 W-MCP7-1.151 TO THOMAS MCQUESTEN from George Drew, Conservative Premier of Ontario
Aug 11 1944
To: T.B. McQuesten, Chairman of the Niagara Parks Commission, 41 Jackson Street, Ontario.
From: George A. Drew, Conservative Premier of Ontario. Parliament Buildings, Toronto, Ontario.
ONTARIO EMBLEM
Office of The Prime Minister & President of the Council
Toronto 2,
August 11, 1944.
Hon. T.B. McQuesten, K.C.,
41 Jackson Street,
Hamilton, Ontario
Dear Mr. McQuesten:
In accepting your resignation as Chairman of the Niagara Parks Commission, I wish to express the appreciation of the Government of Ontario for the time you have given to this valuable public service.
I hope that you will still feel free to offer any suggestions and to give us the value of your experience although not officially connected with the Niagara Parks Commission.
As I already explained to you in an earlier letter, it was felt to be necessary for the efficient functioning of the Commission that the Chairman be a member of the Government.1
With kindest regards, believe me,
Yours very sincerely,
George Drew
1 Drew is referring to his letter of May 4th which prompted Thomas' resignation as Chairman (W-MCP7-1.148, W-MCP7-1.150).
This letter is best understood within the context of several other documents and letters and within the context of the political climate of the time which led to Chairman, T.B. McQuesten's, resignation from the Niagara Parks Commission: McQuesten was a Liberal and George Drew was the newly elected Progressive Conservative Premier of Ontario.
Nov 5 1943,W-MCP7-1.146, George Drew, attempts to force T.B. McQuesten to resign as Chairman of the Parks Commission with various threats, one of which criticizes T.B. for the handling of the work at Niagara without considering the labour that will be needed in the post war era. He also threatens an audit of all of the Commissioners.
Feb 19 1944, W-MCP7-1.170 Two months later, a report on Post War Work is drawn up by Maxim Gray, General Manager It is a very thorough document about the work being planned for post war work at Niagara. It appears to have been compiled combining the details of several discussions underway at the Niagara Parks Commission. Its presentation at this time and its thoroughness may have been prompted by George Drew's letter to T.B. McQuesten questioning his handling of the work at Niagara on several counts and in view of consideration of the post war work that will be necessary. The report also notes in several places that these items have been under discussion for some time which suggests that T.B. McQuesten has already planned for this problem.
May 4 1944, W-MCP7-1.148. Drew asks for the resignation of the Chairman and the Commissioners because they are not members of the govt.
May 20 1944, W-MCP7-1.150, T.B. McQuesten resigns as Chairman of the Niagara Parks Commission.
Aug 11 1944, W-MCP7-1.151. Drew accepts McQuesten's resignation but also suggests that T.B. might be willing to share his experience with the new commission.
For more about T.B. McQuesten's issues with politics, search on the "Carillon Controversy |
