James Matthew Lee | The Canadian Encyclopedia

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James Matthew Lee

James Matthew Lee, businessman, politician, premier of PEI (b at Charlottetown 26 Mar 1937). After setting up his own real-estate and development company in 1970, Lee ran unsuccessfully as a PC candidate in 1974. In a by-election on 17 February 1975, he was elected to the assembly.

Lee, James Matthew

James Matthew Lee, businessman, politician, premier of PEI (b at Charlottetown 26 Mar 1937). After setting up his own real-estate and development company in 1970, Lee ran unsuccessfully as a PC candidate in 1974. In a by-election on 17 February 1975, he was elected to the assembly. He held various portfolios and, after winning the 1981 leadership convention, was sworn in as premier in 1982. In 1983 Lee succeeded in securing Maritime and federal agreement for the establishment of a school of veterinary medicine at UPEI. He lost his own seat in the election 21 April 1986 and was subsequently appointed commissioner to the Canadian Pension Commission for a 10-year term. In 1998 he became chairman of the PEI Workers' Compensation Board.