A great New Brunswicker:' former premier Ray Frenette dead at 83

Former N.B. Premier Ray Fernette dies at 83 (Premier Brian Gallant / Facebook)

FREDERICTON - The 28th premier of New Brunswick has died, according to a press release issued Saturday by the provincial government.

Ray Frenette represented the Moncton East riding as a Liberal MLA for 25 years and briefly served as premier between 1997 and 1998 -- after Frank McKenna stepped down and before Camille Theriault took the post.

After resigning from the legislature, Frenette was appointed by former prime minister Jean Chretien as director of Atomic Energy Canada, where he later served as chair.

In the government's release, New Brunswick Premier Brian Gallant says Frenette acted as a mentor and adviser to him when he was first considering getting into public service.

He added: "We've lost a great New Brunswicker."

The cause of death has not been released.