Stephen McNeil
28th Premier of Nova Scotia
In office
October 22, 2013 – February 23, 2021
MonarchElizabeth II
Lieutenant GovernorJohn J. Grant
Arthur J. LeBlanc
DeputyKaren Casey
Preceded byDarrell Dexter
Succeeded byIain Rankin
Leader of the Opposition
In office
June 19, 2009 – October 22, 2013
Preceded byDarrell Dexter
Succeeded byJamie Baillie
Leader of the Nova Scotia Liberal Party
In office
April 27, 2007 – February 6, 2021
Preceded byMichel Samson (interim)
Succeeded byIain Rankin
Member of the Nova Scotia House of Assembly
for Annapolis
In office
August 5, 2003 – May 3, 2021
Preceded byFrank Chipman
Succeeded byCarman Kerr
Personal details
Born (1964-11-10) November 10, 1964
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada[1]
Political partyLiberal Party
Height6 ft 7 in (201 cm)
SpouseAndrea
Children2
OccupationPolitician

Stephen McNeil (born November 10, 1964) is a Canadian politician who served as the 28th premier of Nova Scotia, from 2013 to 2021. He also represented the riding of Annapolis in the Nova Scotia House of Assembly from 2003 to 2021 and was the leader of the Nova Scotia Liberal Party from 2007 to 2021.

Early life

McNeil was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, the 12th of 17 children. His mother, Theresa McNeil, was the first female high sheriff in Canada[2] and is a recipient of the Order of Nova Scotia. McNeil attended the Nova Scotia Community College, and owned a small business for 15 years between 1988 and 2003.[3]

Political career

McNeil first sought election in 1999[4] but was defeated.[5] During that election McNeil indicated in a questionnaire provided by the campaign life coalition that he was pro-life.[6] In 2013 a spokesperson for McNeil said his views had evolved since 1999 and he was no longer pro-life.[7] He ran again in 2003 and was elected to the Nova Scotia House of Assembly.

On January 30, 2007, McNeil announced he would run in the election to become leader of the Liberal Party.[8] He was endorsed by Leo Glavine, Harold Theriault, Wayne Gaudet, Robert Thibault, Rodger Cuzner, Jim Cowan, Don Downe and Dr. Jim Smith. On April 28, 2007 at the Liberal Leadership Convention in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, McNeil was elected leader on the second ballot over runner-up Diana Whalen.[9]

In the 2009 election, McNeil led the Liberals to Official Opposition status, winning 11 seats.[10]

In the 2013 election, his party won a majority government, defeating the NDP government of Darrell Dexter.[11]

In the 2017 election, his party retained a reduced majority of 27 seats in the legislature.[12]

On August 6, 2020, McNeil announced that he would resign as leader of the Liberal Party and as Premier of Nova Scotia in early 2021.[13] He was succeeded by Rankin as Liberal leader on February 6, 2021 and as premier on February 23, 2021.

Premier of Nova Scotia

McNeil was sworn in as Premier of Nova Scotia, along with his cabinet by Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia John James Grant on October 22, 2013 in Annapolis Royal. This was the first time since 1954 that the swearing in ceremony has been held outside the provincial capital of Halifax.[14] McNeil is leading the first Liberal government in Nova Scotia in 14 years after a majority win to take 33 of Nova Scotia's 51 provincial seats; during much of that time the Nova Scotia Liberal Party held third party status in the legislature.[15]

The McNeil government faced difficulty in the first year of its government with two controversial stories about patronage and nepotism. Just days after being sworn in, Liberal candidate Glennie Langille was offered the job of Chief Protocol Officer. Critics said this was a return to days of political patronage and the job should have gone to the most qualified candidate in an open competition,[16] while advocates said the Premier had done nothing against the rules.[17] A government contract given to the premier's brother was also questioned. Critics had a problem with the fact that McNeil's brother's company was not officially registered with the Registry of Joint Stocks until the day after the tender closed,[18] while advocates said being the premier's brother should not preclude him from receiving government contracts.[19] Nova Scotia's Conflict of Interest Commissioner found no conflict with McNeil's brother's contract.[20]

The McNeil government's first session of the legislature lasted only 11 sitting days, the shortest fall sitting since fall sittings were made mandatory in 1994. The McNeil government was not required to hold a fall session of the legislature, as legislative sessions are not required for six months after an election.[21] Campaign commitments by McNeil's Liberal government[22] were met during the first session of the Nova Scotia House of Assembly, passing three significant pieces of legislation during this session. The first was a law meant to open the electricity market to more producers. Critics said this law would neither reduce power rates, nor break Nova Scotia Power's monopoly, while advocates said it would soon allow for renewable electricity companies to sell directly to consumers.[23] Another piece of notable legislation was for a statutory holiday in February. Critics said this would hurt the small business community, while advocates said it would help families spend more time together.[24] Another commitment met included legislation to make economic investments more transparent and accountable.[25] Another piece of notable legislation was the Liberal government's commitment to ban the importation of fracking wastewater from other jurisdictions.[26]

The McNeil government's first spring of the legislature saw three significant controversies. The Liberals passed essential services legislation that ended a strike by nurses in Halifax who were protesting working conditions.[27] Opponents of Bill 37 said it took away the right to fair collective bargaining and would set back labour relations in the province, while the government said it was necessary to protect health care. Public sector workers from various unions protested the bill.[28]

The second controversial legislation was the Financial Measures Act, which eliminated the Graduate Retention Rebate – a tax rebate given to graduates who stayed in the province to work. The government said the program was not working and that student groups wanted it cut.[29]

The third controversy stemmed from the McNeil government's April 2015 budget.[30] The budget provided for the elimination of the crown agency Film and Creative Industries Nova Scotia, as well as an overhaul of the long-standing Nova Scotia Film Tax Credit.[31] This move appeared to break a pre-election promise made by McNeil in October 2013,[32] and resulted in an outpouring of protest from the creative community.[33][34] Under political pressure, McNeil was forced to abandon the changes tabled in the budget. The Liberal government instead come up with a new incentive program for the film and television industry: the Nova Scotia Film Production Incentive Fund.[35][36]

The Liberals' first budget forecast a $279 million deficit, and included money to cap class sizes and recruit doctors.[37] Two significant pieces of legislation were introduced. The government took the interest off Nova Scotia student loans for graduates who stay in Nova Scotia,[38] and created a jobs fund called Invest Nova Scotia.[39] McNeil announced on August 6, 2020, that he would be stepping down as Premier of Nova Scotia and leaving public office.[40] In his announcement he confirmed he will remain as premier and leader of the Liberal Party until Iain Rankin is sworn in.[41]

Electoral record

2017 Nova Scotia general election
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
  Liberal Stephen McNeil 6,410 64.72 -11.16
  New Democratic Party Colin Sproul 1,517 15.31 +7.1
  Progressive Conservative Virginia Hurlock 1,480 14.94 +1.26
GreenZac Crockatt3663.69+1.46
AtlanticaKent Robinson1301.31-
2013 Nova Scotia general election
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
  Liberal Stephen McNeil 7,709 75.88 +2.56
  Progressive Conservative Virginia Hurlock 1,390 13.68 +2.63
  New Democratic Party Henry Spurr 834 8.21 -5.17
GreenRon Neufeld2272.23-0.02
2009 Nova Scotia general election
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
  Liberal Stephen McNeil 6,446 73.32 +17.12
  New Democratic Party Henry Spurr 1,176 13.38 -3.37
  Progressive Conservative Kent Robinson 971 11.05 -5.7
GreenJamie Spinney1982.25-0.23
2006 Nova Scotia general election
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
  Liberal Stephen McNeil 4668 56.20 +5.37
  Progressive Conservative Blair Hannam 2041 24.57 -6.85
  New Democratic Party Malcolm John (Calum) MacKenzie 1391 16.75 +1.1
GreenKen McGowen2062.48-
2003 Nova Scotia general election
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
  Liberal Stephen McNeil 4522 50.83 +12.01
  Progressive Conservative Frank Chipman 2795 31.42 -15.61
  New Democratic Party Adrian Nette 1395 15.68 -2.75
Nova Scotia PartyHarry Wilson1852.08-0.8
1999 Nova Scotia general election
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
  Progressive Conservative Frank Chipman 4026 43.43 +9.1
  Liberal Stephen McNeil 3265 35.22 -1.8
  New Democratic Party Tom Clahane 1708 18.43 -8.1
Nova Scotia PartyPaul Mann2712.92-

References

  1. ↑ 62nd General Assembly Nova Scotia Legislature
  2. ↑ "Liberal leader's mother dies of cancer". CBC/Radio-Canada. 9 March 2009. Retrieved 12 February 2020.
  3. ↑ Registry of Joint Stock Record for McNeil Appliance Service in Bridgetown, Nova Scotia https://rjsc.gov.ns.ca/rjsc/search/viewProfile.do%5B%5D
  4. ↑ "Liberals choose McNeil in Annapolis". The Chronicle Herald. July 1, 1999. Archived from the original on January 24, 2005. Retrieved July 16, 2015.
  5. ↑ "Election Returns, 1999" (PDF). Elections Nova Scotia. Retrieved 16 July 2015.
  6. ↑ "Lifesite : Nova Scotia Election 1999".
  7. ↑ Leger, Dan (23 September 2013). "Election denial, denunciation and dirty tricks". The Chronicle Herald. Archived from the original on 17 June 2018. Retrieved 11 January 2022.
  8. ↑ "MLA McNeil launches Grit leadership bid". CBC News. 30 January 2007. Retrieved 10 February 2014.
  9. ↑ "McNeil new N.S. Liberal leader". CBC News. 28 April 2007. Retrieved 10 February 2014.
  10. ↑ "Liberals see gains, form Nova Scotia's Official Opposition". CBC News. 9 June 2009. Retrieved 10 February 2014.
  11. ↑ "4 changes Stephen McNeil is promising for Nova Scotia". CBC News. 9 October 2013. Retrieved 24 November 2014.
  12. ↑ Gorman, Michael. "Liberals score back-to-back majorities in Nova Scotia nail-biter". CBC News. Retrieved 30 June 2017.
  13. ↑ Jerrett, Andrea; Pace, Natasha (6 August 2020). "Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil to step down, leave public office". CTV News Atlantic. Retrieved 6 August 2020.
  14. ↑ "Premier Stephen McNeil welcomes 16-member cabinet". CBC. 22 October 2013. Retrieved 22 October 2013.
  15. ↑ "Stephen McNeil leads Liberals to majority in Nova Scotia". CBC News. 8 October 2013. Retrieved 16 July 2015.
  16. ↑ "NDP: Emails evidence of Grit patronage in Langille appointment". The Chronicle Herald. 7 February 2014. Archived from the original on 18 June 2018. Retrieved 11 January 2022.
  17. ↑ "Premier: Protocol officer appointment did not break rules". The Chronicle Herald. 8 February 2014. Archived from the original on 18 June 2018. Retrieved 11 January 2022.
  18. ↑ "Stephen McNeil already on thin political ice after three months". Metro. Halifax. 6 January 2014. Archived from the original on 9 March 2016. Retrieved 11 January 2022.
  19. ↑ "N.S. probes awarding of tender: Firm that won training course bid owned by premier's brother". The Chronicle Herald. 2 January 2014. Archived from the original on 18 June 2018. Retrieved 11 January 2022.
  20. ↑ "Nunn: No conflict with McNeil brother's contract". The Chronicle Herald. 9 January 2014. Archived from the original on 18 June 2018. Retrieved 11 January 2022.
  21. ↑ "A cautious start to a cautious government". CBC News. 12 December 2013. Retrieved 8 February 2014.
  22. ↑ "Nova Scotia Liberal Party platform". 2013. Retrieved 16 July 2015.
  23. ↑ "N.S. moves to open up energy market to renewable power". The Chronicle Herald. 29 November 2013. Archived from the original on 9 April 2016. Retrieved 11 January 2022.
  24. ↑ "N.S. February holiday panned by small business groups". CBC. 6 December 2013. Retrieved 8 February 2014.
  25. ↑ "'Transparent' N.S. touted". The Chronicle Herald. 3 December 2013. Archived from the original on 9 April 2016. Retrieved 11 January 2022.
  26. ↑ "New holiday, fracking wastewater ban among promises in Nova Scotia throne speech". CTV News. 28 November 2013. Retrieved 16 July 2015.
  27. ↑ "Essential services bill a game changer for labour relations". CBC News. 4 April 2014. Retrieved 3 May 2014.
  28. ↑ "Patient care on line as nurses strike, Capital Health says". Chronicle Herald. 3 April 2014. Archived from the original on 9 April 2016. Retrieved 11 January 2022.
  29. ↑ "Cape Breton students upset over lost tax rebate". Cape Breton Post. 5 April 2014. Archived from the original on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 11 January 2022.
  30. ↑ "Nova Scotia government delivers hard-line budget, cuts 320 jobs". CBC News. 9 April 2015. Retrieved 16 September 2015.
  31. ↑ "Nova Scotia film industry tax credit slashed by Liberal government". CBC News. 9 April 2015. Retrieved 16 September 2015.
  32. ↑ "Stephen McNeil vowed to keep Nova Scotia film tax credit in 2013 campaign". CBC News. 13 April 2015. Retrieved 16 September 2015.
  33. ↑ "Nova Scotia's film industry rallying for tax credit at legislature". The Globe and Mail. 15 April 2015. Retrieved 16 September 2015.
  34. ↑ "Trailer Park Boys, Cathy Jones protest outside N.S. legislature". CTV News. 15 April 2015. Retrieved 16 September 2015.
  35. ↑ "Nova Scotia film tax credit plan struck between province, industry". CBC News. 23 April 2015. Retrieved 16 September 2015.
  36. ↑ "Nova Scotia Film & Television Production Incentive Fund". Government of Nova Scotia. Retrieved 16 September 2015.
  37. ↑ "Nova Scotia budget, first for Liberals since election, forecasts $279M deficit". CTV News. 3 April 2014. Retrieved 3 May 2014.
  38. ↑ "University grads can seek loan interest relief from Nova Scotia government". The Chronicle Herald. 29 April 2014. Archived from the original on 9 April 2016. Retrieved 11 January 2022.
  39. ↑ "Jobs Fund nixed, Invest Nova Scotia Board ushered in". CBC News. 23 April 2014. Retrieved 3 May 2014.
  40. ↑ Jerrett, Andrea; Pace, Natasha (6 August 2020). "Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil to step down, leave public office". CTV News Atlantic. Retrieved 6 August 2020.
  41. ↑ Mercer, Greg (6 August 2020). "Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil stepping down". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved 6 August 2020.
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