Kenzie MacNeil (born September 2, 1952 in Sydney, Nova Scotia) is a Canadian songwriter, performer, producer and director in television, film, radio and stage, and a former Conservative Party of Canada candidate.[1][2]
MacNeil has a bachelor of arts degree from St. Francis Xavier University. He also studied at the University of Botswana and in Lesotho and Swaziland.[3]
MacNeil was a major force behind the The Rise and Follies of Cape Breton Island, a satirical sketch review that ran from 1978 to 1982.[4] The revue included songs inspired by the coal and steel industry of Cape Breton.[5] MacNeil composed the anthem "The Island", a tribute to coal industry workers in Nova Scotia.[2] According to Men of the Deeps musical director, John O'Donnell, "the words offer a vivid demonstration that labour in Cape Breton has indeed had a deep cultural impact on the community."[5] MacNeil served a term as chairman of the Nova Scotia Film Development Corporation.[1] He also worked as a development officer with the Nova Scotia Department of Economic Development,[3] and has been the editor and publisher of the Cape Bretoner Newsmagazine.[3]
MacNeil ran as a Conservative Party of Canada in Cape Breton—Canso in the 2004 and 2006 federal elections, coming third and second respectively behind Liberal incumbent Rodger Cuzner.[2][3][6]
MacNeil is married and has four daughters.[3]
Canadian federal election, 2006 | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | ||
Liberal | Rodger Cuzner | 21,428 | 53.06 | -0.20 | ||
Conservative | Kenzie MacNeil | 9,741 | 24.12 | +3.88 | ||
New Democrat | Hector Morrison | 8,106 | 20.07 | -4.25 | ||
Green | Rob Hines | 1,106 | 2.74 | +0.57 | ||
Total valid votes | 40,381 |
Canadian federal election, 2004 | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | ||
Liberal | Rodger Cuzner | 20,139 | 53.26 | -0.3 | ||
New Democrat | Shirley Hartery | 9,197 | 24.32 | +5.4 | ||
Conservative | Kenzie MacNeil | 7,654 | 20.24 | -7.2 | ||
Green | Seumas Gibson | 820 | 2.17 | Ø | ||
Total valid votes | 37,810 |