Herb Dickieson

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Dr. Herb Dickieson was a politician in Prince Edward Island, Canada, and notably the first and only member of the New Democratic Party, or any third party, to have sat in the Legislative Assembly of Prince Edward Island. He is currently a doctor in O'Leary, a town in western Prince Edward Island.

Dickieson grew up in New Glasgow, PEI on a small family farm. He graduated from the University of Prince Edward Island with a BSc in 1979 and a Bachelor of Education in 1982, shortly after marrying his wife, Kathleen. Dickieson taught high school in Calgary, Alberta for one year before moving to Halifax, Nova Scotia. There he received a medical degree in 1987. Dickieson was an intern both in PEI and New Brunswick, and moved to O'leary, PEI to set up practice.

Dickieson led the Island New Democrats in the 1996 and 2000 provincial elections, seeking to be a Member of the Legislature for District 25, West Point-Bloomfield. He was successful in the 1996 election, but was narrowly defeated in the 2000 provincial election. Dickieson led the party through the 1990s, but resigned after his personal electoral defeat. Dickieson was popular during his term, even among non-New Democrats, as a voice for change. He was pressured by many members to run for the federal New Democratic Party in the 2004 federal election and again provincially, but has not sought office since.

Dickieson was always involved in local and provincial issues, including concern over the closing of rural post offices, the fate of farmers, and the quality of education, particularly among children. He has served on boards for the promotion of a community youth centre, as a Chamber of Commerce board of directors, and as Chief of Medical Staff at the Community Hospital. He is also currently the Past President of the Medical Society of Prince Edward Island.

He resides with his family in Howlan, PE.

Preceded by: Larry Duchesne	Leader of the Island New Democrats 1995–2002	Succeeded by: Gary Robichaud
Preceded by: riding created	MLA for West Point-Bloomfield 1996–2000	Succeeded by: Eva Rodgerson, Progressive Conservative