About Pat Binns:
Pat Binns, a westerner who became premier of PEI, a small eastern Canadian Maritime province, is quiet and unassuming. A successful bean farmer, Pat Binns has a homespun, approachable style. A popular premier, Pat Binns won large majorities until he was defeated in 2007 by Robert Ghiz and the Liberal Party.
Premier of PEI:
1996 to 2007
Birth:
October 8, 1948 in Weyburn, Saskatchewan
Education:
MA in Community Development - University of Alberta
Professional Background of Pat Binns:
- Public servant - Government of Alberta
- Public servant - Government of PEI
- Bean farmer
Political Affiliation:
Progressive Conservative
Riding (Electoral District):
Murray River-Gaspereaux
Political Career of Pat Binns:
- Pat Binns was first Elected to the PEI Legislative Assembly in 1978.
- His cabinet portfolios included Industry, Municipal Affairs, Fisheries, Environment, Labour and Housing.
- Pat Binns was elected as a federal member of parliament in the riding of Cardigan in 1984.
- He was Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans.
- He was defeated in the 1988 federal election.
- Pat Binns was elected to the PEI Legislative Assembly for the riding of Murray River-Gaspereaux in 1996.
- He was elected Leader of the PEI Progressive Conservative Party in 1996.
- Pat Binns was sworn in as PEI Premier in 1996.
- The long-standing Progressive Conservative government of Pat Binns was defeated by the Liberal Party in the PEI general election of 2007, and Pat Binns was replaced as PEI Premier by Robert Ghiz.
- Pat Binns was named Ambassador to Ireland in August 2007.
