History of David Peterson in Timeline

David Robert Peterson is a Canadian lawyer and former politician, most notably serving as the 20th Premier of Ontario from 1985 to 1990. His premiership marked the end of a long period of Conservative rule in Ontario, as he was the first Liberal premier in 42 years. He is notable for ending the 'Tory dynasty' in the province.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

1913: Birth of Clarence Marwin Peterson and Laura Marie Scott

In 1913, both Clarence Marwin Peterson and Laura Marie Scott, who are David Peterson's parents, were born.

1936: Clarence Peterson Living in Toronto

In 1936, Clarence Peterson was living in Toronto and working as a salesman for Union Carbide.

1941: Birth of Jim Peterson

In 1941, Jim Peterson, David Peterson's brother, was born.

December 28, 1943: David Peterson Born

On December 28, 1943, David Robert Peterson was born. He later became a Canadian lawyer and politician, serving as the 20th premier of Ontario.

1943: Historical reference to seat loss

In 1943, there was a 48-seat loss that began the Tories' long rule over the province. This was mentioned in comparison with the 59-seat loss in 1990.

1944: Establishment of C.M. Peterson Co. Ltd

In 1944, Clarence Peterson established a wholesale electronics business called C.M. Peterson Co. Ltd.

1955: Clarence Peterson runs in Ontario general election

In 1955, Clarence Peterson ran as the Ontario Liberal Party candidate in the Ontario general election in London North, losing to John Robarts.

1963: Clarence Peterson runs as a federal Liberal candidate

In 1963, Clarence Peterson ran as a federal Liberal candidate in London.

1969: Called to the Bar

In 1969, David Peterson was called to the bar.

1974: Marriage to Shelley Matthews

In 1974, David Peterson married actress Shelley Matthews.

1975: Elected as MPP for London Centre

In 1975, David Peterson was elected as the Liberal Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) for London Centre.

January 25, 1976: Leadership bid

On January 25, 1976, David Peterson campaigned for the leadership of the Liberal Party following Robert Nixon's resignation, narrowly losing to Stuart Smith.

1977: Re-elected in Provincial Election

In 1977, David Peterson was re-elected in the provincial election.

1980: Made a Queen's Counsel

In 1980, David Peterson was made a Queen's Counsel.

1981: Re-elected in Provincial Election

In 1981, David Peterson was re-elected in the provincial election.

1981: Party Debt Payoff

In 1981, David Peterson worked to pay off the party's debt from the 1981 election.

February 21, 1982: Won Liberal Leadership

On February 21, 1982, David Peterson won the Liberal leadership on the second ballot, defeating Sheila Copps with 55% of the vote. He then aimed to move the party to the 'vibrant middle, the radical centre'.

1982: Runs for Liberal leadership again

In 1982, David Peterson ran again for the Liberal leadership after Smith resigned.

1984: Political Shifts

In 1984, J. Earl McEwen crossed the floor to join the Tories, and four senior MPPs quit provincial politics to run for the federal Liberal government.

June 18, 1985: Defeat of Miller's Government

On June 18, 1985, Miller's government was defeated by the Liberals and NDP when Bob Rae introduced a motion of no confidence.

1985: Became Premier of Ontario

In 1985, David Peterson became the 20th Premier of Ontario, marking the first Liberal officeholder in 42 years.

1985: Election and Minority Government

In 1985, David Peterson's Liberals won a narrow plurality of the popular vote, resulting in a minority government with 48 seats.

1985: Liberal party as a challenger

In 1985, Peterson's Liberal party was regarded as a challenger.

1987: Electoral victory and criticism

After a massive electoral victory in 1987, Peterson's Liberal party faced criticism from media and special interest groups, including teachers' unions and environmental groups, due to high expectations and perceived lack of strong opposition from PC and NDP parties. Protests against Peterson occurred throughout the campaign.

1987: Majority Government Win

In 1987, after the expiration of the Liberal-NDP Accord, the Liberals won the second-largest majority government in Ontario's history, taking 95 seats out of 130.

1987: PC Party broke

In 1987, the PC Party was broke after the election

1988: Opposition to Free Trade

In 1988, Peterson was a vocal opponent of free trade with the United States.

June 24, 1989: Judicial Inquiry Ordered

On June 24, 1989, Premier Peterson ordered a judicial inquiry be set up to investigate the Patti Starr affair, a scandal involving improper diversion of funds.

1989: Fiscal Prudence

In 1989, the Liberal government of Ontario, under the management of Treasurer Robert Nixon, demonstrated fiscal prudence.

January 1990: Ontario Court of Appeal Dismisses Request

In January 1990, the Ontario Court of Appeal dismissed Patti Starr's request to quash the judicial inquiry into her affairs.

May 1990: PC Leadership Contest

In May 1990, the PC Party, anticipating an early election, held their leadership contest with a membership vote.

September 6, 1990: NDP victory and Peterson's defeat

On September 6, 1990, the NDP achieved a significant victory, securing 74 seats. Peterson lost his seat to NDP candidate Marion Boyd in London Centre. The Liberal caucus was decimated, and Peterson resigned as Liberal leader.

1990: End of Premiership

In 1990, David Peterson's term as the 20th Premier of Ontario came to an end.

1990: Economic Recession in Ontario

In 1990, Ontario faced a weakening North American economy and declining productivity levels, impacting the Peterson government's reputation for fiscal competence.

1990: Balanced Budget Introduced

In 1990, the Liberal government was able to introduce a balanced budget for 1989–1990, following several years of deficit spending.

1991: Impending Recession

In 1991, pundits warned Peterson about calling an election in the middle of a deep recession

1991: Director at Rogers Communications

Since 1991, Peterson has been a director at Rogers Communications.

1992: Appointed to the Queen's Privy Council for Canada

In 1992, David Peterson was appointed to the Queen's Privy Council for Canada by Brian Mulroney.

1999: Controversy with YBM Magnex

In 1999, Peterson was involved in controversy due to his membership on the board of YBM Magnex, which had links to the Russian mafia. He maintained his unawareness of illegal activities.

2003: Election of Deb Matthews and Tim Peterson

In 2003, Deb Matthews, David Peterson's sister-in-law, and Tim Peterson, his brother, were elected to the Ontario legislature.

2003: Chief negotiator for federal government

In 2003, Peterson was contracted by the federal government to be its chief negotiator in talks with the government of the Northwest Territories and aboriginal leaders to transfer federal powers over lands and resources.

2004: Report in The Globe and Mail

A 2004 report from The Globe and Mail newspaper noted that Peterson was chastened by his experience with YBM Magnex, and had become a more cautious director since that time.

May 2005: Stronach defection to the Liberal Party

In May 2005, Peterson played a crucial role in persuading Belinda Stronach, a federal Conservative MP, to cross the floor to the ruling Liberal Party. Her defection was critical to the survival of Paul Martin's government.

July 1, 2006: Chancellor of the University of Toronto

On July 1, 2006, Peterson served as Chancellor of the University of Toronto.

2006: Board of Shoppers Drug Mart

In 2006, Peterson was named to the board of Shoppers Drug Mart at the time of the firm's acquisition by Loblaws.

2006: Support for Michael Ignatieff

In 2006, after Martin resigned, Peterson planned to support Frank McKenna but backed Michael Ignatieff instead, criticizing Bob Rae's entry into the race due to Rae's record as premier.

2007: Re-election of Deb Matthews

In 2007, Deb Matthews was re-elected in the Ontario legislature.

2009: Death of Clarence Marwin Peterson

In 2009, Clarence Marwin Peterson, David Peterson's father, passed away.

2009: Became a Member of the Order of Ontario

In 2009, David Peterson became a member of the Order of Ontario.

2011: Re-election of Deb Matthews

In 2011, Deb Matthews was re-elected in the Ontario legislature.

June 30, 2012: End of term as Chancellor

On June 30, 2012, Peterson's second term as Chancellor of the University of Toronto ended.

September 2013: Chair of Toronto 2015 Pan American Games

In September 2013, Peterson was appointed chair of the Toronto 2015 Pan American Games Organizing Committee.

2014: Re-election of Deb Matthews

In 2014, Deb Matthews was re-elected in the Ontario legislature.

2015: Death of Laura Marie Scott

In 2015, Laura Marie Scott, David Peterson's mother, passed away.

2015: Sexual harassment lawsuit

In 2015, Peterson was sued for alleged sexual harassment of a female Pan Am games manager. He denied any wrongdoing.

May 26, 2020: NordStar Capital's proposal to acquire TorStar

On May 26, 2020, NordStar Capital, including Peterson, announced a proposal to acquire TorStar Corporation for C$52-million.

August 2020: Acquisition of TorStar approved

By early August 2020, the bid to acquire TorStar was improved to $60 million and was approved by courts and shareholders.

2024: Chair of Torstar

As of 2024, Peterson is chair of Torstar, the publisher of the Toronto Star.

2024: Death of Jim Peterson

In 2024, Jim Peterson, David Peterson's brother, passed away.

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