Anti-Trudeau sentiment a problem for Liberals in Clare

The Nova Scotia election has been marked by the Progressive Conservatives’ attempt to leverage the dissatisfaction with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the federal Liberal Party. PC Leader Tim Houston has consistently accused the leader of the Nova Scotia Liberal Party, Zach Churchill, of being too closely tied to Trudeau and the federal party.

One area where this strategy could prove successful for the PCs is in southwestern Nova Scotia, where there is growing frustration over what many residents perceive as an illegal, out-of-season lobster fishery happening with little intervention from Ottawa. This issue is particularly significant in Clare, a district along St. Marys Bay that has traditionally been a stronghold for the Liberal Party, with the last PC representative serving over three decades ago.

In the last election, Liberal candidate Ronnie LeBlanc narrowly secured victory in Clare, facing a much slimmer margin than previous Liberal wins in the area. LeBlanc, a local fisherman and former municipal warden, is now facing a tough battle to retain his seat against a rookie PC candidate and a New Democrat with no direct ties to the riding.

One of the key concerns in Clare is the state of the lobster fishery, with residents worried about the impact of the ongoing extraction of lobster from St. Marys Bay. Both LeBlanc and PC candidate Ryan Robicheau agree that the issue of illegal fishing needs to be addressed, with calls for stronger enforcement measures and pressure on the federal government to take action.

Robicheau, a 31-year-old community development officer and first-time candidate, is emphasizing the need for a new generation of representation in Clare and highlighting the progress made by the PC government in recent years. He echoes LeBlanc’s focus on the cost of living and concerns about illegal fishing as key issues in the riding.

Despite the challenges posed by the unpopularity of the federal government and criticism over enforcement of fishing regulations, LeBlanc remains determined to fight for his seat. He acknowledges the drag from the federal government’s reputation but emphasizes the importance of electing a strong Nova Scotia government.

As the election in Clare approaches, the focus remains on key issues such as the lobster fishery, cost of living, and the need for effective representation in government. The outcome in this district could have significant implications for the overall results of the Nova Scotia election.