Elmer MacKay, a longtime Progressive Conservative MP in the Nova Scotia riding of Central Nova, has died at the age of 89. His son, Peter MacKay, who also served as the MP of Central Nova, announced his father’s death on X Friday morning. “His was an extraordinary life, collecting legions of friends leaving a legacy of hard work & public service,” said Peter MacKay. “He loved the forest, poetry, sport, law & good debate, the Yankees & especially his family. Deeply missed & alive in our hearts. Sleep well Pop, you earned your rest.” Elmer MacKay was born in Hopewell, N.S., in 1936 and practised law in Pictou County before turning to politics. He served as the MP for Central Nova from May 1971 to June 1983, when he resigned his seat so Brian Mulroney, who was the federal PC leader at the time, could run for Parliament. Elmer MacKay was re-elected in Central Nova in September 1984 – after Mulroney decided to return to his home province of Quebec, where he won the riding of Manicouagan – serving until October 1993, when he retired. He was a PC cabinet minister under the Mulroney government, with portfolios including Public Works, the Atlantic Canada Opportunity Agency, National Revenue, and Regional Economic Expansion. Elmer MacKay also served as the solicitor general of Canada from 1984 to 1985. For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
