Premier Pat Binns today expressed sympathy to the family of the late Fred Driscoll. Mr. Driscoll passed away Friday, at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, after a valiant battle with cancer.
"I was saddened to learn of the death of Fred Driscoll. I considered him to be one of the brightest individuals I ever had the pleasure of serving with in Government," said the Premier.
First elected to the Legislative Assembly in 1978, Fred Driscoll served in the Cabinets of the Honourable J. Angus MacLean and the Honourable Jim Lee. He held a number of portfolios including Energy, Forestry, Health, Education and Environment; however, he will likely be best remembered for his work in Intergovernmental Affairs. A fervent federalist, Driscoll always demonstrated a keen intellect in advising the Government of Prince Edward Island on constitutional matters.
In 1986, Mr. Driscoll returned to the University of Prince Edward Island where he continued a very distinguished career as an academic and a historian.
"Fred and I shared many of the same philosophies. In fact, up until just months ago, my Government had the benefit of Fred's advice on issues such as energy and economic development. He was a devoted public servant and educator. Prince Edward Island has lost one of its great minds," stated Premier Binns.
"My thoughts and deepest sympathies are with Fred's wife Bernie, and his children, Jamie and Jennifer. "