Birth
September 30, 1948 in Goshen.
Education
Attended St. Andrew's High School
Employment History
Worked from 1969 to 1980 for Nova Scotia Power Corporation as a machine operator, during which time he was also a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. Held the offices of shop steward, recording secretary and unit chairman. Was elected business manager in 1980, representing 1,300 union members employed by Nova Scotia Power, members employed by the towns of Antigonish and Liverpool, and Nova Scotia construction contractors. From 1985 to 1994, worked as the area foreman for the Nova Scotia Department of Transportation, St. Mary’s District. Between 1994 and 1999, was self-employed as a machine operator and woods work contractor, and employed by the Guysborough Journal as advertising manager.
Political Career
Elected in 1988 to the St. Mary’s Municipal Council representing District Six. Re-elected in 1991, acclaimed in 1994 and 1997. In 1994, he was elected Warden of the District of St. Mary’s. First elected to the House of Assembly in 1999, as the MLA for the constituency of Guysborough-Port Hawkesbury, now Guysborough-Sheet Harbour. Re-elected in August
2003 and June 2006. He has been Minister of Agriculture,
Minister responsible for the Maritime Provinces Harness Racing
Commission Act, chair of the government caucus in 2004, and.
chair of the Standing Committee on Human Resources. He was appointed chair of the government caucus in 2004, and
chair of the Standing Committee on Human Resources.
Community Involvement
Participated in minor softball and hockey as a player and a coach, volunteered as a Scout and Beaver leader, and was a member of the District Six Volunteer Fire Department. Served on the board of directors for the Goshen Community Fire and Recreation Association. Served one term on the Guysborough County District School Board, and was chair of the board's Pupil Transportation Committee. Served as member of board of: Guysborough County Community Futures, Guysborough County RDA, the Sable Advisory Committee, and the St. Martha’s Regional Hospital Foundation Advisory Committee.
Family
Wife Alberta (nee McGrath), one daughter and two grandchildren.
