Karla MacFarlane

Karla Michelle MacFarlane (born 1969)[1] is a Canadian politician, who was elected to the Nova Scotia House of Assembly in the 2013 provincial election. A member of the Progressive Conservative Party of Nova Scotia, she represents the electoral district of Pictou West.[2] MacFarlane is a graduate of Husson University in Maine with an associate degree in Business Communications.[3] In 2016, MacFarlane was named "Legislator of the Year" at the non-profit Springtide Collective's Better Politics Awards.[4] She was re-elected in the 2017 provincial election.

The Honourable
Karla MacFarlane
MLA
Speaker of the House of Assembly of Nova Scotia
Assumed office
October 12, 2023
PremierTim Houston
Lieutenant GovernorArthur J. LeBlanc
Preceded byKeith Bain
Leader of the Opposition
In office
January 24, 2018 – October 27, 2018
Preceded byJamie Baillie
Succeeded byTim Houston
Member of the Nova Scotia House of Assembly
for Pictou West
Assumed office
October 8, 2013
Preceded byCharlie Parker
Personal details
Born1969 (age 53–54)
Political partyProgressive Conservative

MacFarlane was appointed interim leader of the Progressive Conservative party and Leader of the Opposition on January 24, 2018, when her predecessor, Jamie Baillie, was forced to resign due to allegations of inappropriate behaviour.[5] She was succeeded by Tim Houston on October 27, 2018.

On August 31, 2021, MacFarlane was made Minister of Community Services as well as Minister Responsible for the Status of Women and the Office of L'nu Affairs.[6] The latter appointment caused backlash among some Nova Scotians as MacFarlane is white as well as the fact that the riding she represents has no First Nations communities.[7]

MacFarlane has two children.[3]

Electoral record
2021 Nova Scotia general election
Party Candidate Votes%±%
Progressive ConservativeKarla MacFarlane4,48763.62+1.18
LiberalMary Wooldridge-Elliott1,51021.41+4.94
New DemocraticRick Parker87212.36-6.40
GreenClare Brett1241.76-0.56
IndependentJohn A. Clark600.85
Total valid votes 7,05399.63
Total rejected ballots 260.37
Turnout 7,07962.11
Eligible voters 11,398
Progressive Conservative hold Swing -1.88
Source: Elections Nova Scotia[8]
2017 Nova Scotia general election
Party Candidate Votes%±%
Progressive ConservativeKarla MacFarlane4,33362.44+22.34
New DemocraticShawn McNamara1,30218.76-15.53
LiberalBen MacLean1,14316.47-9.14
GreenCecile Vigneault1612.32+2.32
Total valid votes 6,939100.0  
2013 Nova Scotia general election
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
  Progressive Conservative Karla MacFarlane 3,026 40.10
  New Democratic Party Charlie Parker 2,588 34.29
  Liberal Glennie Langille 1,933 25.61

References
  1. 62nd General Assembly archived bio Nova Scotia Legislature
  2. "Tories take Pictou County ridings back from NDP". The Chronicle Herald. October 8, 2013. Retrieved July 20, 2015.
  3. "Karla MacFarlane - MLA for Pictou West - PC Party of NS". PC Party NS. Retrieved April 17, 2021.
  4. "Local MLA, community group recognized for contributions | The News". www.ngnews.ca. Retrieved April 16, 2018.
  5. "PC Leader Jamie Baillie forced out after allegations of 'inappropriate behaviour'". CBC News. January 24, 2018. Retrieved January 24, 2018.
  6. "New Cabinet to Deliver Solutions for Nova Scotians". August 31, 2021.
  7. "Online petition calling for replacement of new Minister of l'Nu Affairs | SaltWire". Retrieved May 27, 2023.
  8. "Provincial General Election 2021-08-17- Official Results". Elections Nova Scotia. Retrieved October 7, 2021.
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