Robert Allen (Ontario politician)

Robert Aloysius Allen (April 21, 1888 – August 21, 1969) was a Canadian businessman and politician in Ontario. He was a Liberal member in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario from 1934 to 1937 who represented the downtown Toronto riding of Riverdale.[1]

Robert Allen
Ontario MPP
In office 1934–1937
Preceded by	George Oakley
Succeeded by	William Summerville
Constituency	Riverdale
Personal details
Born	April 21, 1888 England
Died	August 21, 1969 (aged 81) Toronto, Ontario
Political party	Liberal
Spouse(s)	Julien McDonnell (m. 1919-1951)
Children	2
Occupation	Businessman

Background

The son of William Allen and Mary Badger, he came to Canada in 1904. In 1919, Allen married Julien McDonnell, the daughter of Randall McDonnell. Together, they raised two sons. His elder son, William, later served as Metro Toronto Chairman. Allen was president of Allen Drugs Ltd.

Politics

Allen served on Toronto city council from 1927 to 1930, and in 1933.[2] He ran unsuccessfully for the Toronto East seat in the Canadian House of Commons in 1930 as a Liberal, losing to Conservative Edmond Baird Ryckman.[1][3]

In the 1934 provincial election, he ran as the Liberal candidate in the riding of Riverdale. He defeated incumbent Conservative candidate George Oakley by 584 votes.[4] He served as a backbench supporter of Premier Mitchell Hepburn. In the 1937 election, he was defeated by Conservative candidate William Summerville by 2,654 votes.[5]

References

1. Normandin, A L (1937). Canadian Parliamentary Guide.
2. "Robert A. Allen: East End politician became Liberal MPP". The Globe and Mail. August 22, 1969. p. 5.
3. "Toronto East, Ontario (1867 - 1935)". History of Federal Ridings since 1867. Parliament of Canada.
4. "Detailed Election Results". The Globe. Toronto. 1934-06-21. p. 3.
5. "Ontario Voted By Ridings". The Toronto Daily Star. Toronto. 1937-10-07. p. 5.

External links

• Ontario Legislative Assembly parliamentary history (archived)