FREDERICTON (GNB) – The following statement of condolence was issued today by Premier Blaine Higgs:

Marcia and I are saddened to learn of the passing of the Honourable John Crosbie, one of the giants of Canadian public life. His contributions to Newfoundland and Labrador, and to Canada were immeasurable.

He began as a city councillor in St. John’s and was then elected to the House of Assembly where he served as a minister under Premiers Joey Smallwood and eventually Frank Moores.

He entered the federal political arena in 1976, and served in senior cabinet roles in the governments of Joe Clark and Brian Mulroney. He was instrumental in the negotiation of the Canada-US Free Trade Agreement, supporting redress for Japanese Canadians interned during the Second World War, and the Hibernia offshore oil mega project, among many other accomplishments.

In later years he would return to the practice of law, and then served as the Lieutenant Governor of Newfoundland and Labrador.

A gifted orator, a spirited debater and a fierce champion of Newfoundland and Labrador and Canada, our country was well-served by Mr. Crosbie. We extend our sympathy to his wife Jane, their family and friends, and the people of Newfoundland and Labrador, who have lost one of their greatest sons.