The following statement was read in the House of Assembly today by the Honourable Tony Wakeham, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador:

Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life and service of Justice Leo Barry, whose passing marks the loss of a distinguished public servant who contributed greatly to Newfoundland and Labrador through law, public service and politics.

Born in Red Island, Placentia Bay, Leo Barry built an extraordinary career dedicated to serving the people of our province. Before his appointment to the bench, he served in the House of Assembly as both a Government Member and as Leader of the Opposition. Throughout his political career, he brought intelligence, conviction and principled leadership to public life.

As a cabinet minister under Premiers Frank Moores and Brian Peckford, he served as energy minister during a pivotal time for that industry in our province. He also served as Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly, Chair of the Newfoundland and Labrador Labour Relations Board and a lecturer at Dalhousie Law School.

Following his political career, he returned to the practice of law before being appointed to the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador in 1989 and later to the Court of Appeal.

On behalf of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, I extend sincere condolences to Justice Barry’s family, friends and all who knew and respected him.

Flags at Confederation Building will fly at half-mast until Justice Barry is laid to rest in honour of his legacy of public service and dedication to this province.

Thank you.