Lynn Verge

The Honourable Lynn Verge LLB, BA
MHA for Humber East
In office 1979–1996
Preceded by	Tom Farrell
Succeeded by	Bob Mercer
Leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Newfoundland and Labrador
In office April 29, 1995 – 1996
Preceded by	Len Simms
Succeeded by	Loyola Sullivan
Personal details
Born	c. 1951
Political party	Progressive Conservative
Residence	Montreal, Québec
Occupation	Lawyer

Lynn Verge is a Canadian lawyer and politician from Newfoundland and Labrador. She represented the Corner Brook electoral district of Humber East in the Newfoundland and Labrador House of Assembly from 1979 to 1996. As of 2016, she serves as the executive director of Atwater Library and Computer Centre in Westmount, Quebec.

In 1995, Verge became the first woman to lead a political party in the province when she succeeded Len Simms as leader of the Progressive Conservative Party; she was also the first woman to serve as the Leader of the Official Opposition.

At the age of 28 she was elected to the House of Assembly in 1979. Following her win Verge was sworn in as Minister of Education in the cabinet of Brian Peckford, becoming one of the first two female cabinet ministers in Newfoundland and Labrador's history. In 1985, Peckford appointed Verge Minister of Justice and Attorney General. She retained the portfolio when Tom Rideout became premier in March 1989 and was also appointed deputy premier. The following month in the 1989 provincial election, the Liberal Party won a majority government, despite the PC Party winning the popular vote. Verge faced off against Liberal leader Clyde Wells in her district of Humber East, and despite him leading his party to victory Wells was defeated by Verge.

...
Wikipedia