An Exit Interview with Gary Burrill as he steps down from Poltitcs!

 By Kendall Worth!

As many of you know, during the winter months of 2024 Gary Burrill  made a decision not to run in the snap 2024 election. I decided,  following the recent election  to do an exit interview with him and a BLOG post wishing him well, moving forward. Throughout my journalism for the Nova Scotia Advocate See here and with my current BLOG  see here I have had many dealings with Gary Burrill. I feel I personally got to know Gary, not only as an MLA but also as a person. 

Moving forward Gary Burrill is going to be remembered as an advocate who worked hard to advocate for  everything he believes in. For one major example I invite you to see here where he supported ending the claw-back of Employment Insurance from Income Assistance, and this is just one example.  For another example, Gary was a strong believer that all humans should be able to buy their groceries in a grocery store,  and people should not have to use food-banks for their regular grocery shopping. Here is an article where Gary talks about his belief in this regard. 

Here is a picture taken on December 11th, 2024 with Gary Packing up his office and getting it ready for the New Halifax Chebucto MLA Krista Gallagher to move in. She will be taking over anyway now.  

So here is the interview!

 

 #1 Do you feel you will miss your relationship With Halifax Chebucto Constituents?
 

A—Gary feels he has been treated very well as the MLA in Halifax Chebucto. Sharing experiences dealing with people in Chebucto has been a big delight for Gary. Gary says he will miss going door to door and being welcomed by people. Gary feels it is a great joy to work for the political challenges you believe in. Gary reports that during his time as MLA, he experienced this joy a lot.
 

#2 - How is exiting your office feeling?
 

A - Considering that it has been almost 20 years since he first ran, Gary is settled in his mind that this is the right time to step down, and hand things over to Krista Gallagher.
 

#3 - Even though you are no longer an MLA, will you remain an advocate for the things you believe in?
 

A - Gary believes that everyone has the right to advocate for a system that gives people enough money to live on.  Then there are no more important struggles than the right struggle.

One last memory I want to share about Gary Burrill time of MLA, is about his support during the short life of All Together Link, This  BLOG post here provides evidence of his support for the project. 

Gary's memory of once being the MLA in Halifax Chebucto will live on as time of Gary's retirement continues. I will end this BLOG post by providing well wishes for Gary's future.