James Coyne

Infobox Person
name = James Coyne


image_size = 150px
caption = James Coyne
birth_date = birth date and age|1910|7|17
birth_place = Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
death_date =
death_place =
occupation = Governor of the Bank of Canada

James Elliott Coyne, BCL , BA (born July 17, 1910) was the second Governor of the Bank of Canada from 1955 to 1961, succeeding Graham Towers. During his time in office, he had a much-publicized debate with PM John Diefenbaker that many conservatives still refer to as "The Coyne Crisis."

Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, he graduated from the prestigious prep Ridley College in 1925, had conferred upon him a BA in 1931 from the University of Manitoba, and studied at Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar, receiving a B.A. Jurisprudence and BCL in 1934, and playing for the Oxford University Ice Hockey Club. During World War II, he served in the Royal Canadian Air Force.

From 1944 to 1949, he was executive assistant to Graham Towers and from 1950 until 1954 was Deputy Governor. He was appointed Governor in 1955 and resigned in 1961. He was succeeded by Louis Rasminsky.

As Governor, Coyne heavily criticized the government's financial record, saying that the country was relying too much on exports to the United States and that a "tightening" was needed. The Government rejected his advice and tried to dismiss Coyne, saying that he was meddling in politics. While the House of Commons passed a bill declaring his position vacant, the Liberal-controlled Canadian Senate rejected it. Nevertheless, Coyne resigned the next day. For his role in this controversy, the Canadian Press named him Canadian Newsmaker of the Year in 1961.

He is the father of journalist Andrew Coyne and actor Susan Coyne, and the uncle of lawyer Deborah Coyne.