Premier Pat Binns today expressed his condolences over the death of the Honourable Robert Stanfield, former Leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Canada and Premier of Nova Scotia.
“I am truly saddened to hear that Mr. Stanfield has passed away. He was a gifted public servant who was respected and admired for his honesty, integrity and intelligence. His many years as Leader of the P.C. Party of Canada reflected his commitment to making Canada a better place,” said Premier Binns.
Robert Stanfield was first elected Premier of Nova Scotia in 1956 after assuming the leadership of the Progressive Conservative Party of Nova Scotia. He remained Premier until he made the jump to federal politics, where he was elected Leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Canada in 1967, replacing the out-going leader John Diefenbaker.
Mr. Stanfield fought three federal elections as Leader of the P.C. Party, coming within two seats of becoming Prime Minister in 1972.
In 1975, Robert Stanfield retired from politics and settled in the Ottawa area until his death on December 16, 2003.