008 - The Charter of Rights & Freedoms With The Honourable Brian A. Peckford
An interview with the only living signatory of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. What an honour and privilege to speak with The Honourable A. Brian Peckford P.C., on the current state of Canada. It's a long one, but worth every minute.
Brian was born August 27, 1942 in Whitbourne, Newfoundland.
He graduated from Lewisporte High School in 1960.
In 1966 he graduated with a BA in Education from Memorial University of Newfoundland. He later did post graduate work in English Literature and Education Psychology.
He taught high school in Sprindgale, Newfoundland, and in 1972 he entered Provincial Politics.
In March 1972 Brian was elected the first Progressive Conservative MHA in the history of the riding at age 29. Later that year he became Special and Parliamentary Assistant to the then Premier, Frank Moores.
In 1974 he was appointed Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing and in 1976 Minister of Mines and Energy. While Minister of Mines and Energy, he also served for some time as Minister of Rural Development and Northern Affairs.
In March 1979 Brian won the Progressive Conservative leadership convention and became the third Premier of the Province since Confederation. He was at 36 the youngest first minister of Newfoundland since the First Prime Minister, Philip Little in 1855.
Brian became a strong advocate of Provincial Rights as manifested in his efforts to gain some control and revenues from the newly developing offshore oil and gas resources culminating in The Atlantic Accord. This groundbreaking Agreement brought revenues to the Province as if the resources were on land, around $30 Billion to date, and a say in the management of the resource.
Brian was involved in the Constitutional Patriation Process of the early 1980’s leading to the Constitution Act of 1982. It was Newfoundland’s proposal presented at the Conference that led to the breakthrough. Brian is the only living First Minister of that Constitutional Process.
Mr. Peckford retired from politics in March 1989 and began a consulting company, with his wife Carol, assisting companies in Europe and North America.
He has written two books, the last, ‘Some Day The Sun Will Shine And Have Not Will Be No More,’ a Globe and Mail best seller in 2012.
He has received awards as an Outstanding Young Canadian and the Outstanding Contribution Award from the Newfoundland Ocean Industries Association. He was sworn to the Privy Council by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth in 1982.
Brian has conducted inquires on behalf of the British Columbia Government and the Government of Canada.
Stay in touch with Brian at https://peckford42.wordpress.com/
He retired in 2001 and presently lives with his wife, Carol, in Parksville, British Columbia.
