The provincial government has named a section of highway near Kilmory Resort after legendary broadcaster and former MP and cabinet minister Don Jamieson.

The Jamiesons have deep roots in the Placentia Bay area, and Don Jamieson’s son Roger is a well-known businessman and operator of the Kilmory Resort.

Jamieson was first elected to the House of Commons in 1966, serving as Transport Minister under Pierre Trudeau. He was one of the more influential cabinet ministers in the Trudeau Government. He moved to provincial politics in 1979, taking over the leadership of the Liberal Party but he lost the election in 1979 to young upstart Brian Peckford.

Jamieson helped to establish CJON, the province’s first television station, and was well known and recognized for his broadcasting and oratory skills. His classic recollections of Christmas’ past in St. John’s was a holiday radio staple on VOCM for decades.

Don’s brothers also made a mark on broadcasting in Newfoundland and Labrador. Colin Jamieson ran the Q Radio Network, and Bas Jamieson was a long-time radio talkshow host on VOCM and Q Radio.

The segment of the Burin Peninsula Highway from the Trans Canada to Red Harbour will now officially be known as the Don Jamieson Highway.