Elmer MacKay death and memorial

Former Nova Scotia Progressive Conservative MP and former federal cabinet minister Elmer MacKay died at age 89 on 24 July 2026. His career included serving the Central Nova riding from 1971, resigning in 1983 to enable PC leader Brian Mulroney’s by‑election win, and holding senior portfolios such as solicitor general, minister of national revenue, Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency minister and public works minister under Prime Ministers Joe Clark and Brian Mulroney before leaving cabinet in 1993. His son, former federal minister Peter MacKay, announced the death and praised his father’s public‑service legacy.

A memorial service was held on 30 July 2026 in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia. Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre addressed the gathering, recalling MacKay’s long‑standing contributions to the province and Canada. Local officials, family members and community leaders attended, describing him as a dedicated public servant with a “big heart.”