Joan Shea
Joan Shea (formerly Joan Burke) is a former Canadian politician and Cabinet minister in Newfoundland and Labrador. From 2003 to 2014 Shea served as the member of the House of Assembly (MHA) for the district of St. George's-Stephenville East. Shea was the first person holding a BSW to serve in the NL legislature. Shea was also the first woman to serve as Government House Leader in the province's history.
Joan Shea BSW, MSW, MHA | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Newfoundland and Labrador House of Assembly for St. George's-Stephenville East | |
| In office October 2003 – June 2, 2014 | |
| Preceded by | Kevin Aylward |
| Succeeded by | Scott Reid |
| Minister of Advanced Education and Skills and Minister Responsible for Persons with Disabilities and Youth Engagement of Newfoundland and Labrador | |
| In office October 28, 2011 – October 9, 2013 | |
| Preceded by | New office |
| Succeeded by | Kevin O'Brien |
| Government House Leader in the Newfoundland and Labrador House of Assembly | |
| In office May 2008 – October 28, 2011 | |
| Preceded by | Tom Rideout |
| Succeeded by | Jerome Kennedy |
| Minister of Education of Newfoundland and Labrador | |
| In office January 11, 2011 – October 28, 2011 | |
| Preceded by | Darin King |
| Succeeded by | Clyde Jackman |
| In office November 8, 2005 – April 9, 2009 | |
| Preceded by | Darin King |
| Succeeded by | Clyde Jackman |
| Minister of Child, Youth, & Family Services of Newfoundland and Labrador | |
| In office April 9, 2009 – January 13, 2011 | |
| Preceded by | New office |
| Succeeded by | Charlene Johnson |
| Minister of Human Resources & Employment & Minister Responsible for the Status of Women of Newfoundland and Labrador | |
| In office November 6, 2003 – November 8, 2005 | |
| Succeeded by | Paul Shelley |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Bishop's Falls, Newfoundland and Labrador |
| Political party | Progressive Conservatives |
| Residence | Stephenville, Newfoundland and Labrador |
| Occupation | Parole officer Social worker |
During her entire career as a MHA, Shea served as a minister in the Cabinets of Danny Williams, Kathy Dunderdale and Tom Marshall. Shea held the posts of Minister of Education, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment, Minister of Child, Youth and Family Services and Minister Responsible for the Status of Women. During her political career, Shea was also responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Housing, the Labour Relations Agency, and Workplace Health and Safety Commission.
As Minister, Shea was instrumental in the establishment of the newly created Department of Child, Youth and Family Services and also led the development of the Department of Advanced Education and Skills.
Before entering politics she worked as a Parole Officer with the Correctional Service of Canada in Ontario and Newfoundland. Shea holds a BSW from Memorial University and an MSW from the University of Toronto.