[2] In 1977, he graduated from University of King's College in Halifax with an Honours degree in political science.

He then worked in the office of MLA Gerald Sheehy from 1980 to 1982 and then as Executive Assistant to Premier John Buchanan from 1982 to 1984.

In 1993, he ran provincially for the Progressive Conservative Association of Nova Scotia in the riding of Dartmouth-Cole Harbour, placing second with 2,905 votes.

[3][4] MacDonald later read a statement in the Senate chamber to apologize for his remarks.

[4][5][6] MacDonald lives in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, with his wife Marilyn, and their two sons, Lauchlan and Liam.