A Lifetime of Good Memories Tracking Politics

By Carl Henry Ingebertson

Brampton West has a long, rich history of political involvement that continues to this day. It may be hard to believe, but Brampton hasn’t always been friendly to Liberals. As one octogenarian said recently, “there was a time when Liberals could hold their meetings in a phone booth.”

The Conservative Federal Party was in power in this historic rural riding covering Peel County from 1896 until 1962. Among the Liberal candidates who ran unsuccessfully during this period was: Billy Lowe, car dealer George Farr, Mrs. Houck, a leader in the Women’s’ Institute; and finally Al Omara, a lawyer in South Peel.

In 1962, Bruce Beer, a well-known agricultural representative for Peel County, took great pride in unseating the Progressive Conservatives to become the first Liberal the riding had sent to the House of Commons since 1896. I vividly recall the well-attended nomination meeting, held at Brampton’s Central Peel Secondary School. For the record, Jim Beatty (lawyer) and Erle MacInnis (Air Canada pilot) moved and seconded the motion that ultimately chose Bruce Beer as our Liberal candidate for Peel County. Bruce’s worthy opponent, Mr. Al Omara, stormed from the meeting with his Port Credit supporters. As good Liberals we understood, because this fine gentleman had run and lost the two previous Federal Elections.

Bruce Beer first served capably for Prime Minister Lester Pearson, who appointed him as Secretary to both Agricultural Minister Joe Greene and Finance Minister Mitchell Sharpe. Ironically, Bruce’s advancement suffered when Trudeau appeared on the scene in 1968. Bruce’s fortunes faded into the background because he chose to support Bob Winter over Pierre Trudeau in the leadership campaign. Bruce undoubtedly would have been offered the position of Minister of Agriculture, because of his background.

In 1972 Bruce decided not to run, after four terms in office without defeat, and accepted the position of Citizenship Court Judge. Mr. Beer passed away on January 12, 1998 at the age of 87.

The next Liberal candidate for our area was elected in 1972 in the person of Ross Milne, a local President and Professional Engineer. Ross had rural roots formerly in Mount Forest and was married to Lorna Dennison, daughter of a former Mayor of Toronto.

During Ross Milne’s period in office the boundaries of Peel Region enlarged and included parts of Dufferin and Simcoe Counties. Mr. Milne’s chief opponents became initially Mr. Ellwood Madill (Orangeville) and later Mr. John McDermid (Brampton), both Conservatives. Ross eventually defeated by John McDermid during the Prime Minister Brian Mulroney era.

In 1993 Canadians welcomed, not only, Liberal Prime Minister John Chretien but also locally, Colleen Beaumier, whom we nominated and elected over Conservative candidate Susan Fennel in the newly formed riding of Brampton West. Currently, Colleen is the longest serving Liberal Member of Parliament within Peel Region.

Speaking from the heart, I have so many good memories, working with so many dedicated Liberals over the past 50 years. One of the best bagmen I ever shared time with was Norm Emmot, whose wife Pat (new deceased) was equally dedicated to the task at hand. We were truly a team and a working force that got the job done.

Years ago, someone laid this trend of thinking on me for what it was worth: Strong willed people with a purpose in life, often start out as Socialists, wanting to change the world; then eventually awaken to become a conscientious Liberals; then after becoming successful, turn into Conservatives to protect their financial accomplishments…

I am still a very happy Liberal camper and will remain so until the end.

Editor’s Note:

Carl Ingebertson, a Brampton resident since 1951, has been a staunch supporter of the Liberal Party and a tireless campaigner who has made a significant contribution to the Party and the community.

Jump to top