George Carlyle Marler (July 5 1912 – May 28 1997) was a Canadian lawyer and Liberal politician who served both in the provincial government of Quebec and in the Senate of Canada.
Early life and education
Marler was born in Montreal, Quebec. He attended McGill University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree, followed by a Bachelor of Civil Law (BCL). He was called to the Quebec Bar in 1936 and practiced law in Montreal.
Provincial political career
In the 1960 Quebec general election, Marler was elected as the Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for the riding of Westmount–St. Henri as a member of the Quebec Liberal Party. He was appointed to Premier Jean Lesage’s cabinet, serving as:
- Minister of Health (1960–1963) – overseeing the province’s health‑care system during the early years of the Quiet Revolution.
- Minister of Education (1963–1964) – responsible for reforms that expanded access to secondary and post‑secondary education.
Marler resigned his seat in the National Assembly in 1966.
Senate of Canada
On the recommendation of Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, Marler was appointed to the Senate of Canada on June 25 1968, representing the senatorial division of Westmount, Quebec. He sat as a Liberal senator until his resignation on July 5 1997, shortly before his death. In the Senate, Marler participated in committees on legal affairs, health, and education, reflecting his previous ministerial experience.
Later life and death
After retiring from active politics, Marler continued to be involved in legal and civic affairs in Quebec. He died on May 28 1997 in Montreal at the age of 84.
Legacy
Marler is remembered for his contributions to Quebec’s health‑care and education reforms during a period of significant social change. His career exemplifies the federal‑provincial linkages fostered by Liberal politicians in mid‑20th‑century Canada.
References
- Parliament of Canada. “George Carlyle Marler – Parliamentarian File.”
- National Assembly of Quebec. “Historical Members: George C. Marler.”
- “Obituary: George C. Marler.” The Globe and Mail, May 30 1997.