Brendan Maguire dumps N.S. Liberals as MLA, joins Progressive Conservatives

Halifax Atlantic MLA Brendan Maguire is joining Nova Scotia’s Progressive Conservative government after more than 10 years with the Liberals.

Maguire told reporters Thursday that he was impressed with Premier Tim Houston’s leadership and “ability to get things done.”

“He’s delivering results and won’t settle for the status quo when it’s not working for Nova Scotians,” he said.

“We face generational issues in health care, housing, cost of living, and so much more. Premier Houston has tackled these issues with a sense of urgency and will that is unmatched.

“It became increasingly difficult for me to be critical of a government and a premier whose actions I approved of.”

Maguire, who formerly served under the previous Liberal government as Minister for Municipal Affairs and Deputy Speaker, was first elected in 2013, and was re-elected in 2017 and 2021.

On Thursday, Maguire was also appointed as the province’s new Minister of Community Services, after Trevor Boudreau stepped down from his position due to personal and health reasons.

Maguire said Houston approached him about the idea of joining the PC caucus over the weekend, as he felt he could contribute to the Department of Community Services portfolio due to his life experience.

“I’ve been homeless. I’ve lived in foster care. I know the challenges, but I also know the opportunities,” he said.

Houston said he wanted what’s best for the province, and believed Maguire “can do the job.”

“This is someone who has brought solutions forward and has worked with our government in the interest of all Nova Scotians, regardless of party lines,” the premier said.

“Brendan is a person who can do good work for Nova Scotians, and we can do it together.”

With the move, the Progressive Conservatives gain one seat in the legislature for a total of 33. The Liberals fall to 15 seats, the NDP have six, and there is one Independent.

— with a file from The Canadian Press