Statement by Premier King on the passing of the Honourable Nancy Guptill

Premier Dennis King issued the following statement today on the passing of the Honourable Nancy Guptill: 

“I was saddened to learn of Nancy Guptill’s passing yesterday. I have always admired her deep sense of community, love of family and commitment to empowering Islanders, especially women, to become leaders.  

Nancy had a long and storied career as a Member of the Legislative Assembly where her passion for politics and public service were on display. While serving as Speaker of the Legislative Assembly in 1993, she was part of a unique moment in Canadian political history as one of five women who simultaneously held the five most influential legislative government positions in Prince Edward Island – Premier, Leader of the Official Opposition, Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, and Lieutenant Governor – a feat yet to be repeated in Canadian public life.

Nancy and her family made Prince Edward Island home in the 1970’s where she worked in the health care field as a radiotherapist and raised her family with her late husband Gregg. 

Nancy first served as a member Summerside Town Council for many years before being elected as Member of the Legislative Assembly for 5th Prince in a by-election in 1987. She was re-elected in the general elections of 1989, 1993 and 1996, holding serval cabinet portfolios during that time, including Minister of Tourism and Parks, Minister of Labour, Minister responsible for the Status of Women, and Minister responsible for Human Rights before being elected Speaker of the Legislative Assembly. Nancy was also among a handful of Members of the Legislative Assembly who were elected to represent both dual and single member districts. Following her career in politics, she later served as Chair of the Workers Compensation Board. 

Nancy was always a fierce advocate for her adopted home community of Summerside during her years of public service. She was a leader, a trailblazer and an inspiration to so many Islanders. More importantly, she was a devoted mother and grandmother who will be forever missed by her loved ones and her friends.”

Media Contact:
Amanda Hamel
Executive Director, Communications and Public Affairs
Office of the Premier
(902) 368-4400
ahamel@gov.pe.ca