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
NEW Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
NEW Life got in the way of one woman's reunion with her father, but a DNA test gained her a family
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Quebec farmers have been protesting since December. Is anyone listening?
Upset about high interest rates, growing paperwork and heavy regulatory burdens, protesting farmers have become a familiar sight across Quebec since December.
'Catch-and-kill' strategy to be a focus as testimony resumes in Trump hush money case
A veteran tabloid publisher was expected to return to the witness stand Tuesday in Donald Trump's historic hush money trial.
Quebec Health Department reports 28 cases of eye damage linked to solar eclipse
Quebec's Health Department says it has received 28 reports of eye damage related to the April 8 total solar eclipse that passed over southern parts of the province.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.