Election Anticipation ramps up in Nova Scotia
According to Naomi Shelton with Elections Nova Scotia, because Nova Scotia does not have a fixed date election cycle, the province set an election readiness date for April 1.
“We worked towards that date,” said Shelton. "We planned all of our election readiness planning for that actual date."
Now, they wait for when the government calls an election. A warehouse filled with Covid-19 PPE and election materials is on standby. Elections Nova Scotia is also lining up short-term office space leases throughout the province.
"Because of Covid planning, we are trying to do that process a bit early this time," said Shelton.
Political science professor Jeff MacLeod says federal politics will influence a possible provincial election date.
“The federal Liberals want an election even though they are only two years into the mandate," said Macleod.
Macleod said the Trudeau government might drop the writ in the fall.
"And if you are the provincial liberals,” said MacLeod. “Do you want to go as a federal election is taking place or just after a federal action? I think no. You could see a summer election."
A recent poll shows a lead for the Nova Scotia Liberals and a high government satisfaction rating.
An official with the Nova Scotia PC party told CTV their internal polling data shows the race is much closer.
Margaret Brigley said poll numbers by Narrative Research support the notion that an election is not far off.
"It would suggest that the governing party is in a very comfortable position," said Brigley.
Shelton said whenever the election happens she expects more voters will vote from home.
"Using the write in ballot, and returning that write in ballot in the mail," said Shelton.
Elections Nova Scotia anticipates an increase in voting by mail because of Covid-19 safety concerns.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Canadian gov't proposes new foreign influence registry as part of wide-spanning new bill
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government is proposing a suite of new measures and law changes aimed at countering foreign interference in Canada, amid extensive scrutiny over past meddling attempts and an ever-evolving threat landscape.
Boeing Starliner capsule's first crewed test flight postponed
The long-awaited first crewed test flight of Boeing's new Starliner space capsule was called off for at least 24 hours over a technical issue that launch teams were unable to resolve in time for the planned Monday night lift-off.
Teacher charged in historical sexual assault of Calgary teenage girl
Calgary police have charged a teacher with the alleged sexual assault of a teenage girl more than 20 years ago.
Winnipeg man admits to killing four women, argues he's not criminally responsible
Defence lawyers of Jeremy Skibicki have admitted in court the accused killed four Indigenous women, but argues he is not criminally responsible for the deaths by way of mental disorder – this latest development has triggered a judge-alone trial rather than a jury trial.
Man banned from owning animals after fatal Calgary dog attack
The owner of three Calgary dogs that got loose and mauled a woman to death in 2022 has been ordered to pay a $15,000 fine within one year and banned from owning any animal for 15 years.
East-end Ottawa family dealing with massive rat infestation
Residents in Ottawa’s Elmridge Gardens complex are dealing with a rat infestation that just won’t go away. Now, after doing everything they can to try to fix the issue, they are pleading with the city to step in and help.
Mediterranean staple may lower your risk of death from dementia, study finds
A daily spoonful of olive oil could lower your risk of dying from dementia, according to a new study by Harvard scientists.
An El Nino-less summer is coming. Here's what that could mean for Canada
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.
Newfoundland and Labrador latest province to tighten rules on Airbnbs
Newfoundland and Labrador is the latest jurisdiction to bring in stricter rules for short-term rentals, with a coming set of regulations that will force operators to register with the provincial government.