Overview

Frederick James Hawkes (June 21, 1934 – May 9, 2019), commonly known as Jim Hawkes, was a Canadian politician who represented a Calgary constituency in the federal legislature. He sat in the House of Commons as a member of the Progressive Conservative Party and served in the Parliament of Canada for multiple terms between 1979 and 1993.

Parliamentary career

Hawkes was elected as the Member of Parliament for Calgary West in 1979 and held that seat through successive elections until 1993. His time in Ottawa covered significant shifts in Canadian federal politics during the 1980s and early 1990s. In the 1993 federal election he was defeated and the Calgary West seat was won by Stephen Harper, an outcome tied to broader changes in party support across the country; that election marked a turning point in both Hawkes's career and the riding's representation history (1993 federal election).

Background and personal life

Hawkes was born and raised in Calgary, in the province of Alberta. Outside of his public office, he maintained connections to his community and family life. He was the father of actress Terri Hawkes, who pursued a career in television and voice acting. Public accounts of Hawkes emphasize his long residence in Calgary and his involvement in local affairs prior to and following his parliamentary service.

Later years and legacy

In his later years Hawkes experienced health challenges; reports indicate he lived with dementia before his death. He passed away in Calgary on May 9, 2019, at the age of 84. Obituaries and remembrances noted his more than a decade of federal service and his place in Calgary's political history, particularly as the longtime MP for a major urban riding.

Notable points

  • Full name: Frederick James Hawkes (known as Jim Hawkes).
  • Federal MP for Calgary West, 1979–1993.
  • Member of the Progressive Conservative Party during his time in Parliament.
  • Succeeded in the riding by Stephen Harper after the 1993 election.
  • Father of actress Terri Hawkes; died in 2019 after health decline.

Hawkes's career illustrates the changing political landscape of Canada at the end of the 20th century, when shifting party fortunes and emerging political figures reshaped representation in several western urban ridings.