WINDSOR, N.S. – Didn’t we just have a federal election? It might feel that way, but Oct. 2019 will be here before we know it.
Bob Morton, who has been an active member of the provincial and federal Conservative party in Hants County, has decided to let his intentions known early.
This doesn’t mean that Morton will for sure be on the ballot, the candidate selection process for the riding association has opened, and if more candidates for the party come forward, the association will need to have an election.
“I’m the first nominee to step forward, but anybody who would like to are still able to,” Morton said.
There’s no set date as of yet when nominations will close or when candidates will be selected.
“I see a need in the area, I believe people want change,” he said. “Where I work, I have the opportunity to speak to a lot of people, young families, farmers, family doctors and one common denominator is that they’re frustrated with some of the policies, most recently this new tax policy.”
The new tax proposal looks to limit passive business income taxation; targets methodology for changing income into dividends or capital gains; and targets income sprinkling, which allows business owners to split income among family members whether or not they’re involved in the business.
That tax policy, which has been an item for contention amongst farmers, small business owners and doctors, has been a boon for conservative politicians looking to win favour from voters.
“Right now we have an Ottawa voice that comes back to preach to us here and people in Kings-Hants, we need a voice in Ottawa,” he said. “I think I can be that strong voice.”
The seat is currently held by Scott Brison, President of the Treasury Board in Justin Trudeau’s cabinet, and has been MP for the riding since 1997.
Brison won the last election in 2015 with over 70 per cent of the vote.
Morton said he expects people in Kings-Hants will be looking for change in the next election.
“Scott’s been here for two decades and people are looking for new ideas and they need a voice,” he said. “I believe more now then ever people want change, and I think I’m that change.”
This isn’t the first time Morton has attempted a run, he put his name forward as a candidate during the last provincial election, but lost the nomination to Janice Munroe Dodge.
The Conservative Party recently elected Andrew Scheer as it’s new leader, and Morton says he believes Scheer will lead the party to new heights in 2019.
“I’ve had the opportunity to meet Scheer, he’s personable, a family man,” he said. “He has a desire to serve all Canadians.”
According to the CBC Poll Tracker, an amalgamation of federal polling averages across the country, the Liberals remain fairly popular and if an election were held today, would likely form the next government. But things can definitely change in the next couple of years.
The federal NDP have also recently elected a new leader in Jagmeet Singh, but how the results of that election play out remain unknown at this point.
Morton said he expects the tax issue will continue to resonate with Canadians and help the CPC form the next government.
Morton is a manager of an agricultural food supply company and lives in Garland’s Crossing with his family.
