WORLD AFFAIRS LUNCHEON: "The U.S. and Canada"

Patrick G. Binns (BA [Economics and Political Science], University of Alberta, 1969; MA [Community Development], University of Alberta, 1971)

Mr. Binns began his career in northern Alberta as a community development officer. In 1972 he moved to Prince Edward Island  where he became Assistant Manager of the Rural Development Council. He served in P.E.I.’s public service from 1974 to 1978 and was a recipient of the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Medal for Outstanding Public Service.

From 1978 to 1984, he served in P.E.I.’s Provincial Legislature and held many cabinet portfolios. From 1984 to 1988, he was the  Member of Parliament for Cardigan and served as a Parliamentary Secretary. From 1988 to 1996, he was President of Island Bean Ltd. and Pat Binns and Associates. He became leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of P.E.I. and the province’s 30th Premier in 1996. Mr. Binns’ government was re-elected to two more terms. During his 11 years as Premier, Mr. Binns established the P.E.I. Cancer Treatment Centre, founded and led Team Atlantic trade missions abroad and promoted the bio-science industry. From 2007 to 2010 he has served as Ambassador of Canada to Ireland. He is currently Consul General of Canada for New England and resides in Boston.

Mr. Binns and his wife Carol maintain their farm property in Prince Edward Island. They have four adult children, Rob, Mark, Brad and Lilly as well as four grandchildren.