N.S. NDP name interim leader
We have an opportunity to do the heavy lifting I think to move us forward.
Maureen MacDonald
HALIFAX — The Nova Scotia NDP’s new interim leader says now is the time to do some party building.
“There’s a lot of work to be done to regain the public’s trust,” said veteran MLA and former cabinet minister Maureen MacDonald.
MacDonald — a former social worker who represents the riding of Halifax Needham — took over as party leader on Saturday after former premier Darrell Dexter stepped down in midNovember.
“I’m really looking forward to this,” said MacDonald. “I’m very humbled by the trust that has been put in me.”
MacDonald was one of only seven NDP politicians to be elected during October’s provincial election, which saw the party lose its majority government status.
“We have an opportunity to do the heavy lifting I think to move us forward,” said MacDonald, adding that it will take a lot of hard work.
“As someone who has a fair amount of experience I understand what the expectations are and what the job is and I’ll be working hard to fulfill (those),” she said.
MacDonald said her re-election makes her the longest-serving female MLA in the province’s history.
Since first being elected to Nova Scotia’s legislative assembly in 1998 MacDonald has overseen a variety of portfolios.
She headed the ministries of Health and Wellness, Gaelic Affairs and African Nova Scotia Affairs, as well as becoming the province’s first female minister of Finance.
NDP Party officials have yet to announce when a new permanent leader will be elected.
“It’s (still) very early,” said MacDonald. “I’m confident that when that happens there won’t be any shortage of good candidates.”
MacDonald said Sunday she has no intention to run as permanent leader.
— Metro Halifax