Robert Ashley Steen (1933-1979)

Lawyer, MLA (1966-1969), Mayor of Winnipeg (1977-1979).

Born in Winnipeg, brother of Warren Steen, he graduated with a BA from the University of Manitoba and received a law degree from the University of Manitoba Law School. He was involved in politics from an early age, participating in mock Parliaments. In 1966 he was elected Progressive Conservative MLA for St. Matthews, but was defeated in 1969.

He then moved into municipal politics, and won by acclamation as Winnipeg City Councillor for Westerminster Ward. He sat first as an Independent. He ran for mayor in 1977 and was supported by Stephen Juba and Ed Schreyer. In that election, he defeated Bill Norrie by 1,819 votes. After only two years in office, he died of cancer.

The 1977 mayoralty campaign is the focus of a National Film Board documentary, The New Mayor.

Source:

Profile revised: 26 August 2009

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