NS Premier Stephen McNeil (Photo: Facebook)
After 17 years in public office, Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil is resigning.
Following a cabinet meeting Thursday, McNeil made the surprising announcement he intended to step down as leader of the Liberal party and as Premier of Nova Scotia.
“Seventeen years is a long time, and its long enough,” McNeil said as he made the announcement.
McNeil said he celebrated his 17th year in public office Wednesday, noting he began his journey in 1999, losing his first running.
“I had looked at (resigning) earlier this year, but of course COVID-19 hit, so I recommitted to the job and my purpose here,” he said.
“I feel comfortable about where we are, and the party will need time to get someone ready for the next election, so it seemed like the right time to do it.”
McNeil said he has spent a large part of his and his family’s lives working in the public office, and thanked them for their patience and sacrifice they’ve made for his journey.
When asked if he was tired of being premier, he said, “I’m tired, but I’m not tired of being premier. I love this job.”
McNeil was originally elected premier in 2013, and was then re-elected in 2017. Before that, he ran for leader of the Liberal party in 2007, beating out Diana Whalen.
Currently in his second term, McNeil noted the timing was right to allow his party to prepare a leadership campaign to find his replacement. He said any longer and it could have caused for a rush to find a leader, or forced himself into running again.
However until then, he will continue to lead the party and the province.
“I will stay on and continue to govern and I will be here to work with public health to keep Nova Scotians safe until the next leader is chosen,” he said.
He couldn’t give any details on when a leadership campaign would start, or who he thought would take his place.
On his time in office, he said he knows there were some lows and highs, but he maintained the province is better from changes he spearheaded, noting an increase in exports, population and employment.
“We have made some tough decisions but we stuck together because we believed we were doing what was right for the future of this province,” he said.
“But now, it is time for someone else to lead the province and give it some new energy.”
