Tory government caucus meets in Windsor

Jennifer Hoegg

The Hants Journal/NovaNewsNow.com

Windsor has been a key stopping point for political parties lately. Just a few months after the Liberal caucus visited, Premier Rodney MacDonald’s show came to town for two days last week.

MacDonald met with his Progressive Conservative caucus at Windsor’s Super 8 Motel March 18-19.

The premier used the visit as an opportunity to speak to local supporters and residents, and to praise Hants West MLA Chuck Porter. “The people of Hants West are so lucky to have a voice so strong on their behalf.”

At a meet-and-greet event in Falmouth, March 18, MacDonald and several cabinet ministers worked the community hall’s capacity crowd.

Highlighting the night was the announcement of a $900,000 grant for the Windsor curling club.

During the evening, MacDonald reiterated his government’s five priorities: roads and infrastructure; educating to compete; protecting our environment; shorter health care wait times; and safer, healthier communities.

He mentioned recent local infrastructure spending, including grants for the new Windsor Elms and Falmouth wastewater treatment plant.

In response to questions about the province’s health care system, MacDonald spoke at length on the March 12 announcement of an agreement with Scotia Surgery Inc. Under that contract, Capital Health will be using the private Dartmouth clinic’s operating rooms to help clear orthopedic surgery waiting lists. “In the long term, it’s about making (healthcare) accessible,” the premier said.

“We’re not breaking new ground and we’re doing it with funds in the budget and maintaining the (Canada Health) Act.” Macdonald added that his government is “continuing to invest in public infrastructure, as well.”

Tough on crime, easy on students

Speaking to the media March 19, MacDonald emphasized the Conservatives’ tough-on-crime stance, saying, “we’re a law and order government and you will see a greater focus in that area. We’re going to continue down that path.”

The premier also answered questions about post-secondary funding, saying that the tuition freeze for Nova Scotian students would continue.

“We made a commitment to Nova Scotian students going to Nova Scotian universities,” he said. “We’re proud of that investment -- the largest single commitment to students in the history of the province.”

He also restated the government’s goal to move Nova Scotia tuitions closer to the national average. According to MacDonald, negotiations with local universities on a new agreement on funding issues are ongoing, but he added that the onus is on universities to finance their programs. “They are independent organizations.”

MacDonald declined to say when the Legislature would reopen, nor would he confirm a date for the expected spring budget.

Meanwhile, Super 8 manager Allen Lawley was thrilled to have hosted the group. Lawley said Wednesday that, in addition to using conference facilities, 25 caucus members stayed overnight at the motel.

“They said it was one of the best stays they’ve had,” Lawley. It’s the West Hants hospitality!”