Opposition Leader Yvonne Jones is expressing her deepest sympathies to the family of the late Dr. Leslie Harris who passed away yesterday in St. John’s.

"Dr. Harris was a great Newfoundlander and Labradorian who contributed significantly to the social and economic development of our province," said Ms. Jones. "Through his work at the university, government commissioned review panels, historical research and writing, Dr. Harris helped guide the province through many important issues.

"There are many people in our province who owe their academic successes to the direction Leslie Harris provided to Memorial University, and his work on the northern cod fishery have shaped generations of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. Our province owes much gratitude to the contributions made by Dr. Harris over his 78 years and his life and work will not be forgotten.

"On behalf of the Official Opposition, I want to express our deepest sympathies to the family of Leslie Harris as they deal with this great loss."

- 30 -