ENFIELD: As his time as Premier of Nova Scotia is nearing its end, Stephen McNeil sat down for a one-on-one interview with The Laker News’ Pat Healey via zoom.
The interview was one that The Laker News had been trying to pin down for one or two years. They were finally able to make it happen on Jan. 22 via Zoom.
McNeill will step aside as the man at the helm of Nova Scotia on Feb. 6, when a new Liberal leader—and Premier—will be selected by Liberal delegates.
In the interview, Healey asked McNeil a range of questions.
The first was what it’s been like to lead the province during the past year, a year fraught with tragedy from the deaths due to COVID19; the April 18/19 mass shooting; the helicopter crash claiming three Nova Scotians; and the death of Halifax’s Jenn Casey in a Snowbird crash, and the sinking of the Chief William Saulis with six fishermen on board before Christmas.
“This year has been one of many unprecedented times, not only the pandemic but all the other tragedies that hit our province, it’s certainly been one of …,” said McNeil. “It’s been isolating at times, to be perfectly frank, but I’m grateful for Nova Scotians who have been kind to me in their comments, and their support over the last 10 months.”
McNeil was also asked about negotiations with unions, his highlights as Premier; what he learned the most; MLA Bill Horne and if the reason for not putting him in cabinet had anything to do with his support of the community against the Fall River Quarry; online comments and how they impacted his family; and advice he has for anyone thinking about getting into politics.
He spoke about the strife with the teacher’s union.
“It wasn’t tough at all,” answered McNeil when asked how tough it was with family members in the teaching field. “My family has continued to believe that I would do what was right. We were taught by a pretty strong woman in our mother to do what we believed was right even if it was difficult.”
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McNeil said as he thinks back through his time as Premier there are a lot of highlights. More recently, one of those is bringing in presumed consent for organ donation.
“Obviously, the support for the Home for Colored Children is one that has touched me deeply,” he said. “I’m proud of our fiscal record. It’s really the things that we were able to do that touched people.
“In education, we have invested more then any government in my time here. The decisions we made that impacted kids and families, those things are pretty near and dear to me.”
McNeil said the past year would have to be the low point of his tenure in his position. He is still passionate about the job.
“This last year has been hard on families, hard on Nova Scotians,” he said. “I wouldn’t say it’s a low point, but it’s been a pretty emotional draining year.”
When asked about chatter in the Fall River area that MLA Bill Horne was never given a cabinet position because he stood with the community against the Fall River Quarry, McNeil chalked it up to nothing but a rumour.
“I respected Bill a lot,” he said. “One thing that never got coverage, and I gave Bill the authority to do it, to speak on behalf of his constituents even if it was against our governments position.
“This is a regulated situation where we as government don’t get to go in and say, “this gets approved,” there’s a regulated environment around it.”
“I’m proud of my relationship with Bill. I’m grateful he ran for us, has been working for us. I’m proud I’m part of a government that allows its members to stand up for its constituents even if it’s against their own government.”
McNeil said he never held any ill will towards Horne as a result of his support for his community.
“I never held that against him,” he said. “I’m proud of what he did.”
He was asked about social media comments and how they impacted him and his family. He began answering the question by saying he stopped reading the news seven years ago.
“It doesn’t bother me because I don’t read them,” he said. “I do worry about the impact they have on my young adult children; they weren’t when I started this. I’m more worried about what it does to my kids then me.
“I’m also very hopeful we’re at a moment in time where online comments are going to start getting checked by individual Nova Scotians and Canadians, and globally. We’ve seen what’s happening in the U.S. where people can say whatever they want.
“I will always rely on the good gracious of Nova Scotians to challenge each other when people are being over the top.”
McNeil was asked for advice if someone was reading this or watching the video interview and was considering getting into politics. He said for them to just be true to who they are.
“Don’t try to be somebody who you’re not,” said McNeil. “If you’re running because you want to make your community better, then keep going.
“If you’re running because you think it’s a good gig or good job, don’t do it. It really truly is service. You have to want to make a difference in the community you live in, and the province you’re in.
“That’s what Nova Scotians need. That’s what communities need to make their communities better.”
He said in his time as Premier the one thing he learned the most is Nova Scotians want leadership.
“It doesn’t matter how difficult the decision is, they just want you to do it,” said McNeil. “They will respect you for it, they will appreciate you for it.”
McNeil took the opportunity to tell residents N.S. will only be as strong as the people in each community.
“Stay committed, stay involved in your community,” he said. “You don’t have to run for office. You’re your own way to make your community better.
“Our province is only going to be as strong as the level of participation of Nova Scotians.”
He then made an unexpected comment, thanking Healey for caring. He said a question Healey asked during a COVID19 briefing about how he was doing is one he will never forget.
“Keep doing what you’re doing,” said McNeil. “Keep caring.”
To hear the full 14-minute interview, please check out the inserted link in this story or click here.