Premier Pat Binns expressed sympathy today on the passing of the Honourable Melvin J. McQuaid. McQuaid served the province of Prince Edward Island in a number of important capacities, including Member of the Legislative Assembly, Member of Parliament, Leader of the Official Opposition and Supreme Court Justice.
"Mel McQuaid was an individual who devoted his whole life to the betterment of Prince Edward Island. His quiet demeanour and thoughtful approach served Islanders well over the years -- he will be sadly missed," stated the Premier.
Melvin McQuaid was first elected to the Legislative Assembly in 1959 as a member for 1st Kings. He served as Minister of Finance and Attorney General in the cabinet of Premier Walter Shaw. In 1965, McQuaid was elected Member of Parliament for Cardigan, and enjoyed re-election in the subsequent general elections of 1968 and 1970.
McQuaid returned to provincial politics in 1972 to lead the Island Progressive Conservative Party, becoming Leader of the Official Opposition. Prime Minister Trudeau appointed McQuaid to the Supreme Court of Prince Edward Island in 1976.
Melvin McQuaid was predeceased by his wife Catherine (nee Handrahan), and leaves to mourn children John, Mary-Jo and Peter -- Premier Binns' Chief of Staff.
"On behalf of all Islanders, I wish to extend deepest sympathies to John, Mary-Jo, Peter and their families," said the Premier.