Robert Wells (Canadian politician) facts for kids

Robert Wells (August 28, 1933 – October 28, 2020) was an important Canadian lawyer, politician, and judge from Newfoundland. He served as a member of the Newfoundland House of Assembly for two different areas. First, he represented St. John's South from 1972 to 1975. Later, he represented Kilbride from 1975 to 1979. After his time in politics, he became a judge on the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador, where he served from 1986 to 2008.

Early Life and Education

Robert Wells was born in Badger's Quay, Newfoundland, on August 28, 1933. His father was Reverend Warwick Wells. Robert studied at Memorial University in St. John's.

In 1953, he earned a special scholarship called a Rhodes Scholar. This allowed him to study at Oxford University in England. He became a lawyer in England and Wales in 1958.

Robert Wells' Legal Career

When Robert Wells returned to Newfoundland, he first worked for the government as an economist. Later, he joined the Justice department. There, he worked as a Crown attorney (a lawyer who represents the government) and an advisor from 1959 to 1962.

In 1962, he started his own law practice in St. John's. He focused on both criminal and civil law cases. In 1972, he was given the special title of Queen's Counsel, which recognizes experienced lawyers.

Wells often helped people solve legal problems without going to court. He used methods like mediation (where a neutral person helps people agree) and arbitration (where a neutral person makes a decision). He continued his private law work until 1986. That year, he was appointed as a judge to the Supreme Court of Newfoundland. He served as a judge for 22 years, retiring in 2008. After retiring, he went back to helping people resolve disputes outside of court.

Leading the Legal Profession

Robert Wells was a leader among lawyers in Newfoundland. He served as the president of the Law Society of Newfoundland from 1977 to 1981.

In 1985, he made history by becoming the first person from Newfoundland to be elected national president of the Canadian Bar Association. This is a very important role for lawyers in Canada. As president, he worked to improve laws. He pushed for more freedom of information, meaning the public could get more information from the government. He also wanted judges to have more flexibility in deciding sentences for crimes.

Wells was also involved in groups that work to protect human rights around the world.

Robert Wells in Politics

Robert Wells was active in politics for many years. In 1964, he became the president of the Progressive Conservative Association of Newfoundland.

He first ran for a seat in the Newfoundland assembly in 1971 but was not elected. However, he won a seat the very next year, in 1972. From 1975 to 1976, he was part of the Newfoundland government's cabinet under Premier Frank Moores. He served as the Minister of Health. He also held roles as a minister without a specific department and as the government house leader, helping to manage government business in the assembly. He returned to practicing law in 1979.

Offshore Helicopter Safety Inquiry

On March 12, 2009, a helicopter called Cougar Helicopters Flight 91 crashed into the ocean. It was flying from St. John's to an offshore oil platform. Out of 18 people on board, only one survived.

Because of this tragic accident, an investigation was started called the Offshore Helicopter Safety Inquiry. Robert Wells was chosen to lead this important inquiry. After many hearings, he wrote a detailed report with recommendations to make offshore activities safer. One of his main ideas was to create a new, independent group to oversee safety in the offshore oil industry.

After the inquiry, Wells continued to speak out for stronger safety rules for offshore work. He even spoke to a special committee in Ottawa in 2013, supporting a new law to improve offshore safety.

Community Service

Beyond his legal and political work, Robert Wells also helped his community. He was the chairman of the board for the Janeway Child Health Centre, a hospital for children. From 1979 to 1984, he also served as the legal advisor (called a Chancellor) for the Anglican Diocese of Eastern Newfoundland and Labrador.

Death

Robert Wells passed away on October 28, 2020, at the age of 87.

Honours and Awards

• 1970 Honorary Membership in the Canadian Police Association
• 1972 Queen's Counsel (a special title for experienced lawyers)
• 2002 Doctor of Laws honoris causa (an honorary law degree) from the Law Society of Newfoundland and Labrador
• 2015 Doctor of Laws honoris causa (an honorary law degree) from Memorial University