Hugh Austin Curtis

Hugh Austin Curtis (October 3, 1932 – May 27, 2014) was a Canadian politician who represented Saanich and the Islands in the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia from 1972 to 1986. Initially a Progressive Conservative member, he joined the Social Credit Party in 1974, and served in the cabinets of premiers Bill Bennett and Bill Vander Zalm. Prior to entering provincial politics, he served as municipal councillor and mayor of Saanich.

Biography He was born in Victoria, British Columbia, He was educated at Victoria High School, and at one point held a minority stake in the station. During that time, he oversaw the acquisition of parklands and establishment of three recreation centres. He crossed the floor to join the Social Credit Party (Socred) in 1974, and was re-elected in the 1975, 1979 and 1983 elections. He was re-assigned as Minister of Finance in November 1979, and served in that role for the remainder of the Bennett ministry.

He was awarded the Freeman of Saanich distinction in 2002. He died of cancer on May 27, 2014, at Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria.