The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Tom Marshall, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador:

Premier Pays Tribute to Ambrose Peddle

Mr. Speaker, it was with sadness today that I rise in this Honourable House to express my sincere condolences to the family and friends of the late Ambrose Peddle, who recently passed away at the age of 86. As the member for Humber East, I am honoured to stand and pay tribute to another son of Corner Brook.

Mr. Peddle dedicated his life to public service, first, as a municipal leader, as a Member of this House of Assembly, and as a Member of Parliament. As all of us who are given the opportunity to sit in this Honourable House recognize, to serve the people of Newfoundland and Labrador in public office is a true privilege and great responsibility. Mr. Peddle accepted this duty with compassion and integrity and he has indeed set an example for us all to follow.

His life of public service continued when in 1975, Mr. Peddle had the distinct honour of being appointed Newfoundland and Labrador’s first ombudsman by then Premier Frank Moores. In his capacity as ombudsman, he acted as an impartial, unbiased advocate for the people of our province. For 15 years, he listened to the concerns of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians and worked diligently on their behalf to ensure they were treated fairly by their government.

Mr. Speaker, I ask all members of this House to join me in honouring the life and spirit of Ambrose Peddle. On behalf of all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, I thank Mr. Peddle for his important and remarkable contribution to our province and its people. To his family, I hope that at this difficult time you may find solace in his lasting legacy.

2014 03 18                                          1:40 p.m.