In Memoriam: Neil Robert Ferguson
(January 9, 1962–December 26, 2025)
The editorial board of the Canadian Parliamentary Review was saddened to learn of the sudden and unexpected death of one of our longest serving members, Neil Ferguson.
Born in Edmonton, Alberta, Neil’s family soon relocated to New Brunswick. Moving to Halifax for his studies at Dalhousie University, he earned his undergraduate degree in Political Science, and later his Juris Doctor in Law.
Neil had many passions in life — including cooking, scotch, poker, and Jimmy Buffet — but two of them stood out above the others: democracy and his family.
In writing their father’s obituary, his children noted:
Neil was a fierce defender of democratic institutions. He knew that it was those very institutions that gave space for voices to be heard. Out of the various positions he held throughout his career, his passion for democracy shone brightest during his years as Chief Clerk of the Legislative Assembly of Nova Scotia.
As Chief Clerk, he worked hard to give sage, non-partisan advice to the Speaker and all Members, regardless of their party. Neil saw his role as one of tempering the forces of politics – even if that meant being at odds with the government of the day. He felt strongly that the rules should be not only obeyed in law, but in spirit. He was not only a fair arbiter of the rules and someone who wanted the House to be a place for important work to be done. He espoused professionalism, trustworthiness, and cooperation in his demeanour.
Neil is survived by his wife Elizabeth, and children Jonathan and Hillary.
On behalf of the editorial board, we would like to extend our sincere condolences to Neil’s family and friends. We will remember him very fondly and are grateful for having the opportunity to know him.
