At the May 16th council meeting, the CBRM hosted representatives of the three main parties for the provincial election. Of the three invited, two sent their top local delegates. However, the third party opted out.

The result was an opportunity to speak for each candidate. The Liberals sent MLA Geoff MacLellan. The PC Party sent MLA Alfie MacLeod. Each MLA was given 15 minutes of council's time to make their pitch. I'm making both videos available so the public can have an opportunity to assess what these representatives had to offer: the concerns, the priorities, and the promises.

MLA Geoff MacLellan, Liberal Party

• MLAs in Cape Breton transcend party lines.
• Cape Breton is a great place and it's certainly not dying.
• Well represented in economic development by Cape Breton Partnership and NSBI.
• Bill 65 protected the rail line and he believes G&W owners are now here to stay. Need for container port.
• Truly believes in container port development that "we're there" and "we're getting there".
• He defended the business case ("defensive") for the second berth in Halifax. He believes the "offensive" business for the berth is continued growth in tourism.
• He praises private investment (PVE, CME, McKeil, Donkin Mine). Hundreds of millions, and "hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of jobs"
• He really believes in a waterfront campus for the NSCC.
• He supports the CBRM "charter" particularly as it relates to tax policy.
• He's neutral on the tax cap and wants to consult the public on what they want.
• He mentions equalization but describes it as a trade off between more equalization funds and less so of other types of investment funding from the province.

MLA Alfie MacLeod, PC Party

• Agrees with MacLellan that Cape Breton issues "don't have a political stripe".
• The PC plan is very simple: "It's about jobs".
• "Rebuild Nova Scotia" fund will put 1,000s of Nova Scotians to work rebuilding infrastructure.
• Twin dangerous highways with "no tolls".
• Connect all parts of Nova Scotia to high speed Internet.
• Invest in rural roads.
• Wants to work with council to develop a local charter ("support to the fullest extent"). Ability to lease land. Tax policy.
• Re-instate "workable film tax credit".
• Will collaborate with municipalities to share tax revenue from new developments, like Donkin mine.
• Balanced budget.
• 10,000 Cape Bretoners do not have a family doctor. Noted vascular surgeon who suggested unnecessary amputations are occurring.
• Noted that three emergency rooms were closed on the weekend.
• Gave examples of medical consultations or procedures with wait times between 6 months and 1 year.
• Aggressive doctor recruitment plan, and mental health strategy.
• Bring back local decision making for the Health Authority.
• Have to "visit" the tax cap. Workable alternative everybody, "residents included".
• Will support municipalities (several areas).
• Second berth is a great opportunity.
• Supports downtown Sydney revitalization.
• "Showcase facilities" like Centre 200 and the Savoy Theatre need support.
• References Ivany Report.
• Mentions local concerns: Synergy Louisbourg, George D. Lewis "Gateways to Opportunity", Two Rivers Wildlife Park

NDP Party, No Show

The NDP did not send a representative to address our CBRM council.

NOTE: The views expressed above are my own and do not represent lokol (goCapeBreton.com). Read more