Former Cape Breton MLA Alfie MacLeod dies after battle with cancer

CITYnews halifax / By Chris Halef

A former Cape Breton MLA and speaker of the house has died after a long battle with cancer.

Alfie MacLeod served as a Progressive Conservative MLA for Cape Breton West, initially when he was first elected back in 1995.

He held that post until 1998, then again from 2006 until May 2009 and June 2009 until September 2013, at which point the riding became Sydney River-Mira-Louisbourg. He was also a Speaker of the House between October 2007 and June 2009.

The Sydney River native served as MLA for that riding for two more terms until 2019.

Premier Tim Houston released a statement on Monday, saying he joins Nova Scotians in mourning his death.

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“Alfie was a man of conviction. He had a big heart, and thousands of Nova Scotians benefited from his compassion, his fierce loyalty and his willingness to stand up for the underdog. He was a steadfast friend and a true community leader,” he said.

“Alfie fought his battle with cancer the same way he lived his life – with courage, resilience and optimism.”

MacLeod was 69 years old.