Brian Skabar


Brian Skabar is a Canadian politician, who represented the riding of Cumberland North for the Nova [Scotia New Democratic Party|New Democratic Party] from 2009 to 2013.

Before politics

Skabar spent the majority of his government career as a social worker and also in management positions with Health Canada and Indigenous & Northern Affairs Canada, formerly known as Indian & Northern Affairs Canada.

Political career

Skabar elected to the Nova Scotia House of Assembly in the 2009 [Nova Scotia general election|2009 provincial election]. Skabar won the riding of Cumberland North for the New Democratic Party. He obtained 40 per cent of the popular vote and was the first NDP candidate ever elected in the district.
On June 29, 2009, Skabar was appointed Ministerial Assistant to the Nova Scotia Office of Aboriginal Affairs, and on March 15, 2013 he was appointed Ministerial Assistant of Intergovernmental Relations and Nova Scotia/New Brunswick Co-operation.
In the 2013 election, Skabar finished third in Cumberland North, losing the seat to Liberal Terry Farrell.
In the 2016 Amherst municipal election Skabar ran for mayor, however he lost to David Kogan.

Personal life

Skabar's daughter Lauren has run as MLA on behalf of the NDP in Cumberland North in 2021 and in Argyle in 2024.

Electoral record

2016 Amherst Mayoral Election--
Mayoral candidateVote%
David Kogon1,63041.30
George Baker68217.28
Wayne Bishop53813.63
Dale Fawthrop41610.54
Robert Bird3809.63
Brian Skabar3017.63