Nova Scotia election campaign round up
Posted May 23, 2017 05:47:51 PM.
Last Updated May 23, 2017 05:48:21 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
HALIFAX – (NSElxn)
The leaders of Nova Scotia’s three main political parties were focused on the provincial capital Tuesday. Each leader spoke before Halifax council about plans for the municipality, where some of the tightest electoral battles are expected in the May 30 provincial election.
Tory Leader Jamie Baillie said he’d like the city to be designated a “provincial capital district,” though he was vague on whether that would bring additional funds to beautify Halifax’s parks and main streets.
Baillie declined comment on whether the Conservatives would offer the city more than the current $2 million a year for public transit.
(NDP-Commuter-Rail)
The NDP has said it will partner with the city of Halifax to bring commuter rail to the municipality if elected May 30. Leader Gary Burrill said his party will work to secure access to federal infrastructure money and will provide up to $5 million a year to support annual operating costs.
He said the suburban rim around Halifax is `”bursting at the seams.”
He added having an accessible and modern transportation system will help connect the entire municipality.
(Liberals-Halifax-Gallery)
Premier Stephen McNeil is endorsing the idea of a new provincial gallery for downtown Halifax. McNeil said the existing Art Gallery of Nova Scotia is in a heritage building, but efforts have been launched in recent years to replace it due to a lack of space and problems controlling humidity, leaks and air temperature. He stopped short of providing firm financial commitments telling city council that he expects Ottawa’s infrastructure program may be able to contribute, along with private donors.
McNeil said he believes a larger facility would become a major downtown tourism destination.
(NSElxn-Health-Care)
Health care continues to dominate the Nova Scotia campaign as it enters its final week. The Liberals said they will invest $100 million over the next four years to improve access to health care and cut waitlists. They add the Progressive Conservative plan for improving health care “doesn’t stack up” and is short on details.
Meanwhile Tory Leader Jamie Baillie has pledged to fix the province’s “broken system” and will be holding a health care rally Wednesday to outline his plan.
The NDP has promised to open a pilot mental health hub in Sydney, reverse cuts to community support groups and invest in a mental health and addictions strategy.
