Overview

Andrew Telegdi (born András Telegdi; May 28, 1946 – January 23, 2017) was a Hungarian-born Canadian politician and community figure who represented Waterloo and, after redistribution, Kitchener—Waterloo in the House of Commons as a member of the Liberal Party from 1993 until 2008. His parliamentary career spanned multiple terms and included advocacy on local and national matters. For an official summary of his tenure see Parliamentary biography.

Early life and education

Telegdi was born in Budapest, Hungary. He later made his life in Canada and pursued higher education in the province of Ontario. In the 1970s he attended the University of Waterloo where he engaged in studies that informed his later work in public life and community organizations. Basic biographical details are available through regional and university records; see a short profile at Budapest birth records and the university summary at University of Waterloo.

Parliamentary career

Telegdi entered federal politics as a member of the Liberal Party and won election to the House of Commons in 1993. He was re-elected in subsequent federal contests and served his ridings through much of the 1990s and early 2000s. During his time in Ottawa he took part in parliamentary work relevant to constituents in Waterloo, including matters of local development, employment, and public services. His parliamentary affiliation and record are catalogued in party and government resources; further information can be found at party and parliamentary records.

Local involvement and later campaigns

After leaving federal office in 2008, Telegdi remained active in municipal and regional affairs. He stood for election in the 2014 Waterloo regional elections in a bid to return to public office at the regional level; he finished third in the contest for two regional council positions and therefore was not elected. Local election coverage and results are summarized by regional election offices and contemporary news accounts; see one overview at regional election notice.

Legacy and death

Telegdi maintained ties to the Hungarian-Canadian community and was remembered by colleagues and constituents for his long service to the Waterloo area. He died on January 23, 2017, in Waterloo, Ontario, at the age of 70. Obituaries and memorial notices reflect on his contributions to public life and community organizations; representative records are available at local records.

Key facts

  • Full name: Andrew (András) Telegdi
  • Born: May 28, 1946, Budapest, Hungary (source)
  • Education: Studied at the University of Waterloo in the 1970s (details)
  • Federal office: Liberal MP for Waterloo and Kitchener—Waterloo, 1993–2008 (biography, parliamentary record)
  • Later politics: Candidate in 2014 Waterloo regional election (unsuccessful) (election summary)
  • Died: January 23, 2017, in Waterloo, Ontario (local notice)