Former Central Nova MP Elmer MacKay died July 24. Photo by Aaron Beswick /The Chronicle HeraldArticle contentNEW GLASGOW – Elmer MacKay was remembered as a man with a big heart following a memorial service July 30 in New Glasgow.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentThe longtime Central Nova MP died July 24 at the age of 89.Article contentArticle content“Today we honour a true Canadian legend,” federal Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre told The News following the private ceremony.Article content“I’ve heard of him showing up on the doorsteps of families who were less fortunate with a beautiful turkey and presents before Christmas in order to help out whoever needed it. All of that brought me here to reflect on this great Canadian and wonderful personal friend whom I will miss.”Article contentArticle contentA lawyer by trade and a successful businessman, MacKay served as Pictou County’s MP from 1971 to 1983 before stepping down so new Progressive Conservative leader Brian Mulroney could run in a byelection. MacKay returned to office and served from 1984 until 1993. He also served in Mulroney’s cabinet.Article contentMacKay’s son, Peter, served as the region’s MP from 1997 to 2015.Article contentElmer MacKay’s influence was felt by many throughout the region. Dozens of family, friends, and politicians from across Nova Scotia and abroad visited Summer Street Industries in New Glasgow on July 30 to pay their respects to the Pictou County legend.Article contentMany prominent figures attended the memorial, including Pictou County Warden Robert Parker and Premier Tim Houston.Article content“He was a wonderful person who cared deeply for Pictou County,” said Houston.Article contentArticle content“I met him 14 years ago now, and developed a great friendship with him over that time. He made a large impact on Canada with his efforts and sacrifices, being a person who continued to help others even just a few weeks ago. Elmer was someone who cared and sacrificed greatly for his country and the province. He will be deeply missed.”Article contentArticle contentPoilievre said he and MacKay shared a number of phone calls through the years.Article content“He would call and give me great political advice, watching dramas unfold in Parliament,” he said. “He would give me insights into what was happening in Nova Scotia.”Article contentPoilievre said MacKay should be remembered for his humility and decency.Article contentMacKay is survived by his wife, Sharon Lloy, five children (Cethlyn, Peter, Mary Louise, Andy, and Rebecca) and their families.Article content
‘Today we honour a true Canadian legend’: Memorial service held for former MP Elmer MacKay
