Léonce Bernard facts for kids

Joseph Gérard Léonce Bernard (born May 23, 1943, died March 25, 2013) was an important Canadian politician. He was the 26th Lieutenant Governor of Prince Edward Island. This made him the King's or Queen's representative in the province. He was also the third person of Acadian heritage to hold this special job.

Early Life and Education

Joseph Léonce Bernard was born in Abram Village, Prince Edward Island. This is a community in Prince Edward Island. He went to Evangeline School in Abram Village. He was part of the first group of students to graduate from the school in 1962.

After school, he joined the Royal Canadian Air Force. While serving, he took courses to learn about bookkeeping and accounting. These skills help manage money and records for businesses.

Family Life

Léonce Bernard married Florence Gallant in 1968. She was from Cap-Egmont, a place near Abram Village. Together, they had four children: Michel, Pierre, Francine, and Charles. They also had two grandchildren.

Before Politics

Before he became a politician, Mr. Bernard worked in different jobs. He was an office manager for McGowan Motors in Montague. He also served as the general manager of the Evangeline Credit Union in Wellington, Prince Edward Island. A credit union is like a bank, but it's owned by its members.

Political Career

Mr. Bernard began his political journey in 1975. He was first elected to the Legislative Assembly of Prince Edward Island. This is where laws are made for the province. He represented the area of 3rd Prince. He was a member of the Liberal Party of Prince Edward Island.

He was re-elected many times: in 1978, 1979, 1982, 1986, and 1989. From 1979 to 1986, he was part of the Official Opposition. This means his party was not in power, but they worked to question the government.

From 1986 to 1989, he served as the Minister of Industry. He also chaired the P.E.I. Development Agency. From 1989 to 1991, he was the Minister of Fisheries and Community Affairs.

Community Involvement

Léonce Bernard was a big supporter of the co-operative movement. This is where people work together to own and run businesses for their shared benefit. He was president of the Conseil de la coopération de l'Î.P.É (a co-operative council in PEI). He was also a vice-president and Treasurer of the Conseil Canadien de la coopération (Canadian Co-operative Council).

He was very active in his community. He held leadership roles in many groups. These included the Federation of Prince Edward Island Municipalities and the French Language School Board. He also worked with the Wellington Boys and Girls Club and the Evangeline Tourism Association.

Lieutenant Governor of Prince Edward Island

On May 28, 2001, Léonce Bernard was appointed as the Lieutenant Governor of Prince Edward Island. In this role, he represented the King or Queen in the province. He performed important duties like opening legislative sessions and giving royal assent to new laws. His term as Lieutenant Governor ended in 2006.

Coat of Arms

Arms of Léonce Bernard

Notes The arms of J. Léonce Bernard consist of: Crest A demi lion Gules its dexter paw resting on a garden trowel Or. Escutcheon Bendy Or and Gules a cross flory Azure. Supporters Two foxes (Vulpes fulva) Sable embellished Argent each gorged with a coronet érable Or pendent therefrom a bezant, that to the dexter charged with masks of tragedy and comedy, that to the sinister charged with a treble clef Gules. Compartment A grassy mound set with lady slipper flowers proper. Motto Entraide