Longtime N.S mayor, MLA Billy Joe MacLean passes away

Former Nova Scotia MLA Billy Joe MacLean has passed away at the age of 88.

Billy Joe MacLean, whose political career was defined by his lengthy stints on the provincial and municipal levels in Nova Scotia, passed away on Wednesday morning.

He was 88-years old.

The Town of Port Hawkesbury, where MacLean served as mayor for eight terms, confirmed his passing in a news release Wednesday afternoon.

“He witnessed and influenced many economic and social changes within the Town and the surrounding Strait Area,” the release says. “Throughout these many changes, he remained constant in his commitment to the residents of Port Hawkesbury and surrounding municipalities.”

MacLean, who was born in 1936, entered the political realm in 1962 when he became a councillor for Port Hawkesbury.

He later represented the Inverness South provincial riding as an MLA, serving as a Progressive Conservative from 1981 until he was expelled from the House in 1986. He then served as an independent from 1987 to 1988.

“Billy Joe was a giant among politicians,” said Port Hawkesbury Mayor Brenda Chisholm-Beaton. “I had the privilege to serve as a Councillor in 2012 under his leadership during his final term as Mayor of Port Hawkesbury. I know full well the commitment required to fulfil the role as a public servant.”

In a social media post, Premier Tim Houston expressed his condolences to MacLean’s loved ones.

“Few have matched his longevity, and even fewer his passion for community,” Houston said. “Nova Scotia has lost a true public servant.”

Earlier this month, MacLean received the King Charles III Coronation Medal, which recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to their communities.

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