During her entire career as a MHA, Shea served as a minister in the Cabinets of Danny Williams, Kathy Dunderdale and Tom Marshall.
During her political career, Shea was also responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Housing, the Labour Relations Agency, and Workplace Health and Safety Commission.
Before entering politics she worked as a Parole Officer with the Correctional Service of Canada in Ontario and Newfoundland.
Shea remained as Minister of Education[2] following the election and in May 2008 was also named Government House Leader, becoming the first woman appointed to this position in the history of the province.
In April 2009, Shea was appointed Minister of the newly created Department of Child, Youth, and Family Services.