Sidney Robert Blair

Sidney Robert Blair (Bob), CC, industrialist (born 13 August 1929 in Port of Spain Trinidad; died 18 April 2009 in Vancouver, BC).

Career

Sidney Robert Blair rose to national prominence in 1977 when his Alaska Highway pipeline proposal defeated a powerful consortium of large oil and gas companies sponsoring a Mackenzie Valley pipeline. A champion of Canadian-owned and western-based industries, Blair traced his nationalistic roots to schooling in the US and 10 years with the Canadian subsidiary of an American gas company.

Under his aggressive leadership, NOVA (formerly Alberta Gas Trunk Line) grew rapidly in the 1970s by diversifying into gas marketing, petrochemicals, manufacturing and resource development. Blair retired in 1992. A long-time supporter of the Liberal party, Blair made an unsuccessful bid for a seat in the House of Commons for the Liberals in 1993. A former member of the board of directors of the Parkland Institute, he was vocal in the support of social and human rights issues, particularly in the role of business and the wealthy.