McDonough marks legacy of leadership in Nova Scotia politics

HALIFAX -- Alexa McDonough made the following statement to mark the 40th anniversary of her election as Leader of the NSNDP on November 16, 1980, making her the first woman to be leader of a major political party in Canada:

“I’ve always felt deeply indebted to the people of Halifax and of Nova Scotia for the trust they placed in me to represent them.

When I was elected leader of the Nova Scotia NDP in 1980, my goal was to build a better province where equity was a given and choosing a woman leader would no longer be shocking news.

I’m proud of the work the NSNDP has done for the province and for women in leadership. Since I was leader, both Helen MacDonald and Maureen MacDonald have led the party and today our provincial caucus is 80 per cent women.

A diversity of voices at the table builds strength and ensures we continue to move forward, building a province where people can expect something better from their government.”

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

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