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The Nova Scotia Liberal Party has its candidate for an upcoming byelection in the new electoral district of Chéticamp-Margarees-Pleasant Bay.
Denis Cormier won a contested nomination on Saturday in Belle Côte. A date has not yet been set for the byelection.
“This community has given so much to me and my family, and Iʼm ready to work hard to represent the people of Chéticamp-Margarees-Pleasant Bay and be a strong voice for them in the legislature,” Cormier said in a news release.
“I truly believe Liberals are the party that will stand up for this region and fight for the investments our community deserves.ˮ
Cormier worked as a lobster fisherman before receiving his teaching degree. He worked as a teacher and guidance counsellor in the community for about three decades. In retirement he worked as a substitute teacher and currently works as a post office assistant for Canada Post. He’s volunteered as the president of the Margaree Rivers Association since 2024.
Interim Liberal Leader Iain Rankin said in a news release that Cormier, a lifelong resident of the region, understands the challenges the community faces.
Exceptional district aimed at Acadian history
The new district, which will be the 56th seat in the legislature, was created following a report issued earlier this year by the independent Electoral Boundaries Commission that called for dedicated representation to reflect the area’s historic Acadian culture.
It followed a 2024 decision by the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia that found the commission had previously failed to justify why it had not created a new seat for Chéticamp during an earlier review.
Chéticamp is considered an exceptional district, intended to preserve representation for a significant cultural community. As such, it’s smaller than most districts; in fact, with about 3,900 voters, the Chéticamp riding will be the smallest in the province.
Other exceptional districts include Argyle and Clare, which also have significant francophone populations, and Preston, which covers several historic Black communities.
A bill to create the new district passed unanimously during the recent winter session of the legislature. Premier Tim Houston has said he would not wait long to call the byelection.
The Progressive Conservatives have a contested nomination with Claude Bourgeois and Doug Chiasson scheduled for May 11. A spokesperson for the NDP said the party continues to talk with potential candidates.
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