Former Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia, he has contributed to his native province through his public and social service. His community efforts include serving as President of the Board of Governors of the Izaak Walton Killam Children's Hospital and as a member of the provincial St. John Ambulance standards committee for first aid. Since 1993 he has served voluntarily as Chair of the Board of Police Commissioners for the newly amalgamated municipality of Halifax, providing sage guidance during this period of transition.