Council (1974–1978) and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons (1974–1978). Sharp resigned as a parliamentarian in 1978.