On the N.S. campaign trail: Liberals pledge money for fire halls, PCs and NDPs focus on health, housing
There were more promises and more door-knocking Sunday, as party leaders work to drum up support ahead of the upcoming Nova Scotia election.
Iain Rankin is pledging to boost funding for rural fire departments if the Liberals are re-elected in the upcoming provincial election.
"A re-elected Liberal government will support the federal government initiative to include fire stations in the Canada Community Building funding program," Rankin said on the campaign tral in Mount Uniake Sunday.
The program will allow municipalities to funnel funding to rural fire departments to cover the costs of basic infrastructure maintenance.
"Fire halls, especially in rural communities, are hubs for so many activities, and our volunteer firefighters protect us every day. By supporting this change, fire halls will be able to qualify from this program which was previously the gas tax program," Rankin said.
Progressive Conservative leader Tim Houston started the day off by knocking on doors in the Sherbrooke with area candidate Greg Morrow.
Houston said the number one thing he's hearing from voters is concerns over the province's health care system.
"It's access in general. People are anxious that they won't be able to get the care they need when they need it, so if they don't have a doctor or whether they're afraid they're going to have a medical emergency response time," said Houston.
"This election is a referendum on health care and if you're happy with the status quo, vote for the Liberals. If you think we need changes we have a plan to go forward and we're ready to put that plan into action," said Morrow, the PC candidate for Guysborough-Tracadie.
NDP leader Gary Burrill also spent the day canvassing and meeting with candidates in Truro, New Glasgow, Antigonish, and St. Peter's.
"This campaign is about getting a government in Nova Scotia that is going to address the real needs of real people and their real lives," he said.
Burrill said mental health and affordable housing are issues he's hearing on the campaign trail.
"No matter where you go in Nova Scotia, affordable housing, the lack of control, permanent control on rents, and the lack of available affordable housing - this is a concern for people across the province. That's why we're so focused on the need for permanent rent control."
Election day is Tuesday, August 17, but early voting is already underway at returning offices across the province.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.