A major figure on the Saint John political scene has passed away.
Shirley Dysart died yesterday morning at the age of 88, according to the Telegraph-Journal.
Dysart was the long time MLA for Saint John North, first elected in 1974 and then re-elected four more times. The former teacher was the first woman to be education minister in the cabinet of Frank McKenna where she introduced the universal, full-day public kindergarten program.
McKenna told the Telegraph-Journal last night that was a towering achievement. McKenna called Dysart a magificent human being and a mentor to other women getting into politics. He said the entire caucas looked up to her.