Bill Harmer former MLA for Petitcodiac celebrated his 70th birthday
recently with friends. L-R Jim Munro, Helen Bowser, Rob Moore, Bill
Harmer and Gordon Bowser
Born on 18 Jan. 1937 in Saint John, NB. C.W. Bill Harmer resided in
Norton, Kings County, until the age of five, then moved with his
family to Petitcodiac, where he received his early education. He began
his career in the construction business and was employed with the
Moncton Electricity and Gas Company. Later, he entered commercial
sales and formed his own company. The Manpower Training Courses Harmed
designed for the Department of Education ""led to the development and
implementation of a province-wide building maintenance system, as well
as modern training programs designed for technical schools in Monton,
Saint John and Fredericon.""
Mr. Harmer was also an accredited communications instructor for the
Canadian Civil Defense College; president of the Monelect Credit
Union; a secretary of the International Brotherhood of Electrical
Workers, Local 1640; a graduate member of the International Sanitary
Supply Association; and a member of the Masonic order.
In 1971, Mr. Harmer became the executive assistant to the Minister of
Health and Minister of Economic Growth, Paul Creaghan (q.v.). In 1974,
he entered politics himself, being elected to the Legislature at that
time. He was re-elected in 1978 and 1982. In Oct. 1982, he was
appointed to Premier Richard Hatfield's cabinet as Minister of the
Environment. In 1985, he was shuffled to the portfolio of Supply and
Services. He remained in cabinet until the defeat of the Hatfield
government in 1987. During legislative career, Mr. Harmer also served
on the Standing Committees on Energy, Fisheries, Renewable Resources,
Public Accounts, and Law Amendments; and as Chairman of the Select
Committee on Motor Vehicle and Highway Safety.
|
|
