by on Yvonne Jones is leader of the Official Opposition and of the Liberal Party of Newfoundland and Labrador. She represents the riding of Cartwright—L’Anse au Clair.
Jones became leader of her party in 2007. She is the first female leader of the Newfoundland and Labrador Liberal Party. She serves as opposition critic for several portfolios. In addition, she has served as the Parliamentary Secretary to the Department of Works, Services and Transportation and to the Department of Health.
Yvonne Jones is leader of the Official Opposition and of the Liberal Party of Newfoundland and Labrador. She represents the riding of Cartwright—L’Anse au Clair.
Jones became leader of her party in 2007. She is the first female leader of the Newfoundland and Labrador Liberal Party. She serves as opposition critic for several portfolios. In addition, she has served as the Parliamentary Secretary to the Department of Works, Services and Transportation and to the Department of Health. In 2003, Jones was appointed Minister of Fisheries & Aquaculture, the first female in the province to hold that position, as well as the Minister Responsible for the Status of Women.
Jones was first elected in 1996 as an independent candidate. She joined the Liberal caucus in the legislature and was reelected as a Liberal in the 1999 election. She has served as a Liberal ever since. In 1991, prior to participating in provincial politics, she was elected mayor of Mary’s Harbour, Labrador. She was also an independent researcher for Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN) and a resource employment counsellor with Human Resources Development Canada.
Jones is also an entrepreneur who has owned small businesses in Labrador’s transportation and tourism sectors. After graduating from West Viking College, Jones began her career as a journalist. She worked as a news reporter across the province.
An active volunteer, Jones’s work with the Battle Harbour Development Corporation, the Combined Councils of Labrador, the Labrador Métis Nation and various literacy groups and councils, has enhanced the quality of life of many people in the province.