Career
He represented Pictou County in the Nova Scotia House of Assembly from 1862 to 1867 and from 1872 to 1882 as a Conservative member. He was born in West River, Nova Scotia, the son of John MacKay, a Scottish immigrant. He was educated at Pictou.
MacKay first worked as a stone-cutter and builder.
He was named a justice of the peace in 1853. MacKay supported Confederation and was defeated when he ran for reelection in 1867.
He was elected again in an 1872 by-election held after James McDonald was elected to the House of Commons. MacKay was elected to the council for Pictou County in 1879.
