Premier Robert Ghiz extends condolences to the family of the Honourable J. Léonce Bernard who died last night.
“Mr. Bernard was an outstanding individual who contributed greatly to the Island’s Acadian and francophone community and to his province as a former member of the Legislative Assembly, Cabinet Minister and Lieutenant Governor,” said Premier Ghiz.
Mr. Bernard was first elected to the Legislative Assembly, as a member of the Liberal Party of Prince Edward Island, representing the district of 3rd Prince in a by-election in 1975, and was re-elected in 1978, 1979, 1982, 1986 and 1989, serving as a member of the Official Opposition from 1979 to 1986. In 1986, he was sworn in as Minister of Industry and Chairman of the P.E.I. Development Agency and, from 1989 until 1991, he was Minister of Fisheries and Community Affairs. He was also the first person to be named Minister responsible for Acadian and Francophone Affairs in 1989.
“Mr. Bernard always had the best interest of his community at heart and was dedicated to making the Island a better place. It was a privilege for me to call him a friend and mentor,” said MLA for Évangéline-Miscouche, Sonny Gallant.
“On behalf of the Government of Prince Edward Island, I want to extend our deepest sympathies to his wife Florence and the family.”
Flags on all Government of Canada buildings and provincial buildings in the province of Prince Edward Island will be flown at half-mast from now until sunset on the day of the funeral.