Former MLA Albert Fogarty remembered for 'getting things done'
Albert Fogarty, who served as a Progressive Conservative MLA on P.E.I. for 14 years, is being remembered for his unwavering commitment to his Kings County constituents and his determined way of getting things done.
Fogarty died at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Charlottetown on Sept. 21. He was 84.
The Cardigan resident won four elections from 1979 to 1993, and was the minister of health and social services from 1981 to 86. While in opposition, Fogarty served as the PCs' house leader and finance critic.
Former premier Pat Binns, who was first elected as an MLA in 1978, said Fogarty spent a lot of time speaking with constituents and would always put their needs first.
He wanted to get things done so he could move on to the next thing... I just admired the fact that he kept focus very well and he achieved a lot. — Pat Binns, former P.E.I. premier
"He was a very good sounding board, had his ear to the ground and he understood what was going on and had a good common-sense approach to handling problems and getting things done," Binns said Wednesday.
Binns said Fogarty fought for better health care on P.E.I. and was a strong advocate for hospitals in Kings County.
"He wanted to get things done so he could move on to the next thing. And that was kind of who he was. I just admired the fact that he kept focus very well and he achieved a lot."
'Impact extended throughout his community'
P.E.I. Premier Dennis King said in a statement that Fogarty always advocated for the well-being of Islanders.
"I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former MLA, and my dear friend, Albert Fogarty. Albert was a dedicated public servant, educator, and community leader who devoted his life to improving the lives of Islanders," King said in the statement.
"Albert's impact extended throughout his community, where he served on numerous boards and organizations, leaving a legacy of service that will be felt for generations. My deepest condolences go out to his wife, Judy, their children, and all who knew and loved him."
Before entering politics, Fogarty was a high school teacher at Montague Regional High and the principal at Souris Regional High. He was also a former president of the Prince Edward Island Teachers' Federation.
Fogarty returned to education after leaving politics. He was the superintendent of education for the province from 1993 to 1994. In 1997, he became executive director of the adult and community education institute at Holland College, retiring in 2001.
He received an honourary doctorate from UPEI in 2019.
Fogarty's funeral will be held Oct. 1 at 11 a.m. at All Saints Catholic Church in Cardigan.
