ST. JOHN'S - Jim Dinn, the leader of the Newfoundland and Labrador New Democratic Party, is preparing for the upcoming provincial election on October 14. Dinn currently holds the party's only seat in the provincial legislature. At 65 years old, he has a long history in education and politics.

Born and raised in St. John's, Dinn spent 32 years as a teacher in both rural and urban schools across the province. He served as president of the Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers Association from 2013 to 2017 and has been involved with the Canadian Teachers' Federation as a member of its executive council and board of directors.

Dinn earned his undergraduate degree in arts and education from Memorial University and later obtained a Master of Education from Mount St. Vincent University. He was first elected to represent the St. John's Centre district in 2019, a seat that has been held by the NDP since 2011. Following the 2021 election, he became the party's interim leader and was officially named leader in 2023.

In his personal life, Dinn is married to Michelle, and they have three adult children and three grandchildren. He has expressed a commitment to addressing essential needs in the province, stating, "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." This quote reflects his advocacy for a guaranteed basic living income shortly after becoming the NDP's official leader.