Paul Heron Robinson Jr. (born June 22, 1930) is a United States businessman who was
United States Ambassador to Canada from 1981 to 1985.
Biography
Robinson was born in
Chicago on June 22, 1930. He attended
Hinsdale Township High School in
Hinsdale, Illinois. After graduating from high school, Robinson attended the
University of Illinois, receiving a
B.S. in 1953. Robinson served in the
United States Navy from 1953 to 1955, achieving the rank of
Lieutenant. He later founded his own business, Robinson, Incorporated, working as a
broker for banks and professional institutions. He was also an active member of the
Republican Party
Republican Party is a name used by many political parties around the world, though the term most commonly refers to the United States' Republican Party.
Republican Party may also refer to:
Africa
*Republican Party (Liberia)
* Republican Part ...
.
In 1981,
President of the United States Ronald Reagan
Ronald Wilson Reagan ( ; February 6, 1911June 5, 2004) was an American politician, actor, and union leader who served as the 40th president of the United States from 1981 to 1989. He also served as the 33rd governor of California from 1967 ...
nominated Robinson to be
United States Ambassador to Canada. Robinson presented his credentials on July 15, 1981, and served in Ottawa until September 9, 1985. He began discussions with the
Liberal government headed by
Prime Minister of Canada Pierre Trudeau
Joseph Philippe Pierre Yves Elliott Trudeau ( , ; October 18, 1919 – September 28, 2000), also referred to by his initials PET, was a Canadian lawyer and politician who served as the 15th prime minister of Canada
The prime mini ...
about easing
trade restrictions between the U.S. and
Canada. With the election of
Progressive Conservative Brian Mulroney
Martin Brian Mulroney ( ; born March 20, 1939) is a Canadian lawyer, businessman, and politician who served as the 18th prime minister of Canada from 1984 to 1993.
Born in the eastern Quebec city of Baie-Comeau, Mulroney studied political sci ...
in the
1984 Canadian federal election
The 1984 Canadian federal election was held on September 4, 1984, to elect members to the House of Commons of the 33rd Parliament of Canada.
In one of the largest landslide victories in Canadian political history, the Progressive Conservative ...
, these talks were expanded to discussions about a comprehensive
free trade agreement. These discussions were the starting point of a process that would ultimately see the signing of the
Canada – United States Free Trade Agreement on October 4, 1988.
References
Paul H. Robinson, Jr., "Good Business For Good Neighbors", ''Chicago Tribune'', Oct. 26, 1988
1930 births
Living people
Ambassadors of the United States to Canada
Businesspeople from Chicago
University of Illinois alumni
United States Navy officers
Illinois Republicans
Military personnel from Illinois
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