The five provincial Progressive Conservative leadership candidates squared off in a debate last night in Tusket.
It was held at the theatre behind Par-en-bas school.
Acadia News spoke to each of the five candidates ahead of the debate, and asked what issues are important to them.
Pictou East MLA Tim Houston says in healthcare, he’d like to see a system that better helps those with chronic conditions.
“Treating people with chronic conditions like COPD, diabetes and arthritis. Those are the people that are ending up week-after-week in the emergency room, admitted to the hospital or at the doctors office. We need to give a focus on providing better care to them.”
MLA for Cumberland-North Elizabeth Smith-McCrossin says the private sector needs to grow.
“I’m offering a mega tax break, which will have Nova Scotia at the lowest corporate tax rate in Atlantic Canada, and bring our small business tax rate down to zero.”
Mayor of Cape Breton Regional Municipality Cecil Clarke says he wants more access to doctors and a clear plan for the CAT ferry.
“People are talking about doctors, chaos in education and the economy. I look at Southwest Nova Scotia, I want to have that clear plan forward for our Maritime highway to the U.S.”
Julie Chaisson, former PC candidate in Chester/St. Margaret’s says her platform is focused on the economy, transformational change and accountability.
“There’s never been a time in our province where we’ve been in a situation where so many things need to change. We need to have a plan around that, and someone with expertise that has delivered transformational change at the level we need to deliver it.”
Kings North MLA John Lohr says the overall prosperity of Nova Scotia, including onshore gas development is what he’s advocating for.
“For this region, the most important concern is the MPA issue. I believe the federal government are making a mistake by imposing a different system of fisheries management, it’s a very big mistake in my opinion.”
The PC Party will choose its next leader at a convention in October.
