Keith Wayne Milligan

MILLIGAN, KEITH, teacher and farmer; b. 8 February 1950 in Inverness, son of Charles Bayfield Milligan of Northam and Rebv Hazel MacKinnon of Inverness; m. 11 August 1978 Deborah Foley, and they had three children, Charles Christian, Olivia, and Dustin; Anglican. Milligan, a Liberal, was first elected to the Legislative Assembly in a by-election held 2 February 1981 for 2nd Prince. He was re-elected in the general elections of 1982, 1986, 1989, and 1993. He was elected in the general election of 1996 in the new electoral district of Cascumpec-Grand River. Following the by-election victory in 1981, he was selected as interim leader and served as Leader of the Opposition until Joseph Ghiz* won the leadership convention held 24 October 1981. From 1982 to 1986, Milligan served as Opposition critic for education. When the Liberals formed the government in 1986, he was appointed Minister of Health and Social Services, and Minister Responsible for the Hospital and Health Services Commission; he held these Ministries until 1989. From 1989 to 1993, Milligan was Minister of Agriculture, and in 1993 was appointed Minister of Education and Human Resources. From June 1994 to 1996, Milligan served as Minister of Transportation and Public Works. In 1996 Milligan was elected leader of the Liberal Party. Considered the underdog in the leadership race, Milligan received significant support from the grassroots, particularly from western Prince Edward Island. More than 5,000 Liberals attended the convention, held at the Field House, University of Prince Edward Island, and it was the largest ever political convention held in the province. On 10 October 1996, Milligan was sworn in as premier. Hoping to ride the wave of media coverage and interest created by the convention, he called an election for 18 November. The Liberals were defeated by the Conservatives and their newly elected leader, Patrick Binns*. Milligan received his early education at the Inverness District School. He later attended O'Leary High School and was valedictorian of his graduating class in 1970. Milligan continued his studies at the University of Prince Edward Island, where he earned Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education degrees. Following the completion of his education, he taught for two years in Regional Administrative Unit One. He was a silver fox and elk rancher, and served as manager of the West Prince Regional Services Centre. Milligan was a junior arts representative on the University of Prince Edward Island Student Union. He has been associated with numerous community projects and initiatives, including the Tyne Valley Oyster Festival. Milligan has served as vicepresident of the Tyne Valley Fire Hall, secretary of the Tyne Valley Community Sports Centre, secretary of the Stewart Memorial Health Centre, and as a member of the West Prince Community Advisory Board. He has been a member of the Canada Fox Breeders Association and the Prince Edward Island Fur Breeders Association. Keith Milligan and his family live in Tyne Valley. Deborah Milligan is the daughter of John E. Foley of Bloomfield.