Karla MacFarlane announces retirement from Nova Scotia politics

Veteran Tory MLA Karla MacFarlane is retiring from politics.

The MLA for Pictou West made the announcement in a social media post shortly after the conclusion of the spring session of the Nova Scotia legislature on Friday.

“I will miss my colleagues, but the time has come for me to begin another chapter,” she wrote on her Facebook account.

“I am very proud of the hard work accomplished by the Houston Government. I will continue to support Premier [Tim] Houston and the Progressive Conservative government in the years ahead under his leadership.”

MacFarlane was first elected in 2013. She was re-elected in 2017 and again in 2021, when the Tories formed government.

Cabinet minister

She entered Houston’s cabinet as community services minister and minister responsible for L’nu Affairs.

In 2018, MacFarlane served as the Tories’ interim leader after an internal party investigation ousted then-leader Jamie Baillie for engaging in what was described as inappropriate behaviour toward a party staffer. She later endorsed Houston’s leadership bid.

Last fall, MacFarlane made good on what she said was a long-standing political goal when she became the legislature’s first female Speaker of the House.

On Friday, she presided over statements by members and question period before leaving the chair for what would be the final time. It was not publicly known at that point that she would not be back.

In her statement, MacFarlane paid tribute to the people who have supported her during her political career, including her children and partner.

“To Chloe and Jack, thank you for your understanding and patience as issues arose in the evenings and on weekends that needed my attention, taking time away from being with you. I would also like to thank my partner Neal for supporting me for the last several years. You’re a gem.

‘New chapter’

“My focus is now to spend time with family and friends and invest in my wellbeing. I look forward with hope and anticipation to a new chapter.”

In a statement of his own, Houston lauded MacFarlane’s character.

“Karla is everything that anyone could expect in an excellent MLA. She cares deeply. She is dedicated. And she is extremely kind,” he said.

“The people of Pictou West and all of Nova Scotia have been well served. She has been an inspiration and mentor to me, and I am incredibly sad to see her leave.”