August 30, 2007 (10:00 a.m. EDT)
No. 121
The Honourable Maxime Bernier, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced the
following diplomatic appointment:
Patrick G. Binns becomes Ambassador to Ireland.
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A biographical note on the appointee is attached.
For further information, media representatives may contact:
Foreign Affairs Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-995-1874
http://www.international.gc.ca
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE
Patrick G. Binns (BA [Economics and Political Science], University of Alberta, 1969;
MA [Community Development], University of Alberta, 1971) first worked in northern
Alberta as a community development officer. In 1972, he began work for the Prince
Edward Island 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 Limited and Pat Binns and Associates. He became leader of
the Progressive Conservative Party of P.E.I. and the 30th premier in 1996. Mr. Binns’
government was re-elected for two more terms. During his 11 years in this role,
Mr. Binns established the P.E.I. Cancer Treatment Centre, founded and led Team
Atlantic Trade Missions abroad and promoted the bio-science industry. Mr. Binns and
his wife, Carol, have four adult children, Rob, Mark, Brad and Lilly. Patrick Binns
succeeds Christopher Westdal.
