Introduction
Douglas Charles Abbott, PC (May 29, 1899 – March 15, 1987) was a Canadian Member of Parliament, federal Cabinet Minister, and justice of the Supreme Court of Canada. Abbott's appointment directly from the Cabinet of Canada as Finance Minister to the Supreme Court is considered one of the most controversial in the Supreme Court's history.
Early life
Abbott was born in Lennoxville, Quebec (now Sherbrooke, Quebec). He attended Bishop's University, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts.He then attended McGill Law School, but interrupted his studies to sign up for service overseas, in 1916.Returning from the Great War, he completed his legal studies, earning his Bachelor of Civil Law.He then went to France to attend the Université de Dijon.Returning to Canada, he was called to the Barreau du Québec in 1921 and practised law in Montreal with the firm of Fleet, Phelan, Fleet & Le Mesurier.
Political career
Abbott successfully stood for election to the House of Commons in 1940, and remained a member of the House for fourteen years.A member of the Liberal Party of Canada, Abbott served as both Minister of National Defence (1945-46) and Minister of Finance (1946-54).
Supreme Court justice
He was appointed to the Supreme Court of Canada on July 1, 1954 and served as Puisne Justice until December 23, 1973.
Abbott was appointed to the court directly from the Liberal Party of Canada's Cabinet, where he had served the previous 7 years as Finance Minister. The appointment is considered one of the most controversial in the history of the Supreme Court. It was the first appointment directly from cabinet since the 1911 appointment of Louis-Philippe Brodeur. As of 2020, Abbott was the last Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada appointed directly to the Court from the Cabinet of Canada, and the last Justice to have held elected office prior to his appointment.
Parliamentary seats
House of Commons
- 16 May 1940 – 16 April 1945: St. Antoine—Westmount, Quebec
- 6 September 1945 – 30 April 1949: St. Antoine—Westmount, Quebec
- 15 September 1949 – 13 June 1953: St. Antoine—Westmount, Quebec
- 12 November 1953 – 30 June 1954: Saint-Antoine—Westmount, Quebec
Parliamentary functions
Ministry
- 18 April 1945 – 11 December 1946: Minister of National Defence for Naval Services
- 21 August 1945 – 11 December 1946: Minister of National Defence
- 10 December 1946 – 30 June 1954: Minister of Finance and Receiver General
Parliamentary Secretary
- 1 April 1943 – 7 March 1945: Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Finance
- 8 March 1945 – 16 April 1945: Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of National Defence