Halifax Regional Municipality Mayor Mike Savage has declared that he will not seek re-election for a fourth term in the forthcoming municipal election this fall.
In a address delivered on Tuesday at Halifax City Hall, the 63-year-old mayor, visibly moved said, “Twelve years is long enough."
“For the next 8 months I will continue to do this job with enthusiasm," stating he would continue on in the role.
Savage, who assumed office in 2012, has served as mayor for three consecutive terms, having been re-elected in 2016 and 2020.
Prior to his involvement in municipal politics, Savage held the position of Member of Parliament for the federal constituency of Dartmouth-Cole Harbour from 2004 until 2011, when he was defeated by NDP candidate Robert Chisholm.
Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston expressed gratitude towards Savage for his dedicated service in a message posted on social media: "I thank Mayor Savage for his years of service to the communities in HRM. He has been a valuable partner as we tackle the challenges of growth across the municipality. I look forward to continuing to work with him as he finishes his term and wish him all the best for the next chapter."
Alongside serving as Mayor of the Regional Municipality of Halifax, Savage also served as Chair of the Big City Mayor Caucus.
Savage was the third Mayor of Regional Municipality of Halifax, and his father - John Savage - prior to the Regional Municipality of Halifax amalgamation in 1996 served as the Mayor of Dartmouth from 1985-1992.