Mr. Speaker, the Hon. James A. McGrath, former member of the House and eighth lieutenant governor of Newfoundland, passed away on February 28. He was a generous and charismatic figure, and a staunch defender of Newfoundland.
Jim was born in Buchans in 1932 to a family of 13, and was first elected in 1957 to our riding of St. John's East. In his seven Parliaments, he distinguished himself in countless ways, notably as the minister of fisheries and also by authoring a report on the reform of our House of Commons, a report which led to our Speaker being elected by secret ballot.
In 1986, he accepted an appointment as lieutenant governor of Newfoundland, an office he served until 1991.
McGrath's devotion to Newfoundland and Labrador and its people continued throughout his life, including support for education and the arts.
He is survived by his wife Margaret, and three generations of children, some of whom are celebrating with us here today.
I thank the Hon. James McGrath and his family for a lifetime of public service.