Facing impaired driving charge, Hugh MacKay resigns from Liberal caucus

Chester-St. Margaret's MLA Hugh MacKay says he's decided to resign from the Liberal caucus after he was recently charged with impaired driving for a second time.

MacKaywas charged with impaired driving earlier this month in relation to an alleged offence dating back to Nov. 22, 2018.

"Though I do not know the specifics of this charge, I am mindful of the fact that these claims are not to be taken lightly," MacKay said in a written statement on Sunday.

"I do not want this matter to cause any further disruption to the important work this government is doing. As such, I have made the difficult decision to resign from the Nova Scotia Liberal Caucus."

MacKay said he intends to continue to represent Chester-St. Margaret's as an Independent.

In a release Sunday, Premier Stephen McNeilsaid he learned of the charge last week.

"This is very serious and I agree with Mr. MacKay's decision to sit as an independent as he deals with this matter," he said.

"Mr. MacKay is currently in treatment to deal with his addiction and I wish him continued success for good health."

According to court documents, MacKay "was impaired by alcohol or drug at or near Stillwater Lake," near Upper Tantallon. RCMP laid the charge and served him with papers earlier in February.

Late last year,MacKay pleaded guiltyto operating a motor vehicle with a blood-alcohol level over the legal limit in relation to an incident on Oct. 13, 2019. He was fined $2,000 and prohibited from driving for a year.

MacKay is due in provincial court in Halifax on March 16 to face the most recent charge.

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