I was saddened to hear of the passing of one of Pictou County’s greatest representatives, Elmer MacKay.
Elmer represented the people of Central Nova in the House of Commons for more than two decades, proudly bringing the voice of Nova Scotians to the national decision-making table.
He served in the cabinets of two prime ministers and held some of the most demanding portfolios in the federal government, but he never lost sight of his Pictou County roots.
Elmer kept his name and number in the phone book so you could always get ahold of him. Over the years, our MLA offices would often hear from Elmer if he was talking to a person he thought we might be able to help. He was a great person who was always eager to help people.
For those of us from Pictou County, the MacKay name has been part of the fabric of public life for as long as most of us can remember. Elmer set that standard, and he set it high.
My sincere condolences to Peter and the entire MacKay family, and to everyone across Nova Scotia who knew him as their MP, their neighbour, and their friend.