Listen to this article
Estimated 3 minutes
The audio version of this article is generated by AI-based technology. Mispronunciations can occur. We are working with our partners to continually review and improve the results.
Although no byelection date has been set for the new electoral district of Chéticamp-Margarees-Pleasant Bay, candidates for the three major parties are already road-testing their pitches to fill the 56th seat in the Nova Scotia Legislature.
For Claude Bourgeois, the local business operator who’s running for the Progressive Conservatives, it’s that he can be a voice for his community at the government table.
“I think if an idea is presented well, with good intentions and explaining well to everyone, then I think I can get somewhere,” he said in a recent interview.
Part of that is making the case for the economic contributions the area already makes to the province, including through four harbours that generate millions of dollars each year in the crab and lobster fisheries, said Bourgeois.
“It’s huge, even though we’re small. So we gotta let people know that we need some of that money back to help our roads, our food banks, whatever it may be. And that’s my approach.”
Denis Cormier is not so sure electing an MLA who would sit with the government is the best choice for the district.
The retired teacher and post office employee, who is carrying the Liberal banner, questioned just how loud a voice another MLA in the PC caucus would have.
“While sometimes, the opposition can have quite a loud voice and fight really hard for the constituents inside their riding, and I would be that person,” said Cormier.
“I would be the person that doesn’t hesitate to say what is not working and then that to me is more important than just having another backbencher in [Premier] Tim Houston’s government.”
Cormier said key issues include road conditions, the availability of ambulances and the need to grow the economy by building on existing events and festivals.
Premier has said he won’t wait long
Trevor Poirier is trying to sell voters on the idea of something new.
The NDP has traditionally not been much of a factor in the area, which was previously part of the electoral district of Inverness, but Poirier believes it’s worth people’s while to give the Official Opposition a look.
A rehabilitation assistant at a long-term care home and president of CUPE Local 2031, Poirier expects the ongoing strike by long-term care workers will factor into the byelection. Along with health care, he said he would be a voice against recent provincial budget cuts to things such as tourism and culture.
“That’s a big part of our economy here,” he said.
Poirier said he’s pleased with the reception he and NDP Leader Claudia Chender have received at several meet-and-greets.
“We’re hoping that the community of Chéticamp and the surrounding areas will be welcoming to the NDP in the near future.”
The leaders of all three major parties have made trips to the district, with plans for more.
Houston has not said when he’ll call the byelection. Although he has until October to do so, the premier has previously indicated he would not wait that long to send voters to the polls.
MORE TOP STORIES
