Elmer MacKay, longtime former N.S. Progressive Conservative MP, dies

MacKay held several ministerial portfolios under former prime minister Brian Mulroney

Elmer MacKay, a longtime former Progressive Conservative MP and cabinet minister, and the father of former MP Peter MacKay, has died. He was 89.

Peter MacKay posted the news on X on Friday.

"His was an extraordinary life, collecting legions of friends leaving a legacy of hard work and public service," the post reads.

"He loved the forest, poetry, sport, law and good debate, the Yankees and especially his family. Deeply missed and alive in our hearts. Sleep well Pop, you earned your rest."

Elmer MacKay was first elected as MP for Central Nova in 1971 during a byelection. He was subsequently re-elected and then resigned his seat in 1983 so newly elected PC Leader Brian Mulroney could run in that riding.

MacKay was elected once again in the 1984 election and continued serving as MP until 1993, when he stepped down as cabinet minister and did not seek the seat in that fall's election.

MacKay held various ministerial portfolios, including regional economic expansion, solicitor general, national revenue, Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and public works.

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