John Hamm, 25th premier of Nova Scotia, dies at 88

Former Nova Scotia premier John Hamm has died at age 88.

John Hamm, who served as Nova Scotia’s 25^th premier from 1999 to 2006, has died.

In a statement, Premier Tim Houston said he was “deeply saddened” to learn about Hamm’s death.

“Dr. Hamm, as he was known for decades, made an indelible mark on the lives of thousands of Nova Scotians,” Houston said. “First as a compassionate family physician in Pictou County and later as the premier who made big changes to set our province on a better path.”

Hamm, who served with the Progressive Conservatives, entered provincial politics as the MLA for Pictou Centre in 1993. He became leader of his party in 1995 and formed a majority government in 1999.

He won a re-election in 2003 before retiring from politics in 2006.

“During his time as premier, he made a landmark investment in Nova Scotia Community College, calling it an investment in the province’s future,” Houston said.

“Among his most significant achievements was his successful negotiation of the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Resources Accord. He was a tireless champion for the province, and his successful Campaign for Fairness ensured Nova Scotians would be the primary beneficiaries of the province’s resources.”

Hamm was awarded the Order of Canada in 2009. The Governor General’s website noted that he championed health-care initiatives and served as a chair of Assisted Human Reproduction Canada.

Hamm was 88 years old.

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