Herb Dickieson

Herb Dickieson
Leader of the New Democratic Party of Prince Edward Island
In office 1995–2002
Preceded by	Larry Duchesne
Succeeded by	Gary Robichaud
MLA for West Point-Bloomfield
In office 1996–2000
Preceded by	first member
Succeeded by	Eva Rodgerson
Personal details
Political party	New Democrat
Occupation	doctor

Herb Dickieson is a physician and a former educator and politician in Prince Edward Island, Canada.^[1] Dickieson is notably the first and currently the only member of the New Democratic Party, or any third party, to have sat in the Legislative Assembly of Prince Edward Island.

Dickieson was raised in New Glasgow on a small family farm. He graduated from the University of Prince Edward Island with his B.Sc. in 1979 and received a B.Ed. in 1982. Dickieson taught high school in Calgary, Alberta for one year before entering medical school at Dalhousie University, from which he graduated with his medical degree in 1987. Dickieson interned in New Brunswick and in Prince Edward Island and established a family medicine practise in O'Leary.

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 defeated in the 2000 election. Dickieson led the party through the 1990s, but resigned after his personal electoral defeat.

Dickieson was a popular politician 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 wife Kathleen and family in Howlan.

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