Overview

Robert Timothy Stansfield "Bob" Frankford (August 1, 1939 – August 1, 2015) was a Canadian physician and politician best known for his single term as a New Democratic Party (NDP) member of the provincial legislature. He represented the Toronto-area riding of Scarborough East from 1990 until 1995 and was associated with health and community-service issues throughout his public life. Frankford combined a career in medicine with local public service and advocacy.

Professional and community background

Frankford trained and worked as a medical doctor and was active in community health matters. He practised in the Scarborough neighbourhoods of Toronto, where he built a reputation as a family physician attentive to local needs. His medical background informed his public positions on public health policy, social services and access to care. Colleagues and constituents regarded him as a practitioner who moved between clinical work and neighbourhood activism.

Political career

Frankford entered provincial politics as a member of the New Democratic Party. In the 1990 provincial election he won the Scarborough East seat and served in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario during the NDP majority government led by Bob Rae. During his term he focused on issues where his medical training intersected with legislation, speaking and voting on matters affecting community health, social programs and local services. He served as an MPP until the 1995 provincial election, when many NDP members were unseated amid a broader political shift.

Later life and legacy

After leaving elected office Frankford returned to private life and continued to be involved in healthcare and community initiatives. He remained known locally for combining clinical practice with advocacy for vulnerable populations. Frankford died in Toronto on August 1, 2015, his 76th birthday. His career is remembered as an example of a professional who brought medical experience to public policy debates.

Notable facts

  • Full name: Robert Timothy Stansfield Frankford.
  • Dates: Born August 1, 1939; died August 1, 2015.
  • Political party: New Democratic Party (NDP).
  • Office held: Member of Provincial Parliament for Scarborough East, 1990–1995, in Ontario's legislature.
  • Base of work: Scarborough communities in Toronto and the province of Ontario.
  • Further reading: Biographical entries and obituaries provide additional context on his dual roles in medicine and politics; see local archives and NDP records via relevant political resources.