Leo Glavine, close political ally and friend of Premier McNeil, leaving politics

Leo Glavine and Stephen McNeil share a political border that spans almost 45 kilometres,but it's not proximity that has cemented theirpolitical and personal friendship during the past 17 yearsit's mutual loyalty and respect.

So it was no surprisethat both men talked in glowing terms about the otherwhen addressingreporters Thursday after Glavine formally announced his decision to retire before the next election.

"I've had the good fortune to come into political life with Premier McNeil," said Glavine, noting both men first took their seats at Province House in 2003. Each has been re-elected four times since.

McNeil, who announced his plans in August to retire,called Glavine a friend anddescribedtheir political careers as "a great journey."

"I admire you a great deal and I wish you nothing but great health and happiness and you head into the next part, the next chapter of your life," McNeil said following a cabinet meeting.

Opposition to government

They sat near each other, first on the opposition side of the House, then on the government front benches startingin2013 whenMcNeil became premier. Glavine was one of the first in the Liberal caucus to support McNeil's leadership bid against three opponents.

McNeil picked Glavine to be his first minister of health, a post Glavineheld during the Liberalgovernment's entire first mandate. During that time,Glavine spearheaded the government's tumultuousbut ultimately successfuldriveto merge the province's nine district health authorities into a single entity.

At the same time, the McNeil government squared off against the province's public sector unions, taking away the right to strike from health workers, then forcing a reduction inthe number of bargaining units in the sector. Those actionsled to many large and noisy demonstrations outside Province House. The governing Liberals also imposedaround-the-clock sittings at the legislature to fast-track necessary billsto enact those changes.

Glavine remained steadfast in his support for McNeil and his reorganization plans. In return, McNeil kept Glavinein the job despite the minister'sinability, at times, to properly or succinctly articulate those plans.

'Everything old is new again'

McNeil's seemingly unending confidence in Glavine was demonstrated again last month when the premier reappointed him to replace Randy Deloreyas health ministerafter Delorey resigned to run in the Liberal leadership race.

"Everything old is new again," quipped Glavine as he approached reporters after abrief ceremony Oct. 13 at Government House.

Asking Glavine to take over the portfolio in the midst of a pandemic may have been the ultimate display of confidence in his friend.

Glavine repaid the compliment in his farewell message Thursday.

"We've had an exceptional team in Public Health, the premier to guide our province through what may be one of the most challenging and difficult periods in the 21st century," said Glavine, who characterized himself as"a very ordinary Nova Scotian" who came to Province House to "do the best work possible."

What the future holds

The one-time public school teacher called his time in politics "a joy," offeringhimself a rare bit of self-congratulation.

"While there were lots of challenges and stressful moments, I have not missed a day of work in my 17 years in political office," he said.

Glavine will stay on as the MLA for Kings West until the next election is called. He said he plansto go back to private life to "enjoy what the Valley has to offer" andspend more time with his grandchildren.