Dennis MacKay, former BC Liberal MLA for Bulkley Valley-Stikine, has announced his support for John Cummins as leader for the BC Conservatives today.
“I have known John for a number of years. He is a man of conviction. He believes and acts upon what he says; this is a quality that is needed in provincial politics today,” said MacKay. “I am honoured to endorse John for leadership of the new BC Conservatives.”
Cummins is expected to be voted leader of the BC Conservatives at their convention May 28 in Surrey.
A former federal Conservative MP who stepped down before the May 2011 federal election, Cummins is touring the province in advance of the May 28 convention.
“I am pleased to receive this endorsement from Dennis,” responded Cummins. “To be supported by someone who has worked tirelessly for his community is a true privilege.”
MacKay was elected as a BC Liberal to the riding of Bulkley Valley-Stikine in the 2001 and 2005 provincial general elections before stepping down in advance of the 2009 election.
MacKay served on a number of committees including the Legislative Assembly’s Select Standing Committees on Aboriginal Affairs and Crown Corporations, the Northern Caucus committee, the Special Committee to Review the Police Complaints Process and the Government Caucus Committee on Communities and Safety.
MacKay served as a Member of the RCMP from 1961 to 1989. He performed general policing duties, spent two years with the RCMP's musical ride, worked in the General Investigation Section, and served as prosecutor and detachment commander. Upon retirement from the RCMP, Mr. MacKay worked as a private investigator, a provincial coroner, and a security patrol agent.
Dennis and his wife Edith married in 1966 and have lived in Smithers since 1981.