Frank Miller (premier of Ontario)

Frank Miller (premier of Ontario)

Frank Miller (1927-2000) was a politician and briefly Premier of Ontario in 1995. Miller had a successful career as a professional engineer, car dealer and resort operator before entering politics in 1967 as a member of Muskoka's town council. In 1971 he was elected to the Ontario legislature as an MPP for the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario and was re-elected in 1975, 1977 and 1981. In 1974 he joined the cabinet of Premier William Davis and served variously as health minister, provincial treasurer and industry miniter. When Davis retired Miller defeated Larry Grossman, Roy McMurtry and Dennis Timbrell for the leadership of the Progressive Conservative party in February 1985 . Davis and his predecessor John Robarts were considered Red Tories and ran a relatively progressive administrations that saw increased public investment and expansion. Miller was perceived as a right winger and took the party in a more conservative direction.

The Hon. Frank Miller

Rank: 19th

Term of Office: February, 1985 - June 26, 1985

Predecessor: William Davis

Successor: David Peterson

Date of Birth: May 14, 1927

Died: July 21, 2000

Place of Birth: Toronto, Ontario

Profession: Engineer, Businessman

Political Party: Progressive Conservative

**The Hon. Frank Miller**

Rank:	19th
Term of Office:	February, 1985 - June 26, 1985
Predecessor:	William Davis
Successor:	David Peterson
Date of Birth:	May 14, 1927
Died:	July 21, 2000
Place of Birth:	Toronto, Ontario
Profession:	Engineer, Businessman
Political Party:	Progressive Conservative

Miller called an election for May 1985 but ran a disastrous campaign which was not helped when he refused to agree to a television debate with his rivals David Peterson of the Ontario Liberal Party and Bob Rae of the NDP. The election resulted in a minority government in which the Tories had only for more seats than the Liberals with the NDP holding the balance of power. After several weeks of negotiations the NDP signed an agreement with Peterson to support a Liberal minority government and Miller's government was soon defeated in the legislature on a Motion of No Confidence. As a result of the Liberal-NDP accord the lieutenant-governor asked Peterson to form a government ending the 42 years of successive Conservative governments.

Miller resigned as Progressive Conservative leader in November 1995 and was replaced by Larry Grossman. The Tories did not return to power in Ontario until 1995 under Mike Harris.

Preceded by:
William Davis List of Ontario premiers Succeeded by:
David Peterson

Preceded by:
William Davis Ontario Conservative Leaders Succeeded by:
Larry Grossman