Longtime Nova Scotia MP Elmer MacKay, who held several cabinet portfolios under prime ministers Joe Clark and Brian Mulroney, has died at 89.
His son Peter MacKay, who also represented Central Nova and served as a federal cabinet minister, wrote in a post on X that “our beloved father Elmer was called home.”
“His was an extraordinary life, collecting legions of friends leaving a legacy of hard work & public service,” the post goes on to say.
“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 became MP for the riding of Central Nova in 1971 after winning a byelection. He held the seat until 1983, when he resigned so that newly-elected PC leader Brian Mulroney could run in a by-election and enter Parliament.
MacKay ran in the 1984 election, where the PCs formed a majority government, and won the Central Nova seat again. He stepped down as a cabinet minister in 1993 and did not seek re-election in the upcoming election.
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Throughout his political career, he held portfolios including solicitor general of Canada, minister of National Revenue, minister for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and minister of Public Works.
In a statement on social media, Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston called MacKay “one of Pictou County’s greatest representatives” and said MacKay “never lost sight of his Pictou County roots.”
Houston is PC MLA for Pictou East.
“Elmer kept his name and number in the phone book so you could always get ahold of him. Over the years, our MLA offices would often hear from Elmer if he was talking to a person he thought we might be able to help,” Houston wrote.
“He was a great person who was always eager to help people.”
Federal Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre called MacKay a “wonderful friend and mentor” in a tribute on X.
Poilievre recounted how he heard stories about MacKay “showing up at the homes of the less fortunate right before Christmas with a bundle of gifts and a fresh turkey for supper, never publicizing his generosity.”
He also praised MacKay’s devotion to the East Coast — pushing for the Confederation Bridge and ensuring continuous ferry service between Woods Islands and Pictou.
Poilievre said he recently called MacKay after hearing he had fallen and hurt his hip.
“I called him up, and he was sharp as a tack. He told his favourite jokes and defiantly recited Barton’s ballad: ‘I am hurt, but I am not slain; I’ll lay me down and bleed awhile, and then rise and fight again.'” Poilievre wrote.
“I know he loved and was immensely proud of his 5 children and many grandchildren, who form the greatest part of his precious legacy.”
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