Councillors
Bruce J. Morrison, Warden
Bruce Morrison has been Warden since 2010 and prior to that was a Councillor from 1997 to 2008. Warden Morrison and his wife reside in Baddeck where they raised three children and are now the proud grandparents of seven grandchildren.Warden Morrison retired from the Province of Nova Scotia’s Food and Safety Health Services where he held the position of Program Manager.
During his seven terms in Council, Warden Morrison has been involved and participated with every committee of council.
“I have been a proponent of active living my entire life and I can’t think of a better place to enjoy that type of lifestyle than Victoria County, it has so much to offer in the way of living a life of recreation.”
Larry Dauphinee, Deputy Warden
Larry Dauphinee has been a Councilor and/or Deputy Warden for District 6 since 2009. Larry and his wife of 35 years reside in Ingonish Beach where they raised two children.Deputy Warden Dauphinee is recently retired from Parks Canada where he worked as a Technical Services Coordinator.
Deputy Warden Dauphinee sits on the following committees: Housing, Victoria County Transit, Age Friendly and the Highland Manor.
“I love Victoria County for its pure scenic beauty, it’s culture and music.”
Paul MacNeil
Paul MacNeil has been a Councillor in District 1 for 15 years. Paul and his wife of 26 years reside in Jamesville where they raised their two children.Councillor MacNeil is retired after working for 23 years as a technician at the Gypsum Mine.
Councillor MacNeil sits on the following committees: Collaborative Environment Planning Initiative, Pitu'paq, Broadband, Housing and Alderwood Rest Home. He is also a volunteer at the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 124, in Iona.
“I love the generous spirit of the people and the welcoming communities in Victoria County.”
Perla MacLeod
Perla MacLeod has been a Councillor for District 2 since 2016 and resides in Big Baddeck with her husband and three kids.Councillor MacLeod worked with a financial institution in her native country of Mexico for 10 years before coming to Canada in 2004. For the past 17 years, Councillor MacLeod has worked in the tourism and customer service industry.
Councillor MacLeod is the Chair of Victoria County Transit, Co-Chair of the Cape Breton Local Immigration Partnership, Senior Safety Program Committee, Alderwood Rest Home and the Eastern District Planning Commission Committees.
“Victoria County is beautiful and surrounded by nature. It’s safe and gives you a sense of community. It’s a place where you want to come to live and raise your family.”
Barbara Longva
Barbara Longva has been a Councillor for District 4 since 2020 and resides in Wreck Cove where she raised four children.Councillor Longva is the owner and operator of Sew Inclined, an artisan shop on the Cabot Trail, where she designs and sews one-of-a-kind hats and clothing. She has been in business for 29 years.
Councillor Longva is on the boards of the Cape Breton Regional Library, Bras d’Or Lakes Biosphere, Highland Manor, Alderwood Rest Home, St. Ann’s Bay Development Association, St. Ann’s Bay Health Centre, Age Well Committee and Collaborative Environment Planning Initiative. She volunteers as a ski instructor and entry level racing coach at Ski Cape Smokey.
“I love living in Victoria County on the Cabot Trail, in a rural, coastal community where people care about each other. It’s one of the most beautiful places in the world, rich in culture and an outdoor adventurer’s paradise.”
Fraser Patterson
Fraser Patterson has been a Councilor for District 5 since 2003 and resides in Ross Ferry where he and his wife raised their two children and are now the proud grandparents to three grandchildren.Councillor Patterson is a retired schoolteacher and guidance counsellor and a lifelong Toronto Maple Leaf’s fan.
Councilor Patterson sits on the following committees: Age Friendly, Seniors Safety, Victoria County Transit, Accessibility, Alderwood Rest Home and various committees of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. He also volunteers his time to the Celtic Colours Music Festival and to the Boularderie Island Connected Society.
“The people and scenery of Victoria County is unmatched to anywhere else in the world”
Jackie Organ
Jackie Organ has been a Councillor for District 7 since 2020. Jackie and her husband of 41 years reside in Neil’s Harbour where they raised three children and are now the proud grandparents to three grandchildren.Councilor Organ has been in the fishing industry alongside her husband for the past 33 years.
Councilor Organ sits on the following committees: Alderwood Rest Home, Highland Manor, LFA 27 Management and Victoria County Home Support. She volunteers her time with the Neil’s Harbour/New Haven Volunteer Fire Department and has coached the Cabot Senior Boys basketball team for 21 years.
“The best things about Victoria County are the tight knit communities, the people, scenery and the ocean.”
Norman MacDonald
Norman MacDonald has been a Councillor for District 8 since 2016 and resides in Cape North Village with his wife and three children.Councillor MacDonald is a Primary Care Paramedic, a role he has been in since 1999.
Councillor MacDonald currently sits on the following committees: Age Friendly, Housing, Victoria County Transit and Public Works. He volunteers his time with the Buchannan Memorial Hospital Foundation, Northern John Cabot Society, North Highlands Museum and Cultural Centre and the Highland Manor Board.
“Victoria County in an amazing place to live and I am very proud to be a councillor and work with a fabulous municipal council and staff.”