the time. The Progressive Conservatives were returned to power with a majority government in the 1981 election. Welch remained Deputy Premier throughout the legislative session that followed, and saw the position elevated to cabinet level by an order in council of June 21, 1983. He also remained Energy Minister until July 6 of the same year, and was named as Minister responsible for Women's Issues on May 17, 1983. In the latter position, Welch announced plans to study and reduce the wage gap between male and female workers. Cabinet posts Miller premiership Welch supported Dennis Timbrell's unsuccessful campaign to succeed Davis as party leader in 1985. When Frank Miller was sworn in as premier on February 8, 1985, he kept Welch as deputy premier and also re-appointed him to the office of Attorney-General. Welch was also named Government House Leader on February 20. He did not contest the 1985 provincial election, and formally resigned from cabinet on May 17. Retirement Welch returned to his law practice after leaving politics, and served as chancellor of Brock University from 1985 until his death in 2000. In 1993, he was made an Officer of the Order of Canada. References External links 1928 births 2000 deaths Canadian Anglicans Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario MPPs Deputy premiers of Ontario Provincial Secretaries of Ontario Officers of the Order of Canada Attorneys General of Ontario Politicians from St. Catharines 20th-century Canadian lawyers