Richard Hatfield facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Richard Hatfield
PC ONB
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| 26th Premier of New Brunswick | |
| In office November 11, 1970 – October 27, 1987 |
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| Monarch | Elizabeth II |
| Lieutenant Governor | Wallace Samuel Bird Hédard Robichaud George Stanley Gilbert Finn |
| Preceded by | Louis Robichaud |
| Succeeded by | Frank McKenna |
| Leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of New Brunswick | |
| In office October 13, 1967 – October 13, 1987 |
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| Preceded by | Charles Van Horne |
| Succeeded by | Malcolm MacLeod |
| MLA for Carleton Centre (Carleton; 1961–1974) |
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| In office June 19, 1961 – October 13, 1987 |
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| Preceded by | Hugh John Flemming |
| Succeeded by | Allison DeLong |
| Senator for New Brunswick | |
| In office September 7, 1990 – April 26, 1991 |
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| Appointed by | Brian Mulroney |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Richard Bennett Hatfield
April 9, 1931 Hartland, New Brunswick |
| Died | April 26, 1991 (aged 60) Fredericton, New Brunswick |
| Political party | Progressive Conservative |
Richard Bennett Hatfield was an important politician from New Brunswick, Canada. He was the longest-serving premier of New Brunswick, leading the province from 1970 to 1987. He was also a member of the Senate of Canada.
Early Life and Education
Richard Hatfield was born on April 9, 1931, in Hartland, New Brunswick. He was the youngest of five children. His father, Heber Hatfield, was a well-known potato shipper and the mayor of Hartland when Richard was born.
Politics was a big part of his family life. When Richard was seven, his father took him to a political meeting in Winnipeg. There, he met R. B. Bennett, who was a former Prime Minister of Canada and Richard's namesake.
In 1940, Richard's father was elected as a Member of Parliament for Victoria-Carleton county. He served until he passed away in 1952. Young Richard spent a lot of time in Ottawa, the capital city, and even got to know John Diefenbaker, who later became Prime Minister.
After finishing high school in Hartland in 1948, Richard went to Acadia University. He studied chemistry and English. He also joined a drama club, which he found very helpful. He believed that acting skills could help politicians connect with people better.
After Acadia, he briefly studied to become a doctor at Dalhousie University. However, he soon changed his mind and decided to study law instead. He graduated from Dalhousie Law School in 1956.
Starting His Career
In 1957, Hatfield moved to Truro, Nova Scotia, to work at a law firm. This was for his "articling period," which is like an internship for new lawyers. After finishing this, he joined Gordon Churchill, who was a government minister in Ottawa.
He stayed in Ottawa for about nine months but decided not to continue practicing law. He then returned home to New Brunswick. His brother, Fred, was managing the family's potato business. Richard joined him as the vice-president of sales. He worked there until 1965. When the family sold their potato chip factory, Richard decided to focus on politics full-time.
Political Journey
Richard Hatfield began his political career in 1961. The local representative for Carleton County, Hugh John Flemming, left his seat to run for a federal position. Richard's brother, Fred, suggested Richard run for the open seat. Richard agreed and won easily. He later said his father's good reputation helped him get elected.
For his first few years as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA), he spent time learning about politics and talking to reporters.
After the 1967 election, he became the Leader of the Opposition and the temporary leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of New Brunswick. In 1969, he was officially elected as the party leader.
In the 1970 provincial election, Richard Hatfield led his party to victory. He became the premier of New Brunswick. He held this position for 17 years, making him the longest-serving premier in the province's history.
During his time as premier, Hatfield became well-known across Canada. He worked closely with Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau on important discussions about the Canadian Constitution. These talks led to the 1982 "patriation" of the Canadian constitution, which meant Canada could change its own constitution without needing approval from the United Kingdom. This also led to the creation of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which protects the rights and freedoms of all Canadians.
Hatfield also worked to create more equality between the French-speaking Acadian people and the English-speaking people in New Brunswick.
He tried to bring new businesses and jobs to the province. One big project in the 1970s was financing the making of the Bricklin SV-1 sports car. This was an exciting idea to start a car industry in New Brunswick. The car itself was advanced, but the project faced many challenges and eventually failed.
Later Years and Passing
In 1990, Richard Hatfield was appointed to the Senate of Canada by Governor General Ray Hnatyshyn. Senators are appointed to represent their regions in the federal government.
Soon after starting his work in the Senate, he became very ill. He passed away in 1991 at the age of 60. His memorial service was held in Fredericton, New Brunswick, and many important leaders, friends, and colleagues attended to remember him.
