Eric Winkler

Eric Alfred Winkler (February 13, 1920 – March 18, 1995) was a politician in Ontario, Canada. He was a Progressive Conservative member of the House of Commons of Canada from 1957 to 1967 who represented the riding of Grey—Bruce. He was also a member of provincial parliament from 1967 to 1975 who represented the riding of Grey South. He served as a cabinet minister in the government of Bill Davis.

Background Born in Hanover, Ontario, he worked in a local furniture factory before joining the RCAF. He served as a flying officer during World War II, flying missions over Europe when he was shot down in 1942. He survived but was held as a prisoner of war until his release in 1945. When the war ended, he came home and opened Winkler Brothers Menswear. He and his wife Frances raised two sons and two daughters. When Bill Davis became Premier in March 1971 he named Winkler as Minister of Revenue to his new cabinet.

He was re-elected during the fall election in 1971. Early in 1972, he was named Minister of Financial and Commercial Affairs. In the fall of 1972 a minor cabinet shuffle saw Winkler moved to Chair of Management Board where he stayed for the next three years.

In the fall election in 1975 he was defeated for by Liberal candidate Bob McKessock by 298 votes.

Cabinet posts

Later life He served as a member of the Ontario Racing Commission in the 1980s. He died at home after a long illness. He was 75.