Independent candidate Smith-McCrossin faces new challengers in Cumberland North
Independent incumbent Elizabeth Smith-McCrossin is once again hitting the campaign trail in Cumberland North, vying for re-election in a riding where opponents believe an MLA from an official party would better represent the constituents.
Smith-McCrossin, who first won as an MLA in 2017, was expelled from the Nova Scotia Progressive Conservative caucus in 2021 due to her involvement in a protest related to COVID-19 guidelines. Despite this, she garnered 53 percent of the votes in the last election to represent Cumberland North as an Independent.
In an interview, Smith-McCrossin expressed her dedication to the people she serves, emphasizing her commitment to advocating for improved health care in the region and the expansion of local agriculture. She highlighted her collaborative efforts with other parties on various issues, stating, “We’ve accomplished a lot together. My focus is on Cumberland County and the people I represent.”
The riding of Cumberland North sees four candidates in the upcoming election. The Liberals, who came in second in the previous election, have put forward Kurt Ditner, a retiree and long-time party member, as their candidate. Ditner’s platform revolves around addressing key issues such as health care, the cost of living, and the improvement of rural roads in the riding.
Bill Dowe, the Progressive Conservative candidate, also emphasizes similar priorities, acknowledging the positive strides made by the Houston government in areas like health care. Dowe believes that being part of an official party will better position him to bring services and resources to the riding.
Labour rights advocate Tyson Boyd is running for the NDP, although he was not available for an interview at the time of reporting.
Political scientist Alex Marland from Acadia University noted that it is uncommon, but not unheard of, for Independents in Nova Scotia to win multiple elections. While some parties may choose not to run a strong campaign against an incumbent Independent, the Progressive Conservatives seem eager to reclaim the seat from their former party member.
Residents in Cumberland North expressed varying opinions on the candidates, with some praising Smith-McCrossin for her dedication and track record of assisting constituents. Others highlighted the importance of the Chignecto Isthmus project, a significant environmental and economic concern in the region.
As the election date draws near, the race in Cumberland North remains competitive, with each candidate vying for the opportunity to represent the diverse interests of the constituents in the riding. The outcome will ultimately depend on the voters’ decision on who they believe will best serve their needs and priorities.
