Peter MacKay is supporting Tim Houston in his race to become leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Nova Scotia.
“I have known Tim for many years and always enjoyed working with him as we shared parts of our constituencies and our offices were in regular contact. I saw first-hand his work ethic and his commitment to serving the constituents of Pictou East and Nova Scotia over the past six years,” said MacKay.
“It’s clear to me Tim likes to get results and solve problems for people. His skills and experience in the private sector and in the Nova Scotia legislature will help drive innovative ideas that will improve the future for all Nova Scotians. This is why I say without reservation that Tim Houston should lead the PC Party of Nova Scotia and lead our party back to government in the next election.”
MacKay, a member of parliament from 1997-2015, served in the cabinet of Canada as minister of justice and attorney general, minister of national defence, minister of foreign affairs and Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). He was also regional minister for Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland. He now works international law firm Baker McKenzie.
MacKay gave Houston his official endorsement at an event held at the Holiday Inn in Truro on Sunday.
“I have long held Peter MacKay in high esteem,” said Houston, MLA for Pictou East, “not only for the way he was able to effectively position Canada on the international stage, but for how he remained connected, loyal and responsive to the people on the ground in Pictou County and Nova Scotia as their representative.
“He was continually handed the most challenging roles in Canada’s cabinet, yet he never forgot his roots, always continuing to fight for the people back home.”
Houston has received the support of the majority of the PC Caucus, as well as former provincial cabinet ministers such as John Leefe and Neil LeBlanc.
“It has not gone unnoticed that Tim Houston has received the support of the majority of his caucus colleagues as well as well-known Nova Scotians who have previously held significant roles in both provincial and federal governments,” said Senator Tom McInnis, who also endorsed Houston at the event.
“There’s no question he’s working hard to get grassroots support across this province and earn their trust. Nova Scotians are clearly looking for an alternative to Stephen McNeil, and they want to see each candidate’s references – Tim’s got them ten-fold.”
“Tim Houston understands the priorities and has the courage and credentials needed to improve the way our government works,” said MacKay. “Leading change is a huge task, but Tim is the right leader for the future of this province – he’s is a strong leader with the values we need to return the PC Party to government and restore the people’s trust.”
Peter MacKay’s endorsement stands in contrast to his father Elmer MacKay who also served as MP for Central Nova. Elmer MacKay has endorsed Cecil Clarke, the mayor of Cape Breton Regional Municipality, in the leadership race.
