Charles Gavan Duffy (November 2, 1874 - March 14, 1958) was a lawyer, judge and political figure on Prince Edward Island.[1] He represented 5th Queens in the Legislative Assembly of Prince Edward Island from 1920 to 1923 as a Liberal and served as Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Prince Edward Island.[1] [2]
He was born in Kinkora, Prince Edward Island, the son of James Duffy and Elizabeth Smith.[1] [2] After completing high school in 1891,[3] Duffy attended Prince of Wales College and earned his teaching licence.[2] After teaching school in Tracadie and Tignish, Duffy returned to school, attending Saint Dunstan's College.[1] [2] Duffy articled with Walter Morson and was called to the bar in 1903.[1] [3] The firm later came to be known as Morson and Duffy.[2] Duffy was named King's Counsel in 1921.[1]
Duffy was an unsuccessful candidate for a seat in the provincial assembly in 1915.[1] He ran again, successfully, in the 1919 provincial election.[2] [3] He served as speaker from 1920 to 1923.[1] [2] Duffy ran unsuccessfully for reelection in 1923 and 1927.[1]
On February 25, 1930, Duffy was appointed as a judge of the Prince Edward Island County Court, sitting in Queens County.[1] [2] [3] Duffy retired from the court on November 2, 1949.[2]
In 1906, he married Ethel Mary Eden. A Roman Catholic, Duffy was a member of the Knights of Columbus, at one time holding the post of Grand Master.[2] [3] Duffy died in Charlottetown on March 14, 1958.[2] His grandson is Canadian former senator and former journalist Mike Duffy.[4]