Date: June 24, 2009
To: PC Party members
From: Scott Armstrong, Provincial President, PC Party of Nova Scotia
Subject: Leadership – Rebuilding Together
Earlier today, the Honourable Rodney MacDonald submitted to me a letter of resignation as leader of the PC Party of Nova Scotia effective immediately.
While I expect our party will recognize Rodney MacDonald’s leadership more formally at a later date, during a meeting by teleconference today our Provincial Executive unanimously passed a resolution thanking him for his service as our party leader and premier of the province from 2006 to 2009.
As stated in our party’s constitution, Progressive Conservative members of the House of Assembly are responsible for choosing an interim leader and have done so today. Our Progressive Conservative caucus unanimously chose Karen Casey, MLA for Colchester North, as our interim leader. During today’s teleconference meeting, our Provincial Executive unanimously passed a motion of support for this caucus decision. As Progressive Conservatives, we should all come together to support our new interim leader and the caucus as they prepare to be a strong, constructive opposition to the NDP. Our team of experienced PC caucus members will be a strong foundation on which we will rebuild and expand our party.
Under our party’s constitution, the Provincial Executive has the authority to determine the timing, method and rules for PC Party members to choose a permanent leader. On Saturday, June 20, in anticipation that there would soon be a vacancy in the leadership of our party, the Provincial Executive unanimously agreed to the following approach:
During our party’s post-election meetings that are being scheduled to be held around the province in July, Progressive Conservatives will be consulted on when they feel is the best time to select a new leader and by which method;
Before the end of September 2009, the Provincial Executive will decide on the timing, method of selecting and a leadership selection chair (or co-chairs); and
The leadership selection co-chairs will be responsible for preparing draft rules for the approval of the Provincial Executive by the end of October 2009. Before the Provincial Executive will decide on the rules, a draft copy of the rules will be presented to the Presidents Council of our party for their input.
For this leadership selection process, the Provincial Executive has decided there will be greater consultation with the grassroots PC Party members before making any decisions in the fall.
Jim David and Stephen Taylor at PC Headquarters are working with the District Vice Presidents to confirm dates, times and locations around the province in July. We hope you are able to join us and make your voices heard.
In conclusion, I would like to thank the many Progressive Conservatives who have stepped forward to commit to rebuilding our party. By working together, we can and will become the alternative to the NDP and regain the confidence of Nova Scotians.
