Premier Pat Binns today expressed condolences to the family of the late Jean Canfield.
"Jean Canfield achieved many firsts for Prince Edward Island. Her tremendous leadership and commitment to community served to open the door to opportunity for many Island woman," stated the Premier.
First elected to the Prince Edward Island Legislative Assembly in the May 11, 1970 provincial election as Assemblyman for First Queens, Ms. Canfield was subsequently re-elected in 1974 and served until March 27, 1979.
Jean Canfield was appointed to the Provincial Cabinet as Minister without Portfolio and Minister Responsible for PEI Housing Authority on October 10, 1972.
As Chair of the first Provincial Advisory Committee on the Status of Women, Ms. Canfield advised the Legislative Assembly on its response to Ottawa's Report of the Royal Commission on the Status of Women. Ms. Canfield was a 1977 recipient of the Queen's Jubilee Medal.
"Jean Canfield's achievements serve as a standard for many Island women; however, I believe that her devotion to Prince Edward Island and its people will stand as her ultimate legacy," said Premier Pat Binns.