Executive Council
Transportation and Works
February 8, 2011
New Ferries to Honour Provincial Political Pioneers
The Provincial Government’s two new medium-size ferry vessels, currently under construction at the Kiewit Offshore Services’ Cow Head Facility near Marystown will be named in honour of two strong and influential women in Newfoundland and Labrador provincial politics – Hazel McIsaac and the late Grace Sparkes. The Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, made the announcement today.
“I am so pleased to announce that we are naming these vessels after two extraordinary women – true trailblazers in Newfoundland and Labrador’s political history – who helped to pave the way for women wishing to enter political life,” said the Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador. “These women shared their energy, passion, vision and wisdom in the service of our province and their legacy will now be represented in a very tangible way in the naming of our two newest ferries.”
Born in Grand Bank in 1908, Grace Sparkes was the first woman to seek election to the House of Assembly post-Confederation, running as a Progressive Conservative in the Burin District in the first provincial election in May 1949. She worked in teaching, journalism and acting and was devoted to numerous volunteer organizations.
The MV Grace Sparkes, the first of the two new vessels to enter service, will be assigned to the St. Brendan’s ferry run. It is expected to begin sea trials this week and begin service in March.
Born in Robinsons in 1933, Hazel McIsaac was the first woman to become a Member of the House of Assembly post-Confederation upon being elected to represent the District of St. Georges for the Liberal Party on September 16, 1975. She later launched a successful career in municipal politics in the Town of St. George’s and was active in her community.
The MV Hazel McIsaac is expected to be complete in April and will provide service to Long Island and Little Bay Islands in Green Bay.
“I am so pleased to join the Premier in naming these vessels in honour of the contribution of these women to the betterment of our society,” said the Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister of Transportation and Works. “These vessels will serve the people of this province for many years to come and it is only fitting that they be named after two women who served the people of this province so admirably.”
Budget 2010: The Right Investments – For Our Children and Our Future allocated a record $1 billion for provincial infrastructure investments, for a total infrastructure strategy valued at more than $5 billion over the next several years. As part of this investment, $55 million is allocated in 2010-11 to continue with the vessel replacement strategy. Including these medium-size vessels under construction, the Provincial Government is currently engaged in various stages of work towards the construction of 10 new vessels for the provincial service.- 30 -
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BACKGROUNDER
Grace Sparkes
Grace Sparkes was born in Grand Bank on February 19, 1908. Ms. Sparkes life’s work spanned teaching, journalism, and acting, as well as volunteer contributions to the YMCA, Canadian Red Cross, Kiwanis Music Festival, Memorial University’s Board of Regents, the United Church of Canada and the National Council on Aging.
When the National Convention was called in 1945, Ms. Sparkes became a strong supporter of a return to responsible government. Though never elected, Ms. Sparkes was the first woman to run for election to the House of Assembly, post-Confederation, running as a Progressive Conservative in the Burin District in the first provincial election in May 1949. She would later run for the federal Progressive Conservative Party in the riding of Burin-Burgeo in the federal election of 1949 and again for the provincial Progressive Conservatives in Burin in 1951.
Ms. Sparkes was honoured by her region for her contributions to the area and the province with the naming of Grace Sparkes House which provides safe accommodation and services to women and children who are victims of family violence.
Ms. Sparkes has also received numerous other honours for her work, including honorary degrees from Memorial University and Mount Allison University, membership in the Curling Hall of Fame, and Alumna of the Year of Memorial University.
Hazel McIsaac
Ms. McIsaac was the first female Member of the House of Assembly post-Confederation. During her time in office, she was devoted to environmental and social issues.
Born in Robinsons in 1933, Ms. McIsaac was educated at the Sister’s of Mercy Convent Boarding School in St. George’s. Through the years, she worked at Harmon Air Force Base in Stephenville, managed two local businesses and was later appointed as town clerk in St. George’s, where she was the first woman to ever hold the position.
In 1975, Ms. McIsaac set her sights on provincial politics and on September 16, 1975 was elected as a Liberal Member of the House of Assembly. In 1980, Ms. McIsaac returned to her role as town clerk in St. George’s and later was elected mayor.
Ms. McIsaac was devoted to her community, contributing to the library board, local development associations, Parks and Recreation Committees, Women’s Institute Seminars, and in the 1980’s, opened her home as a community residence for young offenders.
2011 02 08 2:10 p.m.