Douglas Harkness

Douglas Scott Harkness, (March 29, 1903 – May 2, 1999), was a Canadian politician, teacher, farmer and former Lieutenant Colonel in the Royal Canadian Artillery.

He was born in Toronto, Ontario and moved to Calgary, Alberta in 1929. He graduated from the University of Alberta, then farmed and taught school in the vicinity of Red Deer. He taught at Crescent Heights High School until 1939.

He fought during the Second World War and in 1943 was awarded the George Medal "in recognition of conspicuous gallantry in carrying out hazardous work in a very brave manner".

In 1945, he was elected to the House of Commons for the constituency of Calgary East and held various ministerial positions under the government of John Diefenbaker. He was sworn into the Queen's Privy Council for Canada on June 21, 1957.

He lived in Calgary until his death in 1999.

In 1978 he was made an Officer of the Order of Canada. The Douglas Harkness Community School in Calgary is named in his honour.

Parliamentary functions

 * Minister of Agriculture (Acting), (1957.06.21 - 1957.08.06)
 * Minister of Northern Affairs and National Resources, (1957.06.21 - 1957.08.18)
 * Minister of Agriculture, (1957.08.07 - 1960.10.10)
 * Minister of National Defence, (1960.10.11 - 1963.02.03)