A long-time time educator and politician in southwestern Nova Scotia has passed away.

Gordon Balser was first elected in the riding of Digby-Annapolis in 1998.

He held many portfolios including Economic Development, Transportation and Public Works, Energy and Agriculture and Fisheries.

His daughter, Jill Balser is the current MLA and is the Minister of Labour, Skills and Immigration. She became the first female MLA for Digby-Annapolis when she was elected in 2021.

“Like her father before her, Jill serves our province with a quiet grace and unwavering dedication to Nova Scotians,” said Premier Tim Houston.

Gordon served under the progressive conservatives from 1998 until 2003.