Beaton Tulk facts for kids

Beaton Tulk (born May 22, 1944 – died May 23, 2019) was an important Canadian leader. He worked as a teacher and later became a politician. From 2000 to 2001, he served as the seventh Premier of Newfoundland. The Premier is like the head of the government for a province. He was a member of the Liberal Party of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Early Life and Education

Beaton Tulk was born in Ladle Cove, which was then part of Newfoundland. He was the youngest son of Sadie and Japhet Tulk.

He went to Memorial University and earned several degrees. These degrees helped him become a teacher and an administrator. Before he entered politics, he was a supervising principal for schools in the Carmanville area. This means he was in charge of several schools. He worked there from 1974 to 1979.

Beaton Tulk's Political Career

Beaton Tulk had a long and interesting career in politics. He was elected many times to represent the people of Newfoundland.

Serving in the House of Assembly

In 1979, Tulk was first elected to the Newfoundland and Labrador House of Assembly. This is like the provincial parliament. He represented the area called Fogo. He was re-elected for Fogo in 1982 and 1985.

He lost his seat in the 1989 election. After that, he worked for the Newfoundland government as an Assistant Deputy Minister. He helped with services for children and youth.

Tulk returned to the House of Assembly for Fogo in 1993. Later, he was elected for a new area called Bonavista North in 1996. He won again in 1999.

Becoming Premier of Newfoundland

Beaton Tulk was given important jobs in the government's cabinet. In May 1997, he became the Minister of Forest Resources and Agrifoods. This role involved managing forests and farming. In July 1997, he became the Minister of Development and Rural Renewal. This job focused on improving communities.

In December 1998, Tulk temporarily stepped down from his cabinet role. This happened because of some concerns raised by a private college owner. However, after police and an official report looked into the matter, he was cleared of any wrongdoing. He returned to the cabinet in April 1999.

In August 2000, he was made Deputy Premier. This means he was the second-in-command. Then, in October 2000, he became the Premier of Newfoundland. He took over when the previous Premier, Brian Tobin, left to work in federal politics.

Tulk served as Premier for a short time. He did not try to become the permanent leader of the Liberal Party. In February 2001, Roger Grimes was chosen as the new Liberal leader and became Premier. Tulk then went back to being Deputy Premier.

Later Political Activities

In 2002, Tulk left his provincial seat to try for a federal political role. He ran for the Liberal Party of Canada in a special election for the House of Commons of Canada. This is Canada's national parliament. He ran for the area of Gander—Grand Falls. However, he was not successful and was defeated by Rex Barnes.

After this, Tulk tried to return to provincial politics. He ran in the special election for the seat he had just left. But he was defeated by Harry Harding.

In December 2002, the Canadian government appointed Tulk to the Canadian Transportation Agency. This agency helps make sure transportation in Canada runs smoothly.

Later Life and Legacy

In 2018, Beaton Tulk wrote a book about his life called A Man of My Word. He wrote it with Laurie Blackwood Pike. He lived in Musgravetown with his wife, Dora, in his final years.

Beaton Tulk passed away on May 23, 2019, one day after his 75th birthday. He had been diagnosed with prostate cancer fifteen years earlier. Canada's Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, spoke highly of Tulk's career. He said Tulk always focused on "putting people first." Trudeau called his death a "loss of a great Canadian and a great Liberal."