Hants East MLA Margaret Miller stepping down

SHUBENACADIE — The representative for Hants East in Nova Scotia's provincial legislature is stepping down.

In a social media post on May 7, Liberal MLA Margaret Miller submitted her letter of resignation and shared its contents with her constituents.

Miller served as deputy speaker as well as Minister of Environment and Natural Resources in her time at Province House.

“I want to thank you all who supported me in the last eight years,” wrote Miller. “My resignation does not reflect on my feelings for the party or my hardworking colleagues. They are still the best that (Nova Scotia) has to offer.”

In her letter to House Speaker Kevin Murphy, Miller shared her reasons for stepping down. She wrote: “My family situation is well known and certainly needs my attention and further to that, recent events have dictated that this is the best course of action at this time.”

Gore resident Michael Blois, in a post on the provincial Liberal party's website, has been declared the Liberal candidate for the party.

“I know that Michael Blois will serve you well and ask that you support him in the next election,” Murphy added.

“It has been my privilege and pleasure to serve you and all Nova Scotians.”

Earlier media reports indicated that Miller was upset and considering resigning after Sydney native Stephen Tobin was hired as director of strategic initiatives in the premier's office. Tobin had previously faced accusations of inappropriate behaviour from within the party. Before being appointed to his new post, Tobin worked for previous Premier Stephen Mcneil.