Eileen O'Connell (politician)
Eileen O'Connell | |
---|---|
Halifax Fairview | |
In office July 8, 1996 – September 27, 2000 | |
Preceded by | Alexa McDonough |
Succeeded by | Graham Steele |
Personal details | |
Born | Halifax, Nova Scotia | July 5, 1947
Died | September 27, 2000 Halifax, Nova Scotia | (aged 53)
Political party | NDP |
Occupation | teacher |
Eileen O'Connell (July 5, 1947 – September 27, 2000) was a
O'Connell was born in 1947 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and raised in Antigonish. A graduate of St. Francis Xavier University, O'Connell attended both Dalhousie and St. Mary's Universities, where she earned a degree in Education.[1]
She taught at
Political life
O'Connell held various positions with the New Democratic Party before becoming an
O'Connell ran successfully in the 1996
O'Connelll retained the seat in 1998 (53.8%)[5] and 1999 (46.23%).[6]
During her tenure as MLA, O'Connell served as Education Critic, Environment Critic, Natural Resources Critic and Forestry Critic for the NDP caucus. She also served on the Human Resources Subcommittee, Standing Committee on Resources, Public Accounts Committee, the Standing Committee on Veteran's Affairs, and the Select Committee on National Unity. At the Nova Scotia NDP Leadership convention in July 2000, she was a member of Helen MacDonald's team, and helped her win the leadership of the Nova Scotia NDP. Shortly after the 1998 election, O'Connell was diagnosed with breast cancer. She continued to serve as MLA until her death on September 27, 2000.[7]
Legacy
A memorial bursary in her name is awarded to a Halifax West High School student and to a J. L. Ilsley High School student each year.
References
- ^ "Eileen O'Connell NDP caucus biography". Nova Scotia NDP. Archived from the original on April 20, 2001. Retrieved 2015-09-06.
- ^ "Return of By-elections for the House of Assembly 1996" (PDF). Elections Nova Scotia. 1996. Retrieved 2014-10-08.
- ^ "Swearing-in ceremony". Government of Nova Scotia. July 5, 1996. Retrieved 2014-10-08.
- ^ "Hansard transcripts: Fifty-sixth General Assembly, Fourth Session". Nova Scotia Legislature. November 18, 1996. Retrieved 2014-10-08.
- ^ "Election Returns, 1998 (Halifax Fairview)" (PDF). Elections Nova Scotia. Retrieved 2014-10-08.
- ^ "Election Returns, 1999 (Halifax Fairview)" (PDF). Elections Nova Scotia. Retrieved 2014-10-08.
- ^ "NDP MLA Eileen O'Connell dies". CBC News. September 28, 2000. Retrieved 2014-10-08.