Mr. Heber Smith

This interview with Heber Edgar Smith chronicles his journey from a farming family near Midland, Ontario to becoming a prominent lawyer and politician in Barrie. Born in 1915, Smith was encouraged to pursue law by Justice Carl Stewart after showing interest in politics as Vice-President of the Midland Young Progressive Conservatives during the 1934 election. He articled with the prestigious Toronto firm Symons, Heighington and Shaver from 1934-1939, attending Osgoode Hall Law School during morning and evening lectures while gaining practical experience during the day.

Smith’s career was interrupted by five years of military service as an infantry officer during World War II, making him notably the first person called to the Bar in uniform. Upon returning in 1946, he joined Carl Stewart’s practice in Barrie before purchasing Doug McCuaig’s substantial estates and real estate practice. Smith quickly became involved in municipal politics, serving as Alderman, Deputy Reeve, Reeve, and Mayor of Barrie in 1954 during a period of significant industrial development.

Elected as Conservative MP for Simcoe North in 1957, Smith served eleven years in Parliament through five elections, focusing particularly on defence issues including military unification. He maintained his law practice throughout his political career with partner Art McLean, working weekends while in Ottawa. Smith reflects on the evolution of legal practice from general practitioners to specialists, the growth of Barrie from 10,000 to 60,000 residents, and his belief that law provides an excellent foundation for public service.

This description was written by AI and may contain some inaccuracies.