Otto Jelinek, a former world-champion figure skater and federal cabinet minister, passed away at the age of 86. His younger brother, Henry, described him as a highly driven individual who was deeply committed to Canada. Born in Prague in 1940, Jelinek’s family escaped Czechoslovakia’s communist regime and settled in Canada in 1952. His father, a successful cork factory owner in Prague, relocated the business to Oakville, Ontario, between Toronto and Hamilton.
Jelinek and his sister Maria represented Canada in paired figure skating at the 1960 Winter Olympics in California. They clinched a gold medal in Prague in 1962, defying the communist propaganda of superiority. Jelinek embarked on a career in sports commentary with CTV and ventured into manufacturing hockey and figure skates. Transitioning into politics in 1972, he served in Parliament for 21 years, holding ministerial positions under Prime Minister Brian Mulroney in national revenue, sport, and multiculturalism portfolios.
Notably, Jelinek positioned himself as politically right-of-center, engaging in behind-the-scenes political activities during the Diefenbaker era. He later assumed the role of minister of amateur sport in 1984, followed by responsibilities in multiculturalism, public works, and supply and services. Jelinek’s tenure as revenue minister in 1989 saw him championing the GST implementation and combatting cross-border shopping challenges.
Throughout his political career, Jelinek was known for his outspoken nature, unreservedly expressing his opinions, even if they clashed with his colleagues. In 1991, he raised concerns about excessive taxation by the government, leading to internal discord. Jelinek also advocated against hyphenated identities in multiculturalism and criticized overspending on healthcare for minor ailments.
Following his exit from politics, Jelinek delved into business collaborations involving Pearson International Airport before relocating to the Czech Republic to establish a consultancy aiding North American enterprises in Eastern Europe. He later returned to Canada for retirement. In 2013, Prime Minister Stephen Harper appointed Jelinek as the Canadian Ambassador to the Czech Republic, where he played a pivotal role in resolving visa issues and facilitating a free trade agreement with the EU.
Jelinek’s brother shared fond memories of his retirement by Lake Ontario, where he indulged in gardening, golf, tennis, and social gatherings. Known for his storytelling prowess and compassionate nature, Jelinek passed away peacefully at the Trillium Health Centre in Mississauga, Ontario, after a valiant battle with Parkinson’s disease spanning two decades.