History of Brian Peckford in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 21, 2024

Alfred Brian Peckford, a prominent Canadian politician, served as the third Premier of Newfoundland from 1979 to 1989. Representing the Progressive Conservative Party, he entered politics in 1972 as a Member of the House of Assembly for Green Bay. After contributing as a cabinet minister under Premier Frank Moores, Peckford ascended to PC leadership and subsequently the premiership upon Moores' retirement in 1979.

August 27, 1942: Birth of Brian Peckford

Brian Peckford was born on August 27, 1942.

1969: Signing of the Upper Churchill Contract

The Upper Churchill contract, a deal that sold cheap power to Hydro Quebec for 65 years, was signed by Premier Joey Smallwood in 1969.

1972: Brian Peckford's Entry into Politics

Brian Peckford was first elected to the House of Assembly of Newfoundland as the Member for Green Bay in 1972.

1973: Appointment as Parliamentary Assistant

In 1973, Brian Peckford was appointed Parliamentary Assistant to Premier Frank Moores.

1975: Re-election and Cabinet Position

Peckford was re-elected in the 1975 general election, winning by a significant margin. He continued to serve as the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

September 9, 1976: Appointment as Minister of Mines and Energy

Brian Peckford was appointed Minister of Mines and Energy on September 9, 1976, succeeding John Crosbie.

1977: Offshore Oil Dispute

Oil companies suspended offshore drilling in 1977 as a protest against Peckford's push for provincial control over the emerging industry.

1978: Resolution of Offshore Oil Dispute

In 1978, oil companies resumed drilling under the province's terms, which aimed to maximize local economic benefits and minimize disruption.

January 19, 1979: Moores Announces Retirement

Premier Frank Moores announced his resignation and departure from politics on January 19, 1979, paving the way for Peckford's leadership bid.

March 17, 1979: Peckford Elected PC Leader

Brian Peckford was elected leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Newfoundland on March 17, 1979.

March 26, 1979: Brian Peckford Becomes Premier of Newfoundland

Brian Peckford took office as the third premier of Newfoundland on March 26, 1979.

May 25, 1979: Dissolution of Legislature and Election Call

On May 25, 1979, the legislature was dissolved, and an election was called for June 18th. This followed Liberal leader Bill Rowe's announcement of a leadership convention and his subsequent decision to step aside.

1979: First Women Appointed to Newfoundland Cabinet

Following his party's re-election in 1979, Peckford appointed Lynn Verge and Hazel Newhook to his cabinet, marking the first time women held ministerial positions in Newfoundland's history.

1980: Introduction of New Provincial Flag, Department of Environment, and Grade 12 Curriculum

1980 marked a year of significant changes under Peckford's leadership. He oversaw the introduction of a new provincial flag, established the Department of Environment, and expanded the high school curriculum to include grade 12.

1980: Constitutional Negotiations and Fisheries Control

During the 1980 constitutional negotiations, Peckford attempted to gain greater provincial control over the fisheries but failed to garner sufficient support from other premiers.

April 6, 1982: Peckford Wins Re-Election

On April 6, 1982, Brian Peckford led his party to victory, securing a second term as Premier of Newfoundland. His victory came amidst a heated dispute with the federal government, with Peckford campaigning on a platform of renegotiating the Upper Churchill contract with Quebec. The election results, with Peckford's party securing 44 out of 52 seats, demonstrated strong support for his tough stance with Ottawa.

1982: Offshore Oil Ownership Dispute Sent to Supreme Court

The dispute between the Peckford government and Pierre Trudeau's Liberal government over the ownership of offshore oil was sent to the Supreme Court of Canada in 1982.

1983: Margaret Cameron Appointed as Newfoundland's First Female Supreme Court Justice

In 1983, Peckford appointed Margaret Cameron as the first female Supreme Court justice in Newfoundland, further demonstrating his commitment to advancing women's roles in the province's legal system.

March 1984: Supreme Court Rules on Offshore Mineral Rights

In March 1984, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled that the federal government held the right to develop minerals on the continental shelf off Canada's coast. This ruling prompted Peckford to focus his efforts on securing joint management and a larger share of revenues from offshore oil resources.

September 4, 1984: Mulroney's Progressive Conservative Party Wins Federal Election

Brian Mulroney's Progressive Conservative Party won a majority government in the federal election on September 4, 1984. Mulroney had previously committed to a fair deal with Newfoundland regarding offshore energy resources, a key concern for Peckford's government.

1984: First Supreme Court Ruling on Upper Churchill Contract

The Supreme Court of Canada ruled in favor of Quebec in 1984 regarding the Upper Churchill contract dispute.

February 11, 1985: Atlantic Accord Signed

On February 11, 1985, the federal and provincial governments signed the Atlantic Accord, granting Newfoundland significant decision-making powers and financial benefits related to offshore oil resources. This agreement, reached less than six months after Mulroney's election, marked a major achievement for Peckford and a turning point for Newfoundland's economy.

April 2, 1985: Peckford Wins Third Term Amidst Controversy

Weeks after signing the Atlantic Accord, Peckford called an election for April 2, 1985. Despite touting his role as "The Great Negotiator" of the Accord, Peckford faced criticism from teachers and public service employees unhappy with a two-year wage freeze. Despite these challenges, Peckford's Progressive Conservative party secured a third term, winning 49% of the popular vote.

1985: Issuance of Factory Freezer Trawler Licenses

The federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans issued licenses to three factory freezer trawlers in 1985, a decision Peckford strongly opposed, calling it "a disaster of monumental proportions."

1987: Construction of Hydroponic Greenhouse Complex Begins

In 1987, the Peckford government partnered with Phillip Sprung to construct a hydroponic greenhouse complex near St. John's. The project, intended to boost the economy and provide fresh produce, unfortunately ended in bankruptcy two years later, damaging Peckford's credibility.

1988: Second Supreme Court Ruling on Upper Churchill Contract

The Supreme Court of Canada again ruled in favor of Quebec in 1988, upholding their previous decision on the Upper Churchill contract.

January 21, 1989: Peckford Announces Retirement from Politics

On January 21, 1989, Brian Peckford announced his decision to retire from politics. This decision followed a period of economic challenges and controversies, including the failure of a government-funded hydroponic greenhouse project. Peckford's successor, Tom Rideout, was chosen in March, but the Progressive Conservative Party lost the subsequent provincial election to the Liberals.

March 22, 1989: End of Brian Peckford's Term as Premier

Brian Peckford's term as premier of Newfoundland ended on March 22, 1989.

1998: Peckford Leads Inquiry into Fraser River Salmon Stocks

In 1998, Brian Peckford was appointed to lead a one-person inquiry into the state of Fraser River salmon stocks and fishery management in British Columbia. This appointment reflects his continued involvement in public policy issues after leaving elected office.

2008: Peckford Chairs Expert Panel on Chronic Disease Policy

In 2008, Peckford was appointed chair of a federal expert panel tasked with reviewing Canada's chronic disease policy, with a focus on diabetes. The panel's report, presented to the federal Health minister, highlights Peckford's expertise and ongoing contributions to public health policy.

2012: Cod Moratorium

In 2012, a cod moratorium, which was implemented due to the collapse of cod stocks, was still in effect.

2021: Peckford Endorses People's Party in Federal Election

In the 2021 Canadian federal election, Brian Peckford publicly endorsed the People's Party led by Maxime Bernier. This endorsement reflects his evolving political views and engagement in contemporary political discourse.

January 26, 2022: Peckford Discusses COVID-19 Pandemic on Jordan Peterson's Podcast

On January 26, 2022, Peckford appeared on Jordan Peterson's podcast, where he criticized the Canadian government's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, arguing that their actions infringed upon the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

January 27, 2022: Peckford Becomes Lead Plaintiff in Case Challenging Travel Ban for Unvaccinated Individuals

It was revealed on January 27, 2022, that Peckford is the lead plaintiff in a lawsuit filed by the Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms challenging the Canadian government's travel ban on unvaccinated individuals. Peckford's involvement in this case further demonstrates his commitment to challenging government policies he deems to be infringing on individual liberties.