A longtime Newfoundland and Labrador politician has passed away.

Tom Hickey passed away early this morning at the age of 86. Born in Outer Cove in 1933, Hickey studied at MUN and worked in both the private and public sectors.

He got his start in politics as a member of the Placentia Town Council in 1962. In 1966, he was elected to the House of Assembly for the district of St. John’s East Extern.

Hickey was re-elected five times (1966-1986) as a member of the Progressive Conservative Party.

His political career spanned more than four decades and included six ministerial appointments: Social Services, Provincial Affairs, Transportation and Communications, Tourism, Rehabilitation and Recreation, and Housing.

In 2004, Hickey started the Newfoundland and Labrador First Party, which he also led from from 2004 to 2008.