Oberle, Frank

Born in Forchheim, Germany, Frank Oberle survived the turmoil of Hitleris Germany and post-war chaos before immigrating to Canada in 1951. During his career he tried his hand at many jobs, including logger, gold miner, rancher and town mayor, before serving six consecutive terms as a member of Parliament. In 1985 Frank became Canadais first German-born federal Cabinet member when then prime minister Brian Mulroney made him minister of state for science and technology. Four years later, as minister of forestry, his determination led him to confront the industryis clear-cutting practices and dem...