HALIFAX -- Liberal MLAs from across the province met today to discuss the direction of the party, and remained optimistic about their current status in the province.
"The future is very bright, we're doing well on the fundraising side. Stephen McNeil, our leader, is performing very well, he's got a great team behind him, we're excited about that," said John Gillis, NS Liberal Party President.
The $25 billion shipbuilding contract is also presenting a silver lining to the liberal party.
"For youth, it's amazing. I grew up in Cape Breton so to be able to see some of my friends—high school friends—come home, it's great to see. Everybody's excited," said Michael Vickers, NS Young Liberals.
The Liberals see the shipbuilding contract as an opportunity for Nova Scotians to determine who is playing politics in a non-partisan contract.
Stephen McNeil believes the contract gives the province an opportunity to make important decisions similar to those made by former Newfoundland Premier, Danny Williams, after taking over offshore oil.
"He took that opportunity to put his province on good, solid, fiscal footing to allow it to continue to grown into the future," said McNeil.
Among things that need restructuring, McNeil puts an emphasis on the Nova Scotia tax and education systems, to make the province more competitive and to ensure that Nova Scotia workers have the skills for the jobs of the future.
