Helen MacDonald (Nova Scotia politician)

Early life and career

Born in New Waterford, Nova Scotia, MacDonald was educated at the Nova Scotia Normal College and St. Francis Xavier University. She was a teacher and education administrator for 37 years.

Political career

A longtime NDP supporter, MacDonald first attempted to enter provincial politics in the 1988 election, finishing third in the Cape Breton-The Lakes riding behind Liberal Bernie Boudreau and Progressive Conservative incumbent John Newell. She ran again in the 1993 election, losing to Boudreau by more than 5200 votes, while edging out the Progressive Conservative candidate to finish second.

Following Boudreau's resignation as MLA, MacDonald ran in the by-election to replace him. On November 4, 1997, MacDonald won the by-election by 672 votes, becoming the first provincial New Democrat elected from Cape Breton since 1978. MacDonald was also the first woman MLA elected in Cape Breton. She was re-elected by 866 votes in the 1998 election, and served as caucus chairwoman and gaming critic. She was defeated when she ran for re-election in 1999, losing to Liberal Brian Boudreau by 101 votes.

On March 22, 2000, MacDonald announced that she was entering the leadership election to replace Robert Chisholm as leader of the Nova Scotia New Democrats. At the leadership convention on July 15, MacDonald trailed MLA Kevin Deveaux by four votes after the second ballot, but with the support of third place candidate Maureen MacDonald, she overtook Deveaux on the third ballot to win the leadership. MacDonald officially took over as leader on July 17.

In October 2000, MacDonald announced that she would run in the Cape Breton North riding when a by-election was held to replace former Liberal premier Russell MacLellan. On January 14, 2001, she was nominated to run as the NDP candidate for the riding. On March 6, 2001, MacDonald finished third in the by-election, losing to Progressive Conservative Cecil Clarke. Following the loss, MacDonald said she would continue to serve as leader, but resigned on April 24, after she learned that six members of the NDP caucus wanted to meet with her to ask for her resignation. She was succeeded by Darrell Dexter.

Personal life

MacDonald and her husband John reside in Bras d'Or, Nova Scotia. They have six children.

References

References

1. "Electoral History for Cape Breton-The Lakes". Nova Scotia Legislative Library.
2. (July 16, 2000). "Helen at helm; Party picks NDP veteran as new leader in 3rd round". The Chronicle Herald.
3. (Summer 2012). "Getting to Know: Helen MacDonald". New Dawn Enterpriser.
4. (August 8, 2000). "New NDP boss picked from N.S. party roots". The Globe and Mail.
5. "Returns of General Election for the House of Assembly 1988". Elections Nova Scotia.
6. "Returns of General Election for the House of Assembly 1993". Elections Nova Scotia.
7. (November 4, 1997). "Vote big test for Liberals". The Chronicle Herald.
8. MacIntyre, Mary Ellen. (November 5, 1997). "NDP will have first C.B. MLA in years". The Chronicle Herald.
9. (March 23, 2000). "MacDonald joins NDP leader race: Former Cape Breton MLA focusing on social justice". The Daily News.
10. "Election Returns, 1998 (Cape Breton The Lakes)". Elections Nova Scotia.
11. (July 14, 2000). "A look at the candidates". The Daily News.
12. "Election Returns, 1999 (Cape Breton The Lakes)". Elections Nova Scotia.
13. (June 28, 1999). "Boudreau pulls upset". Cape Breton Post.
14. (March 23, 2000). "Ex-C.B. politician wants NDP job". The Chronicle Herald.
15. (July 16, 2000). "Needham MLA plays queenmaker". The Daily News.
16. (July 16, 2000). "Helen MacDonald new NDP leader". CBC News.
17. (July 17, 2000). "NDP in Nova Scotia chooses new leader". The Globe and Mail.
18. (July 17, 2000). "New NDP leader takes helm". CBC News.
19. (October 15, 2000). "NDP chief to run in MacLellan's old Cape Breton seat". The Sunday Herald.
20. (October 15, 2000). "NDP leader picks seat, now must cool heels". The Daily News.
21. (January 15, 2001). "NDP boss unopposed as party's candidate for vacant C.B. seat". The Chronicle Herald.
22. "Byelection Returns, 2001 (Cape Breton North)". Elections Nova Scotia.
23. (March 7, 2001). "Tories win Cape Breton North". CBC News.
24. (March 7, 2001). "Still no seat for NDP leader: MacDonald third in Cape Breton North". The Daily News.
25. (April 25, 2001). "NDP boss forced to resign". The Chronicle Herald.
26. (April 25, 2001). "Leader of Nova Scotia NDP resigns post". The Globe and Mail.
27. (April 29, 2001). "Ousting was 'scapegoating': 'They literally trampled over the decision-making body of this party' -- MacDonald". The Daily News.
28. (April 30, 2001). "Dexter interim NDP boss". The Chronicle Herald.