Bruce is the son of Bernard and Pauline Holland. His father Bernie was born and raised in Halifax’s Northend and his mother Pauline was originally from Newfoundland. Bruce spent his early childhood in the Northend before moving to Shad Bay, a small fishing village just outside of Halifax. Bruce has seven siblings, 4 brothers and 3 sisters. Educated in the public school system, Bruce attended the old Halifax Regional Vocational School after graduating from Sir John A Mcdonald High School and then went on to attend Dalhousie University. Bruce now resides on Tower Road in Halifax.

During his early working career Bruce spent time in the sales and service sectors prior to a ten year career in the Nova Scotia Attorney General’s Dept.

Having been active in his church, community and various service organizations, Bruce was encouraged to enter political life and was first elected to the Halifax County Council in 1991 and subsequently he was elected MLA in the Provincial Government in 1993 and served as Minister of Science and Technology and Minister Responsible for the Sport and Recreation Commission.

After leaving politics Bruce spent nearly a decade with a National Service Company as regional Marketing and Sales Manager. Wanting to spend more time closer to home with his three children and three grandchildren Bruce accepted a position as Executive Director with a local Business Improvement District.

Throughout his life Bruce has always been active in creating publications of one kind or another and now leads the team at the Parkview News a local monthly community publication.

Bruce continues to serve his church and community and sits on numerous committees and boards including the St. Mary’s Cathedral Basilica Pastoral Council (Chairman), the St. Mary’s Cathedral Basilica Restoration Foundation, the Halifax Northwest Rotary Club, the Long Lake Provincial Park Association (Registered Agent), the Urban Farm Museum Society of Spryfield (Vice-Chair) and the Bella Rose Arts Centre (Treasurer).