Shawn Graham Bios - 56th Legislature

On September 18, 2006, Shawn Graham was elected New Brunswick’s 31st Premier.

Premier Graham has served as a member of the Legislative Assembly since his October 1998 by-election victory in the riding of Kent. He was re-elected in the general elections of June 7, 1999 and June 9, 2003.

As the Liberal Party began the process of selecting a new leader in 2002, Shawn Graham’s energy, commitment and fresh vision for New Brunswick caught the public’s attention. On May 12, 2002, he won a landslide victory to become the leader of the Liberal Party of New Brunswick. He captured national attention on June 9, 2003 when he and his Liberal Team increased the Liberal seat count from 7 to 26 of 55 seats in the Legislature. Under his leadership, the party has increased its standing in the legislature from 29 of 55 seats following the 2006 election to 33 seats today.

Today, as Premier, his Charter for Change sets out the foundation for a better New Brunswick. Premier Graham’s vision for the province is as straightforward as it is challenging. He wants New Brunswick to join the ranks of the ‘have’ provinces by the year 2026.

He is committed to putting New Brunswick on the road to self-sufficiency by turning New Brunswick into a leader in energy conservation and generation, by building the best education system in the country and by making job creation a priority.

The first two and a half years of his government’s mandate have been marked by sweeping transformation in education, post-secondary education, health care and taxation. In March 2009, his government unveiled the comprehensive Plan for a Stronger Economy to address the current economic crisis. The main components of the plan are a four-year strategy to return to balanced budgets; $1.2 billion for infrastructure and support for businesses; an aggressive tax reduction package for individuals and businesses; investments in priorities, including health care and education; and responsible management of government expenditures.

In July 2007 Graham assumed the chair of the Council of the Federation and in September 2009 he will co-chair the Northeastern Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers conference which will be held in Saint John. Premier Graham has led numerous trade missions both in Canada and abroad including a recent mission to Shanghai, China.

In May 2009, Graham was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree from the University of New Brunswick from which he also holds a Bachelor of Physical Education Degree (1991). He is also a graduate of St. Thomas University having completed a Bachelor of Education Degree there in 1993.

Premier Graham and his wife, Roxanne, call both the Capital City and the small community of Mundleville “home.”

Website Link(s)

Office of the Premier Executive Council Office Intergovernmental Affairs Premier's Council on the Status of Disabled Persons Office of Self-Sufficiency Constituency Office