A long serving member of the NDP and former party leader is retiring.
Maureen MacDonald is leaving her position as an MLA after serving 18 years in the Halifax-Needham riding.
She was a key member of the Darrell Dexter NDP government and held many portfolios including minister of health and wellness and minister of finance.
The loss of MacDonald means there is now five NDP members in the Legislature.
However, that number will be down to four when the spring sitting convenes on Thursday.
Denise Peterson-Rafuse is on medical leave after she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
Meanwhile, the Premier and Opposition Leader both took to social media to thank MacDonald for her service.
Maureen MacDonald @MaureenMLA has had a distinguished political career; wishing her the best in the next chapter.
— Stephen McNeil (@StephenMcNeil) April 12, 2016
A sincere thank you to @MaureenMLA for your years of pulbic service to the people of #Halifax Needham and #NovaScotia. #nspoli
— Jamie Baillie (@JamieBaillie) April 12, 2016
