Penny Smith is the Liberal candidate running in the riding of Shelburne. Photo: Nova Scotia Liberal.
Liberal candidate Penny Smith is running in the riding of Shelburne.
Smith spent 4 and a half years as a councilor and warden for the Municipality of Shelburne, and has lived in the area for her entire life.
She said the biggest issue she’s hearing about from her constituents is the Healthcare crisis.
“If we don’t have our health we don’t have anything,” explained Smith. “We have been struggling with access to primary healthcare and services for decades here.”
She said the Liberal’s plan to increase seats at Dalhousie and other areas for Licensed practical nurse’s and registered nurse’s and added that there is currently ongoing incentive programs for nurse practitioners.
“I think it takes all of there’s different initiatives to make a difference in the healthcare sector,” said Smith. “There’s no one silver bullet that’s going to fix this.”
Smith said housing is another serious problem being faced by the constituents in her riding.
“There are a number of people in Shelburne County that can’t find a place to rent or simply can’t afford rent,” said Smith. “I think its a supply issue and an ability to pay issue.”
She believes that part of the solution is to provide developers with incentive to build housing at different income brackets.
“That I believe will potentially remove the stigma around what’s commonly referred to as low income housing and affordable housing,” explained Smith. “We all need a place to live, we all need a place that’s safe and I think this could be one initiative that could make a real difference in the area.
Smith is running against NDP candidate Darren Stoddard, PC Nolan Young, and Green Party candidate Steve Hirchak in the riding of Shelburne.
