Mr. Speaker, today we honour the life and contributions of Gail Shea, a former Conservative minister and, more importantly, a dedicated citizen of Prince Edward Island, who passed away on August 21 at the age of 66.
Ms. Shea came from a fishing family in western P.E.I. She had a knack for bringing people together across political lines, first by being elected to the Legislative Assembly of Prince Edward Island in 2000 as a Conservative in a Liberal stronghold. Up until her departure in 2007, she made her mark there, notably by shouldering the heavy responsibilities of the role of minister of transportation and public works.
Then, in 2008, she was lured away from home by a new challenge: federal politics. Once again, Gail Shea won voters' trust as a blue candidate in the red stronghold of Egmont. What is more, she was given a role in Stephen Harper's cabinet straightaway as minister of fisheries and oceans, a position that is crucial for her region and mine. She was the first woman from Prince Edward Island to become a minister. She remained in the Conservative cabinet until she left politics in 2015.
Ms. Shea was known in her part of the country for standing up for the Maritimes, specifically by resisting stubborn misconceptions about the seal hunting industry.
Everyone who knew her, including her political opponents, remember her most as a woman who never forgot where she came from or the people she represented, including fishers.
On behalf of the Bloc Québécois and as my party's critic for fisheries and oceans, I offer my sincere condolences to Gail Shea's family and loved ones.
May new members like me and seasoned members alike also never forget where we come from or the people we serve.