The Premier of Nova Scotia says his time in office is coming to an end.

After 17 years as an elected official, seven of which were spent as the province’s premier, Stephen McNeil says he will soon be stepping down as premier and leaving public office.

In a statement issued yesterday, McNeil says he gave notice to the Nova Scotia Liberal party to plan for a leadership campaign, which could take months. He plans to continue work as Premier until the new leader is chosen.

It’s the second shift in Atlantic Liberal leadership this year. NL Premier Dwight Ball announced his resignation in February.

Andrew Furey will take over as premier following a successful bid for the leadership of the NL Liberal party.