The leader of Nova Scotia’s Progressive Conservative Party is mourning the loss of a former Lunenburg West MLA.
Mel Pickings passed away February 1 at age 92.
He was a provincial politician from 1978 until 1988 and served as minister responsible for the Emergency Measures Organization and Housing.
In a statement, Tim Houston says he will remember Pickings for his commitment and integrity.
Former MLA for Queens, John Leefe, was elected with Pickings in 1978.
He says Pickings left a footprint in his constituency.
“I think, for example, of the second bridge that was built (in Bridgewater) when Mel was the MLA and the South Shore Regional Hospital; just to name two very significant projects that Mel had a huge hand in.”
Leefe adds Pickings was a good friend.
“But, it was very easy to be friends with Mel because he welcomed all comers with open arms”, says Leefe. “It didn’t matter who they were, what walk of life they came from or what political affiliations they might have had.”
More details can be found here.
Reported by: Nick Yorston
Twitter: @NickYorston
E-mail: yorston.nick@radioabl.ca
