One of the candidates vying for the premier’s job says he hopes to build on the leadership shown during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Iain Rankin is the province’s former Environment Minister, but left cabinet in order to join the race for premier and leader of the provincial Liberal party.
Rankin says Premier Stephen McNeil and Dr. Robert Strang have done a tremendous job keeping Nova Scotians safe, and it will be up to the new premier to guide the economic recovery – something Rankin believes he’s well-positioned to do.
“To use my experience and passion for growing a sustainable economy, and looking at modernizing health care, investing in education, the things that I believe Nova Scotians have as priorities.”
Rankin is one of three people vying for leadership – Randy Delorey and Labi Kousoulis are also in the running.
When asked about some of his achievements during his time as Minister of Environment, he pointed to his handling of a few high-profile issues in the province.
“I think that the work that we did in sustaining the forestry sector while they were going through challenges, they’re doing very well,” he said. “Putting excessive money in cleanup projects whether it be Boat Harbour or the historic mine sites.”
He says collaborating with municipal counterparts would be a priority, especially for addressing concerns including housing and mental health supports.
“They are the ones on the front line in ensuring that we are able to help them,” he explained. “Because it might be an approach in Yarmouth that’s different from an approach in a different municipality,” he went on. “Really, it’s about having that open door and the mindset that collaboration helps with these very complex problems.”
The provincial Liberals will choose a leader on February 6th.
