By Andrew Macdonald
It’s been a whirlwind political week in Nova Scotia, with Fred Tilley now a Liberal-turned-Tory, making him a ‘political turncoat’ as he crosses the floor.
And, then there was Thursday’s blockbuster announcement from Allan MacMaster, resigning from the Tim Houston cabinet to seeks the federal Conservative Party nod in Cape Breton-Canso-Antigonish.
MacMaster held the most senior cabinet roles in the three-year-old Houston government, serving as deputy premier and finance minister. You can’t get higher ranking than that in cabinet.

Former \deputy premier and former finance minister Allan MacMaster is running for the federal Tory nod in Cape Breton-Canso-Antigonish. Nova Scotia Government photo
I will carry my conversation with Allan MacMaster in The Notebook on Sunday. For now here is his political statement on why he wants to go to Ottawa. It is all the more remarkable because MacMaster has been touted as a future Tory leader and future Tory premier in Nova Scotia.
Statement from Allan MacMaster, MLA, Inverness:
Today, I am excited to announce that I will seek the Conservative nomination in the federal riding of Cape Breton-Canso-Antigonish in the next federal election.
For the past 15 years, I have worked hard for the people of Inverness, and, in 2021, Premier Tim Houston gave me the opportunity to do the same for all Nova Scotians as a member of his cabinet.
Under Premier Houston’s leadership, this government has a record I am proud to be a part of.
With the strong potential of a government change in Ottawa, it will be important for our region to be represented by someone with experience at the highest levels of government and first-hand knowledge of the issues the people of our riding are facing every day, and with a proven record of delivery.
Expanding the reach of fibre-op internet and cell phone coverage, new nursing homes in Port Hawkesbury and Cheticamp, expanded healthcare funding, and financial support for community halls, rinks, and trails are concrete measures that I have helped deliver and have improved life for residents.
There is more to be done, especially around making life more affordable, rural cell phone coverage, and healthcare changes to federal government policy could really have a positive impact — provided we have someone in Ottawa who will make a difference for those issues.
An affordable home is almost an impossible dream for young Canadians and that has to change.
The issues facing people living in Inverness are no different than those in our neighbouring counties.
I grew up in Judique, Lucie and I are raising our children in Troy and I spent four years in Antigonish while attending St. FX. I know the region well, and I think the people know me and how I’ve delivered for my constituents representing the area, and for the broader region of Guysborough, Antigonish, and the rest of Cape Breton Island during my time in the Houston government.
Serving both in government and Opposition has taught me the importance of having good relations with members on the opposite side of the aisle in order to deliver for the people I represent.
I will be resigning from cabinet and will remain as MLA for Inverness (until the election writ is dropped) but will resign my seat should I win the nomination. I will also do my best to help elect a PC candidate in Inverness to be part of Premier Houston’s team whenever the next provincial election may be.
It was an honour to be part of Premier Houston’s cabinet for the past three years. I put everything I had into my job as Minister of Finance, Minister of Labour Relations, and Minister of Communities, Culture, Tourism & Heritage.
I know that experience would serve the people of Cape Breton-Canso-Antigonish well should they choose to send me to Ottawa.
It was an honour and a privilege to represent the people of Inverness for the past 15 years. They put their faith in me in four elections and I will be forever grateful. The time spent helping people at home will always mean more to me than anything else.
I wish to thank Premier Houston and my caucus colleagues for their support, and I look forward to working with them to continue making life better for Nova Scotians.
Tomorrow, in The Notebook on Sunday, I will feature a conversation with MacMaster. Stay tuned!