Bob Andras

Robert Knight "Bob" Andras (February 21, 1921 -November 17, 1982) was a Canadian politician and businessman who served in multiple cabinet posts under Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau.

He was born February 21, 1921, in Lachine, Quebec. Andras moved to Port Arthur, Ontario in 1958 as the general manager of Gibson Motors Ltd., a car dealership he assumed ownership of in 1960.

Andras first ran for Parliament in 1965, contesting C. D. Howe’s old riding of Port Arthur, and won. He first entered government as a Minister without Portfolio from 1968 to 1971. His subsequent appointments include Minister of State for Urban Affairs from 1971 to 1972, Minister of Consumer and Corporate Affairs in 1972, Minister of Manpower and Immigration from 1972 to 1976, President of the Treasury Board from 1976 to 1978, and Minister of State for Economic Development from 1978 to 1979.

As Minister without Portfolio from 1968 to 1971, Andras started collaborating with the Minister of Northern Affairs, Jean Chrétien, to shape future Indian policy. During the summer of 1968, he attended consultation meetings with Aboriginal representatives. Aboriginal people felt that Andras understood their issues and would make a difference in Indian policy compared to previous bureaucratic rhetoric. However, Andras did not have the opportunity to push the agenda forward.

Andras retired from politics in 1979 and re-entered the business world. He died of cancer on November 17, 1982, at his home in Vancouver.