As the three major party leaders prepare to debate tonight at 6:30 p.m., things on the campaign trail are getting more combative.
The Progressive Conservatives criticized opposition candidates for their federal ties, while the Liberals highlighted rural infrastructure and cell service improvements. The NDP focused on expanding women’s health services across the province.
Progressive Conservatives
The PCs focused their attacks on the NDP and Liberal campaigns, with particular criticism aimed at NDP MLA Lisa Lachance’s consulting company, which reportedly received over $1 million in federal funding since 2021.
Colchester-Musquodoboit Valley PC candidate Scott Armstrong claimed this funding presents a “massive conflict of interest,” stating, “You should not be paid by the Government of Nova Scotia while billing the federal government for over a million dollars.” Armstrong also questioned NDP Leader Claudia Chender’s leadership in holding party members accountable.
Queens PC candidate Kim Masland joined in, calling out Liberal Leader Zach Churchill for prioritizing donations to the federal Liberals. “Zach Churchill is always ready to give his friend Justin Trudeau a pass,” Masland said. “Nova Scotians can count on Tim Houston and our PC Team to stand up for our province.”
Liberals
Liberal Leader Zach Churchill announced a commitment to improving rural infrastructure, including cell service along the 100-series highways. “Access to dependable cell service is crucial for safety, especially in rural areas,” Churchill stated, emphasizing that his plan includes building over 80 new cell towers across the province.
He also criticized Tim Houston’s plans to eliminate tolls on Halifax bridges, arguing it would redirect essential funding away from rural road projects. “Our team is focused on safety and economic growth by improving highways across Nova Scotia—not taking money away from rural Nova Scotians,” Churchill said.
New Democratic Party
NDP Leader Claudia Chender turned the focus to healthcare, pledging significant improvements in women’s health services.
Chender highlighted gaps in current healthcare access, noting that “parents are waiting weeks for ultrasounds” and that “people are driving for hours to access critical services like surgical abortions.”
Chender’s plan includes increasing the number of sonographers, expanding midwifery services, and making surgical abortion services more accessible, including in Cape Breton. “We are proposing real solutions to improve women’s health in the province,” she stated, positioning her party as advocates for womens healthcare access across Nova Scotia.
