PC leadership candidates land in Windsor to drum up support

WINDSOR, N.S. — The five provincial Progressive Conservative leadership candidates and their respective entourages arrived at the Hants County War Memorial Community Centre in Windsor recently to prove to party voters that they’re the right person for the top job — the leader of the opposition.

Approximately 30 people listened on as the candidates discussed several topics June 7, including the one issue that’s on everybody’s mind — healthcare.

Herman McLellan, who lives in East Hants and is a frequent PC party member and supporter, said he came to the debate to hear the candidates speak first hand.

“Trying to get the right leader for the party, I’m down to two candidates as of now,” McLellan said before the debate. “I’m thinking Tim Houston or John Lohr.”

McLellan said both candidates are good at interacting with the public and have a lot of political experience.

“I think either one of them would be very representative of the PC Party.”

Other undecided voters said their priorities for selecting a new leader would be somebody they think can address the healthcare issues in the province, while also standing by conservative principles.

The leadership campaign has been an oddly exciting event, something that is fairly uncommon in Nova Scotia party leadership races.

Pictou East MLA Tim Houston’s name showed up in the Panama Papers in 2017, after living in Bermuda for several years. Houston has denied any wrongdoing or tax evasion. 

Cumberland North MLA Elizabeth Smith-McCrossin made national headlines following a racially charged comment about marijuana and Jamaicans, which she has since apologized for. 

Kings North MLA John Lohr spoke out in defence of controversial Acadia University professor Rick Mehta, saying that universities should foster debate. 

Cape Breton Regional Municipality mayor and leadership candidate Cecil Clarke came out as a gay man in the days leading up to announcing his candidacy. 

Julie Chaisson, executive director of the Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market and former candidate for the riding of Chester/St. Margaret’s in 2017, announced her intention to run in February, bringing the slate to five candidates.

A new leader for the PC party will be selected in October.

Karla MacFarlane is serving as the party's interim leader in the legislature.