Shawn Skinner

Shawn Skinner is a Canadian politician in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. Skinner is a former St. John's City Councillor and former Member of the House of Assembly (MHA) for the district of St. John's Centre. He served as a MHA from 2003 to 2011 and was a minister in the cabinets of Danny Williams and Kathy Dunderdale. He is currently the Senior Director, Business Development for Aecon Construction Group Limited.^[1]

Background

Skinner was born and raised in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador. He studied at Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN) before earning a Diploma in Applied Arts from Cabot College and a Certificate in Adult Education from St. Francis Xavier University. In 1998, he became a member of the Canadian Institute of Management, from which he was granted the Professional Manager designation. Skinner spent 20 years working in Keyin College, as an instructor, faculty supervisor, principal, and operator. From 1993 to 1997 he served as ward two councillor on St. John's City Council.^[2]

Provincial politics

In November 2002, Skinner lost the Progressive Conservative Party (PC Party) nomination in St. John's Centre to Paul Brown, who had been the party's candidate in the previous two elections. However, Brown resigned as the party's candidate the following year and Skinner won the nomination for the district in August 2003. In the October 2003, election Skinner easily defeated Minister of Finance Joan Marie Aylward, winning 55% of the popular vote.^[3][4] In 2006, Skinner was appointed Parliamentary Assistant to Premier Danny Williams.

Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment

On January 19, 2007, Skinner was appointed Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment and the Minister responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Housing. His appointment came after Paul Shelley, the department's former minister, announced he would not be seeking re-election in the October election.^[5] In the October 9, 2007, general election Skinner was re-elected, winning 76% of the popular vote. Weeks later his ministerial portfolio was added to when he became Minister Responsible for Persons with Disabilities and Minister Responsible for the Labour Relations Agency.^[6]

Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development

On October 31, 2008, Skinner was appointed Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development.^[7]

Minister of Natural Resources

When Kathy Dunderdale became Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador she chose Skinner as her successor as Minister of Natural Resources.^[8]

Skinner was unseated by the New Democrats Gerry Rogers in the October 11, 2011, provincial election.^[9]

Leadership

Following the resignation of Dunderdale as Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador and leader of the Progressive Conservative Party, Skinner's name was brought up as a potential successor. In February 2014, in an interview with The Telegram Skinner said “I don’t mind sharing with you that I’m very, very seriously considering this.” Skinner's major issue with regards to entering the race was the spending limit for candidates. Under the party constitution leadership candidates cannot spend over $200,000, but the party was looking at revising that amount upward. Skinner was worried about racking up debt if he lost the race, but felt he could raise $200,000.^[10]

Electoral results

References