Pass the Tequila, Sheila: Canadian Political Icon John Crosbie Dead at 88

ST JOHN’S, CAN. (THECOUNT) — Newfoundland has lost one of its most famous political figures. John Crosbie has died. He was 88.

Crosbie will be remembered for many things, but perhaps the defining moment of his long political career came on July 2, 1992 when he announced the closure of Newfoundland and Labrador’s cod fishery.

“To Newfoundland and Labrador and to Canada, he was an independent spirit, a passionate nation builder, an orator of biting wit and charm, and always – forever – a tireless fighter for the people.” – From the family’s release

At the time, furious fishermen tried to break down the doors at the Delta Hotel where Crosbie outlined details of the cod moratorium and the compensation package for more than 20,000 people removed from the historic fishery, reports VOCM.

Crosbie was unapologetic, stating he was “making a decision based on the desire to ensure the Northern Cod survives as a species.”

DEVELOPING::

Geo quick facts: St. John’s, a city on Newfoundland island off Canada’s Atlantic coast, is the capital of Newfoundland and Labrador province. Its harbour was settled by the British in the 1600s. Downtown is known for its colourful row houses. Above the city is Signal Hill with walking trails and the site of the first transatlantic wireless communication, Cabot Tower, which commemorates John Cabot’s discovery of Newfoundland – wikipedia.