Honourary Degrees - Presentation - W.G. Davies
- A-6565
- Item
- May 1978
John G. Diefenbaker, University Chancellor, making presentation of an honourary Doctor of Laws degree to William G. Davies at spring Convocation held at Centennial Auditorium.
Bio/Historical Note: William Gwynne "Bill" Davies (1916-1999) was born in Indian Head, Saskatchewan, and moved to Regina with his family at the age of 7. Davies worked as an office boy at the Regina Daily Star. He was present at the Regina Riot of 1935, where he was tear gassed by police. During the 1940s he worked at the Swift Canadian slaughterhouse in Moose Jaw and helped organize the plant for the United Packinghouse Workers of America. Davies served on the Federal Wartime Labour Relations Board and the Saskatchewan Labour Relations Board. Davies was executive secretary for the Saskatchewan Federation of Labour for 25 years. From 1948-1956 he was a member of Moose Jaw City Council. Davies served in the provincial cabinet as Minister of Public Works and as Minister of Public Health. Medicare was introduced in Saskatchewan while he held the Public Health portfolio. Davies published a book of poetry called The Buffalo Stone. He also researched and wrote a history of the Saskatchewan trade union movement in partnership with Murray Cotterill. In 1975 Davies was named a member in the Order of Canada.