Stephen McNeil facts for kids

Quick facts for kids The Honourable Stephen McNeil ECNS
28th Premier of Nova Scotia
In office October 22, 2013 – February 23, 2021
Monarch	Elizabeth II
Lieutenant Governor	John J. Grant Arthur J. LeBlanc
Deputy	Karen Casey
Preceded by	Darrell Dexter
Succeeded by	Iain Rankin
Leader of the Opposition (Nova Scotia)
In office June 19, 2009 – October 22, 2013
Preceded by	Darrell Dexter
Succeeded by	Jamie Baillie
Leader of the Nova Scotia Liberal Party
In office April 27, 2007 – February 6, 2021
Preceded by	Michel Samson (interim)
Succeeded by	Iain Rankin
Member of the Nova Scotia House of Assembly for Annapolis
In office August 5, 2003 – May 3, 2021
Preceded by	Frank Chipman
Succeeded by	Carman Kerr
Personal details
Born	(1964-11-10) November 10, 1964 (age 60) Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Political party	Liberal Party
Height	6 ft 7 in (201 cm)
Spouse	Andrea
Children	2
Occupation	Politician

Stephen McNeil (born November 10, 1964) is a Canadian politician. He served as the 28th Premier of Nova Scotia from 2013 to 2021. He also represented the area of Annapolis in the Nova Scotia House of Assembly. He was a member of the Assembly from 2003 to 2021. From 2007 to 2021, he was the leader of the Nova Scotia Liberal Party.

Stephen McNeil's Early Life and Education

Stephen McNeil was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia. He was the 12th of 17 children in his family. His mother, Theresa McNeil, made history. She was the first female high sheriff in Canada. She also received the Order of Nova Scotia award. Stephen McNeil attended the Nova Scotia Community College. Before becoming a politician, he owned a small business for 15 years. This was between 1988 and 2003.

Stephen McNeil's Political Journey

Stephen McNeil first tried to get elected in 1999. He was not successful in that election. However, he ran again in 2003. This time, he was elected to the Nova Scotia House of Assembly.

Becoming Leader of the Liberal Party

On January 30, 2007, McNeil announced his plan. He wanted to run for leader of the Liberal Party. Many important people supported him. On April 28, 2007, he was elected leader. This happened at the Liberal Leadership Convention in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. He won on the second round of voting.

Leading the Opposition

In the 2009 election, McNeil led the Liberals. They became the Official Opposition. This means they were the second-largest party. They won 11 seats in the Assembly.

Becoming Premier of Nova Scotia

In the 2013 election, McNeil's party won a majority government. They defeated the NDP government. Darrell Dexter was the Premier at that time.

In the 2017 election, his party won again. They kept a majority of 27 seats. This was a slightly smaller majority than before.

On August 6, 2020, McNeil announced he would step down. He planned to resign as leader and Premier in early 2021. Iain Rankin took over as Liberal leader on February 6, 2021. Rankin then became Premier on February 23, 2021.

Stephen McNeil as Premier

Stephen McNeil became Premier of Nova Scotia on October 22, 2013. His cabinet was also sworn in. The ceremony took place in Annapolis Royal. This was special because it was the first time since 1954 that the swearing-in happened outside Halifax. McNeil led the first Liberal government in Nova Scotia in 14 years. His party won 33 out of 51 seats.

Early Challenges and Decisions

In his first year, McNeil's government faced some challenges. There were questions about how some jobs and contracts were given out. For example, a Liberal candidate was offered a job. Also, a government contract went to the Premier's brother. Critics worried this was unfair. However, Nova Scotia's Conflict of Interest Commissioner found no conflict with the contract.

The first session of the legislature under McNeil was short. It lasted only 11 days. But they passed three important laws.

• One law aimed to open the electricity market. This would allow more companies to produce power.
• Another law created a statutory holiday in February. This day would give families more time together.
• They also passed a law to make economic investments more open.
• Another commitment was to ban the import of fracking wastewater.

Key Policies and Debates

In the spring of 2015, there were more debates.

• The Liberals passed a law that ended a strike by nurses. The nurses were protesting their working conditions. Some people felt this law took away workers' rights. The government said it was needed to protect healthcare.
• Another law removed a tax rebate for graduates. This rebate was for students who stayed to work in Nova Scotia. The government said the program was not working well.
• The government's April 2015 budget caused a big protest. It planned to cut the Nova Scotia Film Tax Credit. This upset many people in the creative community. Because of the protests, McNeil changed his mind. The government created a new program instead. It was called the Nova Scotia Film Production Incentive Fund.

The Liberals' first budget predicted a deficit. But it also included money to limit class sizes. It also aimed to help recruit more doctors. The government also removed interest from Nova Scotia student loans. This was for graduates who stayed in the province. They also created a jobs fund called Invest Nova Scotia.

Stephen McNeil announced his retirement on August 6, 2020. He remained Premier until Iain Rankin was sworn in.

Stephen McNeil's Election Results

Stephen McNeil ran in several elections. Here are some of his results:

• In the 2017 Nova Scotia general election for Annapolis, he won with 6,410 votes (64.72%).
• In the 2013 Nova Scotia general election for Annapolis, he won with 7,709 votes (75.88%).
• In the 2009 Nova Scotia general election for Annapolis, he won with 6,446 votes (73.32%).
• In the 2006 Nova Scotia general election for Annapolis, he won with 4,668 votes (56.20%).
• In the 2003 Nova Scotia general election for Annapolis, he won with 4,522 votes (50.83%).
• In the 1999 Nova Scotia general election for Annapolis, he received 3,265 votes (35.22%) but was not elected.