It’s been a turbulent year in Nova Scotia politics. Stephen McNeil stepped down in February after more than seven years as Liberal premier. His replacement, Iain Rankin, lasted a mere six months before suffering a shocking electoral defeat at the hands of Tim Houston and the Progressive Conservatives. Taking into account Shakespeare’s observation that “what’s … Continue reading An engaging and highly readable account of Nova Scotia’s post-war political history →

It’s abundantly clear Jagmeet Singh’s bespoke suits don’t have coattails. How else does one explain the NDP being down 14 seats, over the course of two elections, with him at the helm? In Atlantic Canada, where the NDP won six seats a decade ago, the party has been wiped off the electoral map. In Quebec, where … Continue reading Does Jagmeet Singh need a new tailor? →

There’s a saying in Canadian politics: “Liberal, Tory, same old story.” It’s proven so true over the years that it could reasonably be called a maxim. But don’t tell that to Liberal leader Justin Trudeau, who opened a new offensive yesterday in his party’s increasingly desperate battle for left-wing votes. “Shame on you, Jagmeet Singh … Continue reading Trudeau tries to woo progressive voters by insulting their intelligence →

Political candidates and their volunteers aren’t the only ones distributing campaign literature this federal election. Members and supporters of Fair Vote Canada are also pounding the pavement, distributing 250,000 door hangers calling for the creation of a national citizens’ assembly on electoral reform. “What we are attempting to do is keep the issue on people’s … Continue reading Electoral reform activists campaigning for a citizens’ assembly →

While the pandemic puts a damper on Labour Day celebrations for the second year in a row, labour leaders in Nova Scotia are calling for a just, equitable, and worker-centred recovery. “The pandemic has shone a light on the consistent problems that we have within health care and also within the low-wage economy,” said Danny … Continue reading Pandemic recovery must be worker-centred, Nova Scotia labour leaders say →