(October 11, 2023, St. John’s):On behalf of the Progressive Conservative Party and the PC Opposition Caucus, Official Opposition Leader David Brazil today honoured Bill Gaulton on the occasion of his passing.

Brazil said, “For six decades, Bill Gaulton was a pillar of the Progressive Conservative Party of Newfoundland and Labrador and one of our province’s most inspiring motivational speakers. Not only did he have a fire in his belly for politics at all levels – provincial, federal and municipal – but he had a deep-rooted appreciation of the value of democracy, a quality that earned him the admiration and respect of people of every political stripe. He would often rally the troops at political conventions and during election campaigns with his tireless mantra ‘one more vote’. It was his firm conviction that it was the obligation of political parties to motivate voters to exercise their hard-won right to cast their vote, and he drove the point home by describing elections where a single vote made the decisive difference. This was his way of letting people know that each and every person matters, and democracy is not just political, but personal and precious.

“Bill was a strong advocate for encouraging women to enter political life, whether as an elected official or behind the scenes. His contributions toward encouraging women in our party to step up is another important chapter in his legacy.

“Bill spoke with uncommon passion about the things he believed in, and what he believed in most was the potential of people to drive positive change. He was often called upon to speak at nonpartisan gatherings, where he would rouse the crowd with his upbeat, can-do attitude.

“In election after election, Bill was a colossal force in PC campaigns, yet no one knew his talents better than the late John Crosbie. Bill volunteered on Crosbie’s first municipal campaign in 1965, and on every campaign that followed. He brought out the best in everyone, young and old alike. Everyone knew him, respected him and wanted him around, because he infused every room with energy and enthusiasm. Even in his absence, his words continue to resonate.

“I was privileged to know Bill my entire political life. He was truly one of a kind – a mentor, a friend and a tour de force. As our Party gathers for our leadership convention this weekend, we will be sharing stories and fond memories of Bill, and sensing his presence and upbeat spirit, just as if he were there.

“To his family and the many more who will miss him, I extend my sincere condolences on behalf of the Official Opposition caucus and the entire Progressive Conservative Party of Newfoundland and Labrador.”

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Contacts:

David Maher

Director of Strategic Communications

(cell) 709-725-0984

DavidMaher@gov.nl.ca