Premier Sends Condolences to Liberal Leader

Premier Rodney MacDonald is expressing sympathy today, March 9, to Nova Scotia Liberal Leader Stephen McNeil. Mr. McNeil's mother, an Order of Nova Scotia recipient in 2005, passed away this morning after a short battle with cancer.

"Theresa McNeil was an outstanding Nova Scotian", said Premier MacDonald. "She was highly respected by all who knew her and she will be missed. I pass along my sympathy not just to Stephen, but the entire family".

Theresa McNeil became High Sheriff of Annapolis County in 1977 -- the first woman in Canada to be named to that position. She raised 17 children at her home in Granville Ferry. She was a committed volunteer at Soldier's Memorial Hospital, was deeply devoted to her church and to the Ladies Auxiliary and was involved in numerous other community organizations.

"People of Theresa McNeil's calibre are rare", said Premier MacDonald. "Not only is her passing a tremendous loss for her family, but also her province."

Theresa McNeil was 81.