Nancy Guptill was one of the finest elected representatives I ever had the honour to meet.
Her passing is a loss to our entire Island community – but her contribution to provincial life will be long remembered.
As a representative, Nancy was completely dedicated to her constituents. Regardless of the time of day, Nancy was always there to help with issues large and small, because she understood that the role of an MLA meant acting as both the voice for her community and an advocate for individuals.
I admire Nancy’s approach and manner as an MLA. She was the eyes and ears of Islanders – and the concerns of Islanders were the starting point for all her work.
And, of course, Nancy was a pioneer. As a former minister of the Crown, Nancy was very proud to serve under premier Joe Ghiz, particularly with that government’s introduction of pay equity. And as the first female Speaker of the House, Nancy brought a judicious sense of fairness to all her work.
As a Liberal, I am very proud of the tradition that Nancy represents. She was a modern voice in a period of social transition, and I know she was inspired by the election of Catherine Callbeck in 1993.
I would like to offer my condolences to all Nancy’s family and friends. And to the wider community, it is important to remember Nancy’s legacy – and the major role she played in helping to build a progressive and modern Prince Edward Island.
Sonny Gallant,
Interim Leader of the Liberal Party of Prince Edward Island
