Derek Bennett is a lifelong resident of Lewisporte with a long history of public service and community leadership. Before entering provincial politics, Derek spent 25 years as Director of Recreation and Tourism for the Town of Lewisporte.

A graduate of the Community Recreation Leadership Program at the College of Trades and Technology, he led major community improvement projects and developed a wide range of recreation and leisure programs. Derek has also held leadership roles on local, regional, and provincial boards, including serving as President of Recreation Newfoundland and Labrador.

First elected as MHA in 2015, and re-elected in 2019 and 2021, Derek has served in several key roles, including Speaker, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development, Deputy Speaker, and Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Municipalities. He also served as Minister Responsible for the Multi-Material Stewardship Board and Registrar General. In 2021, he was elected Speaker of the House of Assembly, and he currently chairs the Canadian Small Branches Committee of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association.

Derek and his wife Tina are proud parents and grandparents. Their children, Catherine and Jonathan, along with daughter-in-law Robyn and grandchildren Andy, Sadie, and Gary, all live here in Newfoundland and Labrador.