In a time of change and new beginnings in Ontario, Premier George Drew helped to build Ontario’s modern day economic engine and lay the foundation upon which it still runs upon today.

Drew was elected to lead a minority government in 1943. He would achieve a majority two years later just as the Second World War was drawing to an end. Drew, a veteran of the First World War who preferred to be known as ‘Colonel Drew’ for many of his years in political life, had become well known across Canada as a staunch critic of the federal Liberal government’s management of soldiers during the war.

As Canadian soldiers returned home from war, Ontario was presented with an opportunity for economic growth, but it faced many challenges in keeping pace with its North American competitors.

In 1948, Drew announced an ambitious $400 million plan to enhance Ontario Hydro’s electricity grid to bring it in line with surrounding jurisdictions. With the new electrical system, Drew could assure manufacturers and investors an unlimited power supply. He subsequently commissioned an enormous network of new highways and roads to encourage manufacturers to expand their businesses and invest in Ontario.

Knowing there would be a great demand for new skilled workers in Ontario, Drew set into motion an unprecedented program of low-cost charter flights between Canada and the British Isles to encourage immigration. The program is believed to have brought 20,000 workers to Ontario.

In addition to infrastructure improvements, Drew also invested in other ventures to ensure a better quality of life for Ontario families. Drew increased the government’s share for public education spending to 50 per cent from 15 per cent.

George Drew’s tenure as Premier lasted until the 1948 election. While his Party would go on to win a second straight majority, Drew lost his own seat in the Toronto riding of High Park.

Rather than seek a return to Queen’s Park, Drew chose to move on to the federal stage, where he led the Progressive Conservative Party in Ottawa for eight years until poor health forced him to resign in 1956. Some say Drew’s time as leader laid the foundation for his successor John Diefenbaker, who became the first conservative Prime Minister in 27 years just one year later.

What is certain is, as Premier of Ontario, he laid the foundation for a golden era for the provincial Progressive Conservatives and a modern and prosperous era for Ontario.