Politicians and members of the legal community among those mourning the loss of Edmond Blanchard.
The former New Brunswick cabinet minister and federal judge has died at the age of 60 after what is being described as a brief illness.
Blanchard was first elected to the provincial legislature in 1987 and wore a number of hats over the years including Minister of State for Mines, Attorney General and Minister of Justice and Minister Intergovernmental Affairs. In 2000, he became a trial judge and four years later was appointed Chief Justice of the Court Martial Appeal Court of Canada.
Chief Justice Paul Crampton on behalf of the Federal Court and Acting Chief Justice Delores Hansen on behalf of the Court Martial Appeal of Canada calling Blanchard a truly exceptional person with a life-long commitment to public service and the administration of justice.
Liberal Leader Brian Gallant says the people of Campbellton will remember Blanchard as a dedicated and committed MLA who capably and effectively represented them in the legislative assembly.
