2000 Nova Scotia New Democratic Party leadership election

Hinrich Bitter-Suermann was previously the MLA for Chester-St. Margaret's from 1998 to 1999. Before entering politics, he was a pathologist and a physician.^[2][3]

Kevin Deveaux was the MLA for Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage. He was first elected in the 1998 provincial election. Before entering politics, he was a lawyer.

Helen MacDonald was previously the MLA for Cape Breton The Lakes from 1997 to 1999. Before entering politics, she was a teacher.^[4]

Maureen MacDonald was the MLA for Halifax Needham. She was first elected in the 1998 provincial election. Before entering politics, she was a social worker.

Dave Peters was previously the President of the Nova Scotia Government and General Employees Union (NSGEU) from 1994–1999 and 1975–1976. He was also the Nova Scotia NDP candidate for Pictou East in the 1993 provincial election.^[5]

First Ballot

Candidate	Votes	Percentage
Helen MacDonald	193	32.33
Kevin Deveaux	172	28.81
Maureen MacDonald	154	25.80
Dave Peters	47	7.87
Hinrich Bitter-Suermann	31	5.19
Total	597	100.00

(Bitter-Suermann eliminated; Peters withdrew)

Second Ballot

Candidate	Votes	Percentage
Kevin Deveaux	211	35.46
Helen MacDonald	207	34.79
Maureen MacDonald	177	29.75
Total	595	100.00

(Maureen MacDonald eliminated)

Third Ballot

Candidate	Votes	Percentage
Helen MacDonald	322	55.14
Kevin Deveaux	262	44.86
Total	584	100.00