Provincial budget cuts have emerged as an early issue in the byelection race in the newly created Nova Scotia constituency of Chéticamp-Margarees-Pleasant Bay.

Nominations closed last week and all four candidates are talking about the Progressive Conservative government's decision to reduce spending this year.

The Liberal Party's Denis Cormier says the province has cut funding for arts, culture and tourism, which are important aspects of life in the region.

"The direction that the present government is taking is really worrisome," the longtime teacher and guidance counsellor told CBC host Steve …