Sackville-Uniacke candidates talk health care, affordability and the commute

The Nova Scotia riding of Sackville-Uniacke is gearing up for an exciting election with three candidates facing off, each bringing their own unique political history to the table.

In a political rematch almost a decade in the making, New Democrat Lisa Blackburn and Progressive Conservative Brad Johns are once again going head-to-head. The last time these two candidates appeared on the same ballot was in the 2016 Halifax Regional Municipality election, where Blackburn emerged victorious with a narrow 47-vote margin over incumbent Johns. Since then, Johns has secured two terms as a Progressive Conservative representative for a Sackville-area riding.

After opting not to seek re-election to council earlier this year, Blackburn has set her sights on the NDP nomination for Sackville-Uniacke, challenging the incumbent Johns. In an interview, Blackburn expressed her concerns about the current government’s actions, stating, “I saw a lot of things that the Houston government has been doing that really isn’t in the best interest of many residents.” Despite living in a neighboring riding, Blackburn is confident in her ability to represent the Sackville-Uniacke community effectively.

On the other hand, Johns is emphasizing his deep roots in the constituency, adding yellow stickers to his campaign signs that read, “The Only One Who Lives Here.” He believes that his understanding of local issues and responsiveness to community needs set him apart from his opponents. Johns cited affordability, housing, rapid community growth, and infrastructure as key concerns among voters, with a focus on improving access to primary care through mobile clinics.

Meanwhile, Thomas Trappenberg, a 12-time candidate who is now running as the Liberal candidate, is hoping to secure a seat in the legislature with a new party affiliation. Previously associated with the Green Party of Nova Scotia, Trappenberg is emphasizing healthcare, affordability, and housing as central campaign issues. Despite living in Hatchet Lane, N.S., Trappenberg is committed to addressing commuter community issues, such as improving transportation infrastructure with bus lanes to downtown areas.

As the election date approaches, Blackburn remains optimistic about the NDP’s chances in the riding, highlighting key promises such as a housing rebate for low-income households and removing HST from essential items like cellphone bills and internet services. She is hopeful that the community’s support will lead to a successful outcome on November 26.

However, Johns has faced criticism over his comments on domestic violence during his time as justice minister, where he controversially downplayed the issue. Despite resigning from cabinet and issuing an apology, Blackburn believes that his remarks reveal his true character. In response, Johns has emphasized his support for a recent bill that declared domestic violence an epidemic in Nova Scotia, showcasing his commitment to addressing this critical issue.

Trappenberg, on the other hand, is focused on finding solutions to the epidemic of domestic violence, prioritizing the well-being and safety of all Nova Scotians. With each candidate bringing their own perspectives and priorities to the table, the race for Sackville-Uniacke is shaping up to be a closely contested and impactful election for the community.