Quick Sketch: N.L. NDP Leader Jim Dinn hopes for more party seats in the legislature

By Canadian Press on September 15, 2025.

ST. JOHN’S — A look at Jim Dinn, leader of Newfoundland and Labrador’s New Democratic Party. He held the party’s only seat in the provincial legislature before Liberal Leader John Hogan called a general provincial election for Oct. 14.

Age: 65

Early years: Born and raised in St. John’s, N.L., Dinn was a teacher for 32 years in rural and urban schools in the province. He was president of the Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers Association from 2013-17, and he has served on the executive council and board of directors of the Canadian Teachers’ Federation.

Education: Dinn studied arts and education at Memorial University, and he obtained a Masters of Education degree from Mount St. Vincent University.

Political career: He was first elected in 2019 to the St. John’s Centre district, which has been held by the NDP since 2011. He became the party’s interim leader after the 2021 election, and its official leader in 2023.

Family: Dinn and his wife, Michelle, have three adult children and three grandchildren.

Quote: “If people’s essential needs are met, there is less demand for chronic and acute health care solutions. It’s not flashy, but it’s important.” – While calling for the province to implement a guaranteed basic living income, shortly after he was elected as the NDP’s official leader.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 15, 2025.

The Canadian Press