We are starting to hear back from the MLA candidates with our request for comments on equalization fairness. Isabelle Lalonde was the first to reply with a response. Here is what Isabelle sent in today: New Democrats know that Cape Bretoners aren’t getting a fair deal from the Houston government. We are committed to restoring equalization payments from the province to Cape Breton, supporting fair funding and economic growth for the region. The NDP will double CBRM’s municipal finance grant from $15 million to $30 million, and make this change permanent. For years, Kendra Coombes, the NDP MLA for Cape Breton Centre-Whitney Pier, has been fighting for fairness. As the MLA I would join her as another vocal opponent of the cuts in funding made by previous government and work to get a better deal for CBRM. Time and time again, Conservatives refused to support Cape Bretoners. -- Isabelle Lalonde NSNDP Cape Breton East