Background
He was born in Pontiac County, Quebec and became a physician.
He was born in Pontiac County, Quebec and became a physician.
Cotnam attended secondary school at Pembroke Collegiate Institute, then proceeded to Queen"s University where he received his medical degrees (Doctor of Medicine, Master in Surgery).
His postgraduate work was conducted at hospitals in New York, Chicago and London. Queen"s University awarded him with a gold medal in surgery. He was first elected to Parliament at the Renfrew North riding in the 1925 general election, winning over Liberal incumbent Matthew McKay after an unsuccessful campaign there in the 1921 election.
He was re-elected in 1926 federal election and 1930 federal election.
During the decade when Cotnam held Renfrew North, he was challenged by McKay in each election.
Conservative Party of Canada, Progressive Conservative Party of Canada.