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Len Simms
Len Simms
Len Simms
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Leonard Archibald (Len) Simms (born October 23, 1943) is a Canadian politician from Newfoundland and Labrador.[1] He was the Progressive Conservative Member of the House of Assembly for Grand Falls from 1979 to 1995. From 2005 until 2014, Simms was chairman and chief executive officer of the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation, a provincial crown corporation.

Key Information

He served as Speaker of the House of Assembly from 1979 to 1982 when he was appointed to the provincial cabinet of Premier Brian Peckford. Simms served in the portfolios of Culture, Recreation and Youth, Forest Resources and Lands, President of Treasury Board and President of Executive Council.[2]

Simms ran for the leadership of the Progressive Conservative Party in 1989 but lost to Tom Rideout who subsequently appointed him Development Minister in his Cabinet.[3] The Tory government was defeated in the 1989 general election and Simms moved to the Opposition benches. He succeeded Rideout in 1991 to become Leader of the Opposition and party leader. The party lost the 1993 general election and Simms resigned as party leader two years later.[4]

He was appointed head of the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation by Premier Danny Williams in 2005. In 2007 he stepped down in order to take a senior role in Williams' 2007 re-election campaign and was immediately re-appointed to the $130,000 a year housing corporation position following the election leading to complaints of "blatant patronage" from the Opposition.[5]

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Len Simms

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Leonard Archibald "Len" Simms (October 23, 1943 – January 2026) was a Canadian politician and public administrator from , renowned for his long service as a Member of the (MHA) representing from 1979 to 1995. During his early tenure, Simms was elected Speaker of the , holding the position from 1979 to 1982 before entering the provincial cabinet under Premier , where he occupied various portfolios. Later, he assumed leadership of the , serving as from 1991 to 1995 amid efforts to revitalize the party. Beyond elected politics, Simms contributed to public administration as chairman and chief executive officer of the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation from 2005 to 2014, overseeing housing policy and development initiatives. His career exemplified dedication to provincial governance, earning tributes as a committed public servant upon his passing at age 82.

Political career

Election to the House of Assembly

Simms entered provincial politics in the 1979 Newfoundland general election, winning the Grand Falls district as the Progressive Conservative candidate amid the party's sweep to a majority government under leader Brian Peckford. The victory marked the PCs' continued dominance following their 1972 breakthrough, with Peckford's platform emphasizing resource development and provincial autonomy. He secured re-election in Grand Falls in the 1982, 1985, 1989, and 1993 provincial elections, maintaining his seat for the through shifts in district boundaries and competitive races against and opponents. This continuous service spanned five terms until his retirement from the in 1995. Throughout his early years as , prior to assuming leadership roles, Simms prioritized constituent services in , advocating for local infrastructure and economic concerns in the paper mill-dependent region.

Speakership

Following his victory in the 1979 Newfoundland and Labrador general election as the for , Leonard Simms was immediately elected , a position he held from 1979 to 1982. In this non-partisan role, Simms presided over legislative proceedings during the early years of 's Progressive Conservative government, which had secured a majority following the election. His duties included maintaining order in the chamber, enforcing the assembly's standing orders, and ensuring impartial facilitation of debates among members. As a first-time MHA thrust into the speakership, Simms later described the position as a "baptism of fire," highlighting the abrupt transition and demands of upholding the Speaker's neutrality amid the assembly's proceedings. During his tenure, he oversaw the initial implementation of government initiatives under the newly formed administration, contributing to the orderly conduct of the 38th General Assembly. Simms' service in this capacity underscored his commitment to parliamentary procedure before transitioning to other legislative roles.

Cabinet positions

Following his speakership, Simms was appointed to Premier 's cabinet in 1982, initially serving as Minister of Culture, Recreation and Youth. He later transitioned to the portfolio of Minister of Forest Resources and Lands from October 1984 to January 1988, where he oversaw policies related to forestry and land management in . Simms also held the positions of President of Treasury Board and President of Executive Council, roles in which he managed fiscal oversight and coordinated administrative policies for the during the 1980s. In these capacities, he contributed to provincial initiatives on resource management and youth programs under 's administration.

Party leadership

Simms contested the leadership in the 1989 convention but finished second to Tom Rideout. Rideout's subsequent defeat in the led to Simms assuming the party leadership and the position of in 1991 amid the transition to opposition status. During his tenure, Simms challenged the led by Premier Clyde Wells, guiding the party through the 1993 general election where the won 16 of 52 seats. He resigned as party leader in 1995 following the ongoing opposition period.

Later career

Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation

Following his retirement from elected politics, Len Simms was appointed Chairman and CEO of the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC) in 2005, where he oversaw the province's policy, operations, and delivery of . His prior experience in facilitated effective administration of the corporation's mandate to support low-income residents through rental subsidies, public housing units, and community development initiatives. During his decade-long tenure from 2005 to 2014, Simms directed key reforms including expansions in stock and partnerships for urban renewal projects aimed at addressing affordability challenges in , such as increased funding for renovations and new builds in high-need areas. These efforts contributed to stabilizing waitlists for and enhancing program accessibility amid growing demand. Simms concluded his term in 2014, having strengthened the NLHC's role in provincial housing strategy, with lasting impacts on policy frameworks for sustainable and equitable housing provision.

Other public service roles

Following his political career, Simms contributed to community service through leadership in Kin Canada, a Canadian service organization focused on volunteer initiatives for local needs. He served as National President during the late 1970s, advancing the group's emphasis on civic engagement and support for underserved communities. His involvement underscored a commitment to beyond elected office, bridging early organizational roles with a lifelong dedication to provincial betterment.
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