Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil announces he is leaving politics

Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil makes an announcement in Halifax, Friday, Friday, Dec 20, 2019. Nova Scotia is going to begin allowing people to gather in groups of up to 10, as the province has gone nine days without any fresh cases of COVID-19. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ted Pritchard

By The Canadian Press

Posted August 6, 2020 12:41 pm.

Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil announced today he is stepping down as premier and Liberal party leader.

The premier said that after 17 years in provincial politics, he decided it’s time for a change.

McNeil, who was elected premier in 2013 and re-elected in 2017, says he will stay on until the party chooses a new leader.

He says he had initially planned to leave in April, but the COVID-19 pandemic postponed those plans.

The announcement caught political watchers by surprise, and McNeil says he only advised his caucus of the decision this morning.

He says he considers his key accomplishments to include promoting growth of the private sector and keeping a handle on the cost of public sector wages.

Submit a Correction
Accessibility Feedback

Top Stories

Elderly woman critically injured in 2-alarm apartment fire in midtown

A woman in her 80s has suffered life-threatening injuries following a two-alarm blaze at an apartment building in midtown. Firefighters were called to a building in the Yonge Street and Davisville Avenue...

3h ago

1 man seriously injured in downtown stabbing, 1 in custody

One man is in custody after another man was stabbed near the waterfront on Tuesday night. Police say they were called to a building on Queens Wharf Road near Bathurst Street and Lake Shore Boulevard...

4h ago

Arrest made in shooting death of North York man

A 51-year-old man is facing a murder charge following an early morning shooting outside a North York home earlier this month. Police were called to an address on Fairholme Avenue, located in the Lawrence...

10h ago

Two GTA police officers exposed to fentanyl while responding to calls within same week

Two GTA police officers were injured just days apart after they were exposed to fentanyl while on duty. A Durham police officer was exposed to the drug while arresting a woman following a trespass call...

6h ago

Top Stories

Elderly woman critically injured in 2-alarm apartment fire in midtown

A woman in her 80s has suffered life-threatening injuries following a two-alarm blaze at an apartment building in midtown. Firefighters were called to a building in the Yonge Street and Davisville Avenue...

3h ago

1 man seriously injured in downtown stabbing, 1 in custody

One man is in custody after another man was stabbed near the waterfront on Tuesday night. Police say they were called to a building on Queens Wharf Road near Bathurst Street and Lake Shore Boulevard...

4h ago

Arrest made in shooting death of North York man

A 51-year-old man is facing a murder charge following an early morning shooting outside a North York home earlier this month. Police were called to an address on Fairholme Avenue, located in the Lawrence...

10h ago

Two GTA police officers exposed to fentanyl while responding to calls within same week

Two GTA police officers were injured just days apart after they were exposed to fentanyl while on duty. A Durham police officer was exposed to the drug while arresting a woman following a trespass call...

6h ago

Most Watched Today

3:04
Snow on Christmas Day?

Some areas of the GTA could see a trace of flurries, depending on how close you live to the lake. Things are set to warm up by the end of the week.

8h ago

2:39
Second GTA officer exposed to fentanyl while responding to call

For the second time in one week, a GTA police officer is said to have been exposed to fentanyl while responding to a call. Faiza Amin speaks with Police and an ER Physician.

10h ago

2:42
Tips to beat the holiday blues

From a mental health perspective, this may not be the most wonderful time of the year for many people. Afua Baah speaks with an expert who offers tips to help you beat the holiday blues.

10h ago

2:38
Toronto prepared for major winter storm set to hit the city

Toronto officials say all salting and snow clearing equipment is ready to go for the major snowfall set to hit the city. Afua Baah reports.
2:27
Canada Post resumes delivery, but Santa may return to North Pole before you get your mail

With the workers ordered back to work, Canada Post has resumed mail delivery but many packages won't make it until after Santa has returned to the North Pole.

More Videos