Editing John Robarts (section)

==Premier of Ontario==
In 1961, Robarts became the 17th [[premier of Ontario]], and served in that capacity until 1971. He was an advocate of individual freedoms, and promoted the rights of the provinces against the centralizing initiatives of the federal government. He also promoted [[Canadian federalism|national unity]] against [[Quebec sovereignty movement|Quebec separatism]], and hosted the 1967 "Confederation of Tomorrow" conference in [[Toronto]]. Although unsuccessful attempt to achieve an agreement for a new [[Constitution of Canada]], Robarts has been praised for facilitating interprovincial dialogue with Quebec.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 12, 2017 |title=Confederation of Tomorrow 2.0 |url=https://www.tvo.org/transcript/2477175 |access-date=September 7, 2024 |website=TV Ontario}}</ref>

He initially opposed [[Medicare (Canada)|Canadian Medicare]] when it was proposed, but later endorsed it fully following [[New Democratic Party (Canada)|New Democratic Party]] (NDP) candidate [[Kenneth Bolton]]'s upset [[by-election]] victory on the issue in the London-area riding of [[Middlesex South]].

As a [[civil libertarian]], and a strong believer in the promotion of both official languages, Robarts opened the door to French language education in Ontario schools. In 1972 he was made a Companion of the [[Order of Canada]].

Nicknamed "the Chairman of the Board" during his tenure, Robarts is remembered for his steps to promote and improve education. He was responsible for the construction of five new universities including York University, the establishment of the [[Ontario Science Centre]] and [[Ontario Place]], the creation of numerous [[Normal school|teacher's college]]s, the creation of the community college system, the [[GO Transit]] commuter rail system, introducing [[nuclear power]] to Ontario's electricity grid, and launching the [[Ontario Scholar]] fund for high school students graduating with an A average. Throughout his premiership, Robarts had balanced budgets every year.<ref name="theglobeandmail.com">{{cite news |title=Twenty-five years ago, the end of a double life|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/twenty-five-years-ago-the-end-of-a-double-life/article725827/ |date=October 18, 2007 |first=Steve |last=Paikin |publisher=[[TVOntario]]|access-date=October 29, 2019}}</ref><ref>
The Chairman of the Board: John Robarts @ 50; Steve Paikin, TVO, October 24, 2011</ref>