A long-time mayor of Port Hawkesbury and former Nova Scotian cabinet minister has passed away.

Billy Joe MacLean died Wednesday morning, according to his family.

It comes after a battle with Strep A and pneumonia.

He served in the public service for over 50 years as town councillor, provincial MLA and as a cabinet minister.

Port Hawkesbury mayor Brenda Chisholm Breaton says in a statement, he was a giant among politicians.

“On behalf of our Town Council, Staff and our Community, we mourn your loss with you,” says Chisholm-Beaton.

While, premier Tim Houston says his thoughts are with his family and all those who knew and loved him.

MacLean was 88.

More to come…