Arthur Joseph MacDonald

MACDONALD, ARTHUR JOSEPH. farmer; b. 24 August 1931 in Little Pond, son of Vincent A. Mac Donald and Jessie Anne Nickerson; m. 15 January 1958 Mary Ellen Walker, and they had seven children, Wendy Anne, Mary Delores, Paul Angus, Joan Marie, Verna Claire, Kimberley Ellen, and Janine Teresa; Roman Catholic. MacDonald, a Liberal, was first elected to the Legislative Assembly in the general election of 1962 for 5th Kings. He was re-elected in the general elections of 1970, 1974, 1978, 1979, 1982, and 1986. He was defeated in the general election of 1966. Appointed Deputy Speaker on 24 January 1973, he served in this capacity until 18 September 1978. On 9 June 1986, MacDonald was again appointed Deputy Speaker. He held the positions of Minister of Tourism, Parks and Conservation, and Minister of Environment from 18 September 1978 to 3 May 1979. During his lengthy political career, MacDonald served as Provincial Secretary and acting Minister of Highways. He resigned on 7 January 1988 to become Chair of the Workers Compensation Board where he remained for approximately 10 years. MacDonald resides in Little Pond where he farmed for a living. He attended school in Little Pond and St. Peters. From 1947 to 1951, MacDonald studied at St. Dunstan's University. He was a volunteer within his community, and was a member of the Dundas Lions Club, where he served as King Lion, and the Knights of Columbus, where he served as Grand Knight from 1972 to 1974, and again from 1984 to 1985. Arthur Macdonald is currently retired and lives with his wife in Little Pond. "Ellie" MacDonald was the daughter of Peter Walker and Margaret Morrison of St. Georges.