He was born and raised in central Alberta and entered politics after being inspired by former Prime Minister John Diefenbaker.
He served as Member of Parliament for Vegreville from 1968 to 1993.
He held many positions in Ottawa, including House Leader, Finance Minister, Transport Minister, Minister Responsible for the Canadian Wheat Board, Minister Responsible for Alberta, and deputy Prime Minister to Brian Mulroney.
He farmed and owned two auto dealerships at Innisfree and Vegreville.
In retirement, he helped with the merger that resulted in the Conservative Party.
He was agriculture minister from 1988 to 1991, taking over from the late John Wise of Elgin County.
