Danson, Barney, 1921-2011 : The Honourable Barnett Jerome Danson was born on February 8, 1921, in Toronto, Ontario. He joined the Queen's Own Rifles of Canada in 1939 and served in World War II. He rose to the rank of Lieutenant. Danson served in the Armed Forces until the Battle of Normandy where he was wounded and lost sight in one eye. The loss of his eye created an interest in the Canadian National Institute for the Blind and the visually impaired. Danson maintained his interest in this organization until his death.
On his return to Canada, Danson joined his family's insurance business. In 1958, he started his own business, in the plastics industry, the Danson Corporation. He also served as President of the Plastics Industry of Canada.
Danson was first elected to the Canadian House of Commons in the general election of 1968 as a Liberal MP for the Toronto area riding of York-North. He was re-elected in the 1972 and 1974 elections. He was defeated in the 1979 election. During his ten years plus in the House of Commons Danson served as Trudeau's Parliamentary Secretary, 1970-1972, Minister of State for Urban Affairs, 1974-1976, and Minister of National Defence, 1976-1979.
Following his time in the House of Commons Danson returned to Toronto and his business.
Throughout his life Barney Danson was an active member of the Jewish Community in Canada and abroad. He served on numerous committees and Jewish organizations.
One of Danson's great achievements during his years in Cabinet was that he was instrumental in creating and establishing Katimavik, a national exchange program for young people.
Throughout his time as a cabinet minister and following his retirement from cabinet Danson was the recipient of a number prestigious awards including: Honorary Life Member of Ontario Merit and Non-Status Indian Association (1975); Family of Man Award from B'nai Brith of Canada (1975); Officer of France - National Order of Merit (1994); the Vimy Award (2000); Chevalier of the French Legion of Honour in 2007; Order of Canada 1996 and then Companion of Canada in 2007. Even after his retirement from politics Danson remained active in defence and veteran's issues. He played a major role in the creation of Canada's new National War Museum.