During his career, Allan was extensively involved in the community.  He was the Chairman of the Oshawa Harbour Commission from 1981 to 1984, a member of Provincial Parliament for Durham Centre from 1987 to 1990, the President of the Ontario Liberal Party from 1990 to1991 and the President of the Oshawa Golf Club from 1982 – 1983.  He was also a member of the Board of Governors for the University of Ontario Institute of Technology from 2005 to 2011 and a member of the Durham Region Police Services Board from 2008 to 2015.