Philip Arthur Gaglardi (January 13, 1913 - September 23, 1995), sometimes known as Flyin' Phil or even Sorry Phil, was a British Columbian polititian and Minister of Highways from 1952 to 1968.
He was first elected to legislature in 1952, and soon became a leading member of W. A. C. Bennett's cabinet. His term as Minister of Highways was marked by rapid expansion of the province's paved road system, as well as the completion of most of the major road bridges in British Columbia.
He is probably mostly remembered for his flamboyant style. He was first noted for all the "Sorry for the delays" signs he had put up at road consruction areas (hence, "Sorry Phil"). But, what really got him noticed was how he managed to convince a reluctant W. A. C. Bennett to buy the government a Lear jet (hence, "Flyin' Phil").
It seems that Premier Bennett was quite happy to take the newly inaugeurated ferry up the coast to Prince Rupert. Gaglardi decided that the ferry was too slow, so he convinced a pilot friend to fly him up the coast in a Lear jet, thereby managing to get there before Bennett did. So, when the ferry came in, Philip Gaglardi, having been waiting on the dock, handed the not-exactly-pleased W. A. C. Bennett, who had taken the slow ferry, a purchase contract for the plane. The plane was quickly purchased.
Another point about Gaglardi that enforced his nickname was his propensity for getting numerous speeding tickets whilst driving in large American cars around the province checking on the progess of road construction.
He was forced to resign in 1968 over allegations he flew relatives around the government jet.
