Former Prince Edward Island Premier Jim Lee has passed away at the age of 86.
Lee was born and educated in Charlottetown and was a graduate of Saint Dunstan’s University. He entered politics in 1975 by winning a by-election following a successful career in business and real estate development. Lee served as a Cabinet Minister in several portfolios in the government of the late Angus MacLean, and succeeded Premier MacLean as PEI’s 26th Premier in 1981, serving as Premier through to 1986.
During his time as Premier, he represented PEI at the First Minister’s table during the negotiations around patriation of the Constitution and establishment of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Some of the foundational achievements of the Lee government include the construction and opening of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital and the Atlantic Veterinary College.
Premier Dennis King issued a statement offering condolences, saying Jim Lee was a people person who loved politics and was a proud Islander who was driven by a desire to help improve the quality of life for Islanders.
