Peter MacKay Biography
Peter MacKay is a renonwed Canadian lawyer and politician. He was a Member of Parliament from 1997 to 2015 and has served as Minister of Justice and Attorney General (2013–2015), Minister of National Defence (2007–2013), and Minister of Foreign Affairs (2006–2007) in the Cabinet of Canada under Prime Minister Stephen Harper.
MacKay was the absolute leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Canada (PC Party), and he agreed to merge the party with Stephen Harper’s Canadian Alliance in 2003, forming the Conservative Party of Canada and making MacKay one of the co-founders of the current conservative wing of Canadian politics.
MacKay is an important figure in Canadian politics and law. He served as a Member of Parliament for over 18 years, representing the ridings of Pictou-Antigonish-Guysborough and Central Nova. During his time in Parliament, he held several key positions, including Minister of National Defence, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Minister of Justice and Attorney General.
MacKay’s impact on Canadian society and politics is significant. As Minister of National Defence, he oversaw the Canadian Armed Forces’ engagement in the war in Afghanistan and helped establish the Military Police Complaints Commission. As Minister of Foreign Affairs, he played a key role in shaping Canada’s foreign policy and strengthening Canada’s relationships with other countries.
MacKay’s tenure as Minister of Justice and Attorney General was marked by several significant reforms, including the creation of the National Anti-Drug Strategy, the introduction of mandatory minimum sentences for serious drug crimes, and the enactment of the Protecting Children from Sexual Predators Act.
10 Quick Facts About Peter MacKay
- Name: Peter Gordon MacKay PC KC
- Age: 58 Years (2023)
- Birthday: 27 September
- Zodiac Sign: Libra
- Height: 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 m)
- Nationality: Canadian
- Occupation: Lawyer, Politician
- Marital Status: Married
- Salary: Not Available
- Net worth: $5 million
Peter Mackay Age
MacKay is 58 years old as of 2023, he was born on 27 September 1965, in New Glasgow, Canada. He celebrates his birthday on 27 September every year, and his birth sign is Libra.
Peter MacKay Height
MacKay stands at a height of 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 m) tall.
Peter MacKay Weight
MacKay has a moderate weight. However, details regarding his actual weight and other body measurements are currently not publicly available. We will update this section when the information is available.
Peter MacKay Early Life, and Education
MacKay was born in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia to his father, Elmer MacKay who is a former PC cabinet minister, lumber businessman, and lawyer. His mother, Eirene Macha MacKay (née Delap; 1938–2017), was formerly a psychologist and peace activist; through her, Peter MacKay is fallen from James Alexander, 3rd Earl of Caledon and James Grimston, 1st Earl of Verulam.
MacKay was born on 27 September 1965 and brought up in Wolfville, Nova Scotia with his three siblings. He studied and graduated from Horton High School in Greenwich, Nova Scotia. He afterward went on to graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Acadia University/Carleton University in 1987. MacKay furthermore studied Law at Dalhousie University.
Peter MacKay Rise To Fame
MacKay’s rise to fame can be traced back to his early years in politics. After graduating from law school, MacKay became involved in the Progressive Conservative Party of Canada and was elected as a Member of Parliament for the Nova Scotia riding of Pictou-Antigonish-Guysborough in 1997.
Over the next several years, MacKay quickly rose through the ranks of the party, earning a reputation as a hard-working and dedicated politician. He was appointed as the Deputy Leader of the Progressive Conservative Party in 2002, and later that same year, he played a key role in the party’s merger with the Canadian Alliance to form the Conservative Party of Canada.
In 2003, MacKay was elected as the first leader of the new Conservative Party of Canada, beating out rival candidate David Orchard in a closely contested race. As leader of the party, MacKay was instrumental in leading the party’s efforts to gain support in the Atlantic provinces, where the Conservatives had traditionally struggled to gain traction.
Peter MacKay Parents
MacKay was born in New Glasgow, Canada as the son of Elmer MacKay (father) and Eirene Macha MacKay (mother).
Peter MacKay Siblings
MacKay grew up in Wolfville, Nova Scotia alongside his three sisters namely; Mary Louise MacKay, Cethlyn MacKay, and Rebecca MacKay.
Peter MacKay Wife
MacKay is married to his lovely wife Nazanin Afshin-Jam, an Iranian-Canadian human rights activist, author, and public speaker. The couple did their wedding on January 4, 2012, at a private ceremony in Mexico and together they are blessed with three children namely, Kian, Caledon, and Valentia.
Peter MacKay Children
Peter and his wife Nazanin Afshin-Jam are proud parents of two sons namely; Kian, born in 2013 and another named Caledon, born in 2018, and one daughter named Valentia, born in 2015.
Peter MacKay Net Worth
MacKay has an estimated net worth of $5 million dollars as of 2023. This includes his assets, money, and income. His primary source of income is his career as a Lawyer and Politician. Through his various sources of income,Peter has accumulated good fortune but prefers to lead a modest lifestyle.
Peter MacKay Measurements and Facts
Here are some interesting facts and body measurements you should know about Peter MacKay.
Peter MacKay Wiki
- Full Names: Peter Gordon MacKay PC KC
- Popular As: Former Minister of National Defence of Canada
- Gender: Male
- Occupation / Profession: Lawyer, Politician
- Nationality: Canadian
- Race / Ethnicity: White
- Religion: Not Known
- Sexual Orientation: Straight
Peter MacKay Birthday
- Age / How Old?: 58 Years (2023)
- Zodiac Sign: Libra
- Date of Birth: 27 September 1965
- Place of Birth: New Glasgow, Canada
- Birthday: 27 September
Peter MacKay Body Measurements
- Body Measurements: To be updated
- Height / How Tall?: 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 m)
- Weight: Moderate
- Eye Color: Blue
- Hair Color: Brown-light
- Shoe Size: To be updated
Peter MacKay Family and Relationship
- Father (Dad): Elmer MacKay
- Mother: Not Known
- Siblings (Brothers and Sisters): Kian, Caledon, and Valentia.
- Marital Status: Married
- Spouse/ Wife: Nazanin Afshin-Jam
- Children: Kian, Caledon, Valentia
Peter MacKay Net Worth and Salary
- Net Worth: $5 million
- Salary: To be updated
- Source of Income: Lawyer, Politician
Peter MacKay Early Career Experiences
MacKay’s early career experiences were largely centered around his work as a lawyer and his involvement in politics. After earning his law degree from Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, MacKay worked as a Crown prosecutor for several years, prosecuting criminal cases in Nova Scotia courts.
In 1997, MacKay made his first foray into politics, running as a candidate for the Progressive Conservative Party of Canada in the Nova Scotia riding of Pictou-Antigonish-Guysborough. He was elected to the House of Commons, and quickly became known for his work ethic and dedication to public service.
Over the next several years, MacKay continued to build his reputation as a rising star in Canadian politics. He held a number of key positions within the Progressive Conservative Party, including serving as the party’s critic for the departments of Fisheries and Oceans, and National Defence.
Peter MacKay Notable Travel, Events, and Experiences
As Minister of National Defence, MacKay travelled extensively to visit Canadian troops serving in Afghanistan and other parts of the world. In 2011, MacKay was a member of the Canadian delegation that travelled to Libya to meet with officials from the country’s transitional government following the fall of Muammar Gaddafi.
In 2009, MacKay travelled to Haiti to assess the Canadian military’s response to the devastating earthquake that had struck the country earlier that year. MacKay was present at the NATO summit in Bucharest in 2008, where he helped negotiate a deal that saw Canada commit to a long-term military presence in Afghanistan.
In 2006, MacKay was part of a Canadian delegation that travelled to Israel to meet with Israeli officials and discuss issues related to regional security and peace.
Peter MacKay Social Impact: Philanthropic, Charitable and Community Involvement
- MacKay has been a longtime supporter of the Canadian Cancer Society, and has raised money for cancer research through events such as the Relay for Life. MacKay has also been involved with the Nova Scotia Health Authority, and has helped to raise funds for the expansion of the Aberdeen Hospital in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia.
- As a Member of Parliament, MacKay was involved in numerous community initiatives, including the establishment of the Pictou County Wellness Centre, which provides recreational and health services to residents of the area.
- MacKay has also been involved with the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia, and has helped to raise awareness of mental health issues and the need for greater support and resources for those who are struggling with mental illness.
- In 2018, MacKay was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in recognition of his contributions to public service and community involvement.
Peter MacKay Member of Parliament
He was one of a handful of newly elected “Young Turk” PC MPs (including John Herron, André Bachand, and Scott Brison) He also acted as an associate member of the Standing Committees on Canadian Heritage, Finance and the sub-committee on the Study of Sport.
Peter MacKay 2003 Leadership Race
For much of the race, MacKay was the clear front-runner. MacKay’s campaign was largely based on his leadership skills and a national organization rather than on policies or new directions. The Honourable Peter MacKay voted in favor of same-sex marriage in 2006. From the onset of the campaign, he insisted that his primary goal upon assuming the leadership would be rebuilding the fractured conservative movement from within the PC tent.
For much of the race, MacKay was the clear front-runner. Several opponents, including former PC Party Treasurer Jim Prentice, socially conservative candidate Craig Chandler, and Red Tory Nova Scotia MP Scott Brison, painted him as a status quo or “establishment” candidate who could effectively question the Prime Minister.
Peter MacKay Awards Accomplishments and Achievements
- Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal – In 2018, MacKay was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in recognition of his contributions to public service and community involvement.
- Halifax Chamber of Commerce Hall of Fame – In 2017, MacKay was inducted into the Halifax Chamber of Commerce Hall of Fame in recognition of his significant contributions to business and community in the Halifax area.
- Honourary Doctor of Laws – In 2016, MacKay was awarded an honourary Doctor of Laws degree from the University of King’s College in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
- Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police Commendation for Service – In 2009, MacKay was recognized by the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police for his service as Minister of National Defence in supporting law enforcement efforts across the country.
- Canadian Red Cross Power of Humanity Award – In 2009, MacKay was recognized by the Canadian Red Cross for his contributions to disaster response and relief efforts in Canada and abroad.
Peter MacKay Quotes
Frequently Asked Questions About Peter MacKay
Peter MacKay is a renonwed Canadian lawyer and politician. He was a Member of Parliament from 1997 to 2015 and has served as Minister of Justice and Attorney General (2013–2015), Minister of National Defence (2007–2013), and Minister of Foreign Affairs (2006–2007) in the Cabinet of Canada under Prime Minister Stephen Harper.
MacKay is a Canadian national who was born on 27 September 1965, in New Glasgow, Canada.
MacKay stands at a height of 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 m).
Yes, MacKay is married to Nazanin Afshin- Jam. They got married in 2012 and together they have two children. The couple resides in Canada together with their children.
MacKay has an approximate net worth of $5 million. This amount has been accrued from his leading roles in politics.
Details about MacKay’s salary are not yet disclosed. However, information about how much he makes will be updated as soon as it is available.
MacKay is a resident of Beaches area of Toronto, Canada, we shall upload pictures of his house as soon as we have them.
MacKay is alive and in good health. There have been no reports of him being sick or having any health-related issues.
MacKay joined law firm Baker McKenzie as a partner.
Peter MacKay Contacts
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