Gail Shea, Canadian politician

Gail A. Shea, born on April 6, 1959, is a distinguished Canadian politician whose impactful career spanned both the provincial and federal spheres of government. Hailing from Prince Edward Island, her public service has left a notable mark on the political landscape, particularly in areas vital to her home province.

Provincial Service in Prince Edward Island

Shea's political journey commenced at the provincial level within Prince Edward Island, Canada's smallest yet historically rich province. She successfully secured a seat as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for the electoral district of Tignish-DeBlois, serving from 2000 to 2007. During her time in the provincial legislature, she was a dedicated representative for her constituents, aligning herself with the Progressive Conservative Party of Prince Edward Island. This period allowed her to focus on local issues and contribute to the governance of the island before making the transition to national politics.

Federal Parliamentary and Cabinet Role

Transitioning to the federal arena, Gail Shea was elected as the Member of Parliament (MP) for the riding of Egmont, a constituency located in the western part of Prince Edward Island. She represented Egmont in the House of Commons from 2008 until 2015. A significant highlight of her federal tenure was her appointment to the federal cabinet as the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans. This portfolio is of paramount importance to Canada, especially to maritime provinces like Prince Edward Island, where fishing and aquaculture are central to the economy and cultural identity. As Minister, she oversaw the management of Canada's vast marine and freshwater resources, including fisheries conservation, ocean science, and the protection of marine environments. Her experience at both the provincial and federal levels provided a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing her constituents and the nation.

Frequently Asked Questions about Gail A. Shea

Who is Gail A. Shea?

Gail A. Shea is a Canadian politician born on April 6, 1959, known for her service as both a provincial MLA in Prince Edward Island and a federal Member of Parliament, notably holding a cabinet position as Minister of Fisheries and Oceans.

What electoral districts did she represent?

At the provincial level, she represented Tignish-DeBlois in the Legislative Assembly of Prince Edward Island. Federally, she served as the Member of Parliament for the riding of Egmont.

What key cabinet position did she hold?

Gail Shea served as the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans in the federal cabinet of Canada.

When did she serve in government?

She served provincially as an MLA from 2000 to 2007 and federally as an MP from 2008 to 2015.

Which political parties was she affiliated with?

Gail Shea was a member of the Progressive Conservative Party during her provincial service in Prince Edward Island. During her federal tenure as an MP (2008-2015), she was associated with the Conservative Party of Canada.