Len Hopkins (October 11 1930 – March 30 2007) was a Canadian politician who served as a Liberal member of the House of Commons of Canada from 1974 to 1993, representing the electoral district of Renfrew—Nipissing—Pembroke in Ontario.
Early life and education
Leonard Hopkins was born in Pembroke, Ontario. He pursued a career in education, completing training at a teachers’ college and subsequently working as a school teacher and principal in the Pembroke area.
Political career
Hopkins entered federal politics as a candidate for the Liberal Party of Canada. In the 1974 federal election he was elected MP for the riding of Renfrew—Nipissing—Pembroke, succeeding the Progressive Conservative incumbent. He was re‑elected in successive elections (1979, 1980, 1984, and 1988) and served continuously until his retirement from Parliament in 1993.
During his tenure, Hopkins was a backbench supporter of Liberal governments under Prime Ministers Pierre Trudeau and John Turner, and later under Prime Minister Jean Chrétien. He served on several parliamentary committees, including those dealing with agriculture, transport, and public works, and acted as parliamentary secretary to various ministers, though he did not hold a cabinet portfolio.
Later life and legacy
After leaving Parliament, Hopkins returned to his home region and remained active in community affairs. He died on March 30 2007 at the age of 76. Hopkins is remembered for his long service as a representative of a largely rural riding and for his contributions to discussions on regional development and infrastructure.
