Burrill: Alexa’s influence cannot be overstated

HALIFAX – NDP Leader Gary Burrill made the following statement:

“The people of Nova Scotia stand moved and diminished today before the passing of Alexa McDonough.

No leadership figure has been held in the public mind and heart of this province with the same mixture of affection and respect.

Such significance: Alexa was the first New Democrat to win a provincial seat, and the first to win a federal seat, in mainland Nova Scotia. Under her federal leadership, the NDP won 6 of 11 seats in the 1997 election, permanently recasting the mould of politics in this province. Alexa was the first woman elected to lead a major political party in Canada, in 1980.

No one has had such a defining mentoring influence on generations of women in Nova Scotia, to consider their futures in the light of public service. Today's NSNDP caucus, with its record gender diversity, is testament to that legacy.

Alexa's ability to connect with people has been her signature genius. To this day, more than a quarter-century since she has represented the provincial constituency, people will tell me, while canvassing in Halifax Chebucto, about the time they met Alexa and what that conversation meant to them. In her glory on the doorstep, Alexa loved people, and the people loved her back.”

In her almost 30 year political career, Alexa McDonough OC ONS led both the Provincial and Federal NDP and held elected office as MLA for Halifax Chebucto/Fairview and MP for Halifax.

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