Donald William Cameron

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Donald William Cameron (b. 1936) was Progressive Conservative premier of Nova Scotia from 1991 to 1993. His administration supported anti-discrimination measures and amended the human rights act to extend protection to gays and lesbians. His government also established a non-partisan electoral boundaries revision commission in an attempt to end gerrymandering. However, Cameron is probably best remembered as the key backer of a disastrous development project.

Cameron was instrumental, first as a local MLA, then as Industry Minister in the Government of John Buchanan, and then as Premier, in the development of the Westray Mine in Pictou County, Nova Scotia. [1] Although warnings appeared in the provincial media regarding concerns for the safety of those working in such a mine-the site was rich in explosive methane gas-the development proceeded. The coal mine was developed through the late eighties and opened in 1991 with significant provincial and federal government assistance.

On May 9th, 1992 at 5:18 AM a methane gas explosion ripped through the mine killing 26 miners.

[2]In May 1993, The Government of Donald Cameron was defeated by the Nova Scotia Liberal Party under Dr.John Savage ending 15 years of Tory Rule.

He was later given a patronage appointment as the Nova Scotia Government's Counsul General in Boston.

Preceded by: Roger Stuart Bacon

Premier of Nova Scotia 1991-1993

Succeeded by: John Savage

Premiers of Nova Scotia
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