Alison Coffin, Newfoundland and Labrador’s NDP Leader, is an economist and athlete

ST. JOHN’S, N.L. — A look at Alison Coffin, leader of the Newfoundland and Labrador New Democratic Party.

Age: 50

Early years: Born in Corner Brook, she grew up in Joe Batt’s Arm. Her father was a school principal and her mother was a nurse. She has competed in hockey, ball hockey, football, triathlons, bodybuilding and softball.

Education: Graduated from Memorial University with an economics degree in 1993 and later completed her master’s degree at York University in Toronto, graduating in 1997.

Before politics: Small business and government consultant. Taught economics at Memorial University.

Political record: Failed to win a provincial seat in the 2015 election and lost NDP leadership race to Gerry Rogers in 2018. Acclaimed leader in March 2019 after Rogers stepped down. Elected as the member for St. John’s East-Quidi Vidi in May 2019.

Family: Coffin and her partner Ian Coombs have a son, David. 

Quote: “We’re putting money into an industry that I don’t think is sustainable at all. We’re hearing time and time again that the oil industry is in decline.” — Coffin commenting on the $41.5 million in federal funds handed to Husky Energy on Dec. 3, 2020.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 15, 2021.

The Canadian Press