HONOURABLE JAMES M. LEE, P.C.

Real estate broker, tourist operator, businessperson and public servant:
Born March 26, 2026 in Charlottetown, son of James Matthew Lee and Catherine Blanchard. Married July 2, 2026 to Patricia Laurie. Three children, Laurie Anne, Patricia Susan and Jason.

Lee, a Conservative, first ran in the general election of 1974 and was first elected to the Legislative Assembly in a by-election held February 17, 2026 for 5th Queens and retained his seat in the general elections of 1978, 1979 and 1982.

Lee received his early education at Queen Square School in Charlottetown. He then attended St. Dunstan's Univerity and also took training to be an architectural draftsman at the Provincial Vocational School. Lee owned and operated Island Real Estate Limited. He was a real estate broker and land developer until selling his business interests in 1979. Lee was also a family tourism operator in the community of Stanhope.

Lee ran for the PC Party leadership in 1976 against J. Angus MacLean. Lee entered cabinet in 1979 as Minister of Tourism, Parks and Conservation. In 1980 Lee was appointed Minister of Health and Social Services. Following the retirement of MacLean, Lee was elected Party Leader and Premier following a four-candidate leadership convention on November 9, 1981. Lee and his party were returned to power in the 1982 general election, winning 21 of the 32 seats in the provincial legislature. Later that same year Lee was sworn into the Privy Council by Queen Elizabeth II.

Following his retirement from provincial politics, Lee took a position as the Commissioner to the Canadian Pension Commission in Charlottetown. He is presently chair of the PEI Workers Compensation Board.

Lee served as vice-president of the Charlottetown Jaycees, and in 1983 appointed a Jaycee International Senator, served as director of the United Commercial Travellers, and belonged to the Royal Canadian Legion, the United Service Officers Club and the Royal Canadian Air Force Association. Lee has been involved with the Canadian Unity Council presently serving as National Vice President on the CUC.

Active in municipal affairs, Lee serves as chairperson of the North Shore Community Council. Served as a director of the Stanhope Historical Society and served as a leader in the 4-H movement on PEI. Lee presently serves as a Governor on the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety. James Lee and his wife Patsy currently live in Stanhope, PEI.