Russell MacNeil | |
---|---|
MLA for Cape Breton Centre | |
In office 1989โ1998 | |
Preceded by | Wayne Connors |
Succeeded by | Frank Corbett |
Personal details | |
Born | New Waterford, Nova Scotia, Canada | February 24, 1931
Died | June 16, 2018 Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada | (aged 87)
Political party | Liberal |
Russell Francis MacNeil (February 24, 1931 โ June 16, 2018) was a Canadian politician. He represented the electoral district of Cape Breton Centre in the Nova Scotia House of Assembly from 1989 to 1998. He was a member of the Nova Scotia Liberal Party.[1]
MacNeil was born in 1931 at New Waterford, Nova Scotia.[2] He graduated from St. Francis Xavier University with an arts degree in 1953, and an education degree in 1954.[3][4] Following graduation, MacNeil was a physical education teacher in New Waterford, and later served as the recreation director for the province of Nova Scotia.[4]
MacNeil entered provincial politics in 1989, running as the Liberal candidate in a Cape Breton Centre by-election.[5] Defeated by seven votes on election night,[6][7] the number was reduced to two when official results were announced.[8][9] However, a judicial recount in September ended with MacNeil being declared the winner by three votes.[10] His Progressive Conservative opponent appealed to the Nova Scotia Supreme Court,[11] and in February 1990, the by-election was declared invalid and MacNeil's victory voided.[12] A second by-election was held on August 28, 1990, with MacNeil winning the seat.[10] He was re-elected in the 1993 election,[13] and served as a backbench member of John Savage's government. MacNeil did not seek re-election in 1998.[14]
MacNeil died on June 16, 2018, in Halifax, Nova Scotia.[15]