Peter MacKay is far removed from the political limelight today, packing up old campaign signs and getting them ready for recycling.
“It’s the end of an era,” says the Central Nova MP. “It’s time for rejuvenation in the party and this is all part of it. Cleaning out the cobwebs and taking some of these old signs. They bring back a lot of memories.”
MacKay’s retirement has opened up the selection process for all parties in Central Nova. The green party has already chosen David Hachey of Meadowville, Pictou County. Saturday night, the Conservatives picked 36-year-old Fred DeLorey to represent them in the upcoming election.
The NDP met Sunday afternoon at the Plymouth Fire Hall to select their candidate. The choice was between Katherine Reed, a longtime social activist, and Ross Landry, former Nova Scotia justice minister in the Dexter government.
In the end, delegates chose Landry. He says MacKay’s leaving played a role in his decision to return to politics.
“It definitely feels more open now and the seat is winnable,” says Landry. “It’s a matter if people want to invest in Stephen Harper for another four years or they want to go with Tom Mulcair.”
While the NDP were picking their candidate, more than 300 people gathered in New Glasgow for the Liberal nomination meeting.
There was communications specialist and longtime party volunteer Janet Becigneul, as well as eventual winner Sean Fraser, a Calgary-based lawyer who grew up in Pictou County.
It’s been said replacing MacKay will mean big shoes to fill.
“There’s absolutely no question that Peter’s decision to step away has opened the door for people of all parties,” says Fraser. “So I’m excited to represent the liberal party here in Central Nova and I think we are in a position to win this seat.”
The official campaign has not started yet, but all candidates say they’ll be out meeting voters in the days and weeks ahead.
With files from CTV Atlantic's Dan MacIntosh.
