John LaBossiere

John LaBossiere
Leader of the New Brunswick New Democratic Party
In office 1976–1980
Preceded by	J. Albert Richardson
Succeeded by	George Little
Personal details
Born	(1935-01-01)January 1, 1935
Died	January 11, 2006(2006-01-11) (aged 71)
Political party	New Brunswick New Democratic Party

John B. LaBossiere (January 1, 1935 – January 11, 2006)[1] was a Canadian politician who was leader of the New Brunswick New Democratic Party from 1976 to 1980.[2] The party's first francophone leader, he was noted for making inroads into the province's Acadian community, taking the party to a then-record level of support in the 1978 provincial election.[3] He was also an early advocate of environmentalism in the province, building his campaign on opposition to aerial spraying and to the proposed Point Lepreau Nuclear Generating Station.[3] He resigned as leader in July 1980, following a dispute with the party's executive committee, complaining that the NDP had drifted from its socialist principles.[4][5]

A teacher by profession,[3] he taught at the Bonar Law High School in Rexton, New Brunswick, and was married to Ferne (Fearon) LaBossiere, a native of Tide Head, New Brunswick. He was a graduate of the University of New Brunswick. LaBossiere was active in many community organizations and deeply committed to many causes. He was elected and served on the Rexton-Richibucto school board for many years.^[citation needed]

He ran for the Legislative Assembly of New Brunswick in the 1978 and 1995 elections.^[citation needed]

References

1. John B. LaBossiere death notice, Times & Transcript, January 13, 2006
2. New Brunswick Votes 2006: Parties & Leaders. cbc.ca, August 18, 2006.
3. History of the New Brunswick NDP Archived 2011-07-06 at the Wayback Machine.
4. "Patriate the economy as well, Broadbent says" (Oct 27, 1980), The Globe and Mail
5. "Party wrangling in the Maritimes: NOVA SCOTIA" (13 Sep 1980), The Globe and Mail