A QuickSketch of Lorraine Michael, leader of the NDP in Newfoundland and Labrador

Published on October 11, 2011; Published on October 11, 2011

Topics :: NDP , Newfoundland and Labrador

A sketch of Lorraine Michael, leader of Newfoundland and Labrador's New Democratic Party:

Age: 68

Education: Has a degree in education from Memorial University and a master's of divinity from the University of Toronto.

Private career: Began her career as a high school teacher on Bell Island and later became a nun.

Political career: First elected to the legislature in a November 2006 byelection in the St. John's riding of Signal Hill-Quidi Vidi. Became leader of the provincial NDP in May 2006.

Personal: Lists music as a passion and is a member of the Philharmonic Choir of the Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra and plays the piano.

Quote: "This is an amazing night. We have never won so many seats before." — Michael after the NDP finished second in the popular vote and won five seats, three more than its previous high in the legislature.