Chester-St. Margarets MLA Hugh MacKay is getting alcohol addiction treatment after being charged with impaired driving on Sunday.
The Liberal caucus office released a statement on behalf of MacKay Tuesday afternoon, detailing what he called “a deeply personal and regretful incident." He also states that he has battled alcohol addiction for many years .
“During the holiday weekend, I was charged with an offence of driving under the influence," MacKay said. “I, like many others, have struggled with alcohol addiction issues for several years. I have always been open about the fact that I am a recovering alcoholic, and that I have been actively undergoing treatment since 2004."
MacKay, who was not at Province House on Tuesday, stated "he’s truly and deeply sorry for my actions and the negative affect they have had on all those I love and respect.
"This relapse has not only impacted myself, my family, my colleagues and my community – but as an elected official, I am also aware of how much this news may impact people from throughout the province.
Nova Scotia RCMP spokeswoman Cpl. Lisa Croteau would not confirm that MacKay had been charged but said Halifax District RCMP officers arrested a 64-year-old man from Glen Haven for impaired driving on Sunday night. The vehicle was pulled over at Indian Point Road at about 11:30 p.m. The matter is scheduled for provincial court in Halifax on Nov. 26.
Premier Stephen McNeil said MacKay had informed the party of the incident immediately and the pair had spoken Tuesday morning. McNeil suggested that he would support MacKay and that the MLA is not facing discipline. McNeil did not offer a timeline for when MacKay might be back to work.
"That could potentially be very shortly, it depends on what treatment looks like," said McNeil. “We’d be having a very different conversation if he did not accept responsibility. He’s seeking treatment. This is a disease that has impacted many Nova Scotians."
Both Progressive Conservative Leader Tim Houston and NDP Leader Gary Burrill acknowledged the seriousness of the incident but said they were reassured that MacKay is getting treatment.
