The social democratic NDP government of the Atlantic province of Nova Scotia failed to be re-elected in yesterday’s (October 8) provincial election, and fell to third place behind the victorious Liberal party and the Conservatives.
Four years ago the New Democratic Party (NDP), led by leader Darrell Dexter, made history by electing the first NDP government in Atlantic Canada, winning 31 of the 52 seats in the legislature.
Last night with only 7 members elected, it trailed behind the Liberals who won 33 seats and the Conservatives who won 11.
Dexter narrowly lost is own seat — by a mere 31 votes — in Cole Harbour-Portland Valley, an area he represented in the legislature for 15 years. Liberal candidate Tony Ince took the seat.
After his election in 2009 Dexter said: “The seats of the legislature belong to the people, and our loyalty is to you, the people of this province. And our goal is to make sure the decision you made today will prove to be a positive choice for Nova Scotia.”
Last night Dexter said: “I know that we didn’t meet every expectation.”
According to CBC News, Liberal Leader Stephen McNeil swept to power on promises to bring soaring electricity rates under control and commitments to cut government spending, scale back health administration costs and cut the harmonized sales tax as long as the books are balanced.
An article in the National Post suggested McNeil “swept to power on promises to bring soaring electricity rates under control while putting an end to corporate handouts.”
In his victory speech McNeil immediately talked about the future of “our Nova Scotia” and the “true engine of prosperity: the small business owners who create the jobs in both urban and rural Nova Scotia.”
“Our Nova Scotia is a province where the health care system focuses on one fundamental truth: the needs of the patient must always come first,” he said. “Our Nova Scotia is a province where government puts the needs of its people first.”
More information:
CBC News – Stephen McNeil leads Liberals to majority in Nova Scotia – here
National Post – Nova Scotia election sees Liberals take majority – here
Globe and Mail – What federal players can learn from Liberals’ Nova Scotia win – here
Nova Scotia Liberal party website – www.liberal.ns.ca
Nova Scotia Conservative party website – pcparty.ns.ca
Nova Scotia NDP party website – nsndp.ca
Elections Nova Scotia – official results – here
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