Article

Jack Horner

Published Online February 13, 2008

Last Edited December 16, 2013

John Henry Horner, "Jack," rancher, politician (b at Blaine Lk, Sask 20 July 1927). He has carved a controversial public career since his election to the House of Commons in 1958.

Horner, John Henry

John Henry Horner, "Jack," rancher, politician (b at Blaine Lk, Sask 20 July 1927). He has carved a controversial public career since his election to the House of Commons in 1958. Supported by his central Alberta constituency, Horner soon earned a reputation as a spokesman for Western farmers and as an arch-Conservative; later he was known as one of the "DIEFENBAKER cowboys." After his failure to gain the Tory leadership in 1976, Horner crossed the floor of the House on 20 Apr 1977 to become a Liberal and the next day was appointed minister without portfolio.

In Sept he became minister of industry, trade and commerce, but he was rejected by his constituents in the 1979 election. He was soon appointed to the board of the Canadian National Railways and from 1982 to 1984 was chairman of the board. He subsequently was administrator of the Prairie Grain Agency from 1984 to 1988.