Conservatives pay tribute to Rodney MacDonald

Ryan Taplin/Metro Halifax

Former premier Rodney MacDonald answers questions from reporters in this file photo from June. MacDonald was honoured over the weekend at the Tory annual general meeting.

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Published: February 08, 2010 12:35 a.m.

Last modified: February 08, 2010 1:58 a.m.

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Nova Scotia’s Progressive Conservatives have wrapped up their annual general meeting in Halifax.

It kicked off Friday with a tribute to former premier Rodney MacDonald, including one from the prime minister. Stephen Harper, in a video played to hundreds of party faithful, praised MacDonald as someone who worked on behalf of the province while respecting the interests of Canada.

“Having some familiarity with minority government myself, I know how tough it can be to get things done,” said Harper.

The prime minister gave credit to MacDonald, saying it took “real political courage” to sit down and settle the 20-year-old Crown share offshore dispute. “The result was a deal that honoured the constitutional division of powers, ensured that Nova Scotians get their rightful share of offshore revenues and set the province on a course to fiscal independence,” Harper said.

Reached in July 2008, the settlement means the province will receive $870 million over 15 years.

Harper thanked MacDonald and said he was “proud to call you a friend and fellow Conservative.”

MacDonald stepped down as party leader following the Tory defeat in last spring’s provincial election and resigned his Inverness seat in the legislature last September.

The annual general meeting was the first time the party had gathered since the June election that handed the NDP a majority government. The Tories were reduced to third place status.

Conservatives say the party, which plans to hold a leadership convention in October, is ready to rebuild and regain lost momentum. Jamie Baillie, who’s mulling a run at the Tory leadership, says he believes Nova Scotians are already dissatisfied with Premier Darrell Dexter’s government.

Party president Rob Batherson says Conservatives have to come together and will rally behind whoever is chosen as leader in preparation for the next election.

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