Background
He was born in Saint John"s and was educated at Saint Bonaventure"s College, Memorial University, the University of Edinburgh and the University of Toronto.
He was born in Saint John"s and was educated at Saint Bonaventure"s College, Memorial University, the University of Edinburgh and the University of Toronto.
He represented Saint John"s South from 1975 to 1989 in the Newfoundland House of Assembly. From 1966 to 1969, Collins was head of the cardiology department for the Janeway Children"s Health and Rehabilitation Centre. From 1974 to 1979, he was head of the neonatology department of the Grace General Hospital in Saint John"son
In 1974, Collins became a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh.
He was national chair of the Canadian Medical Association and was president of the Canadian Paediatric Society from 1970 to 1971. He was elected to the Newfoundland assembly in 1975 and was reelected in 1979, 1982 and 1985.
Collins served as deputy speaker. He also served in the provincial cabinet as Minister of Finance, President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Health.
Collins was deputy premier from 1988 to 1989.
He did not run for reelection in 1989. Collins was president of the Rotary Club of Saint John"s and served on the Child Health Commission from 1965 to 1968.