Days after worst-ever election loss, longtime N.S. Liberals say it’s time to rebuild
The Nova Scotia Liberals are still reeling from their worst-ever election result, but they are united in their determination to rebuild the party starting now. Former Liberal cabinet minister Kelly Regan believes that the party was caught off guard by the snap election call, emphasizing that Premier Tim Houston could not be trusted to wait until the scheduled election date in 2025. Regan urges party members to move past their disappointment and focus on rebuilding from the two remaining ridings they control.
On the other hand, returning Liberal Iain Rankin attributes the loss to longstanding party disputes dating back to former Premier Stephen McNeil’s time in office. He acknowledges the need to mend relationships with party members and address past grievances that have alienated supporters. Rankin emphasizes the importance of putting aside internal divisions and focusing on rebuilding the party.
Longtime Liberal Maura Ryan, who conducted a review of the 2021 election loss, advocates for a thorough restructuring of the party. She suggests starting with a fresh approach to engaging with party members and reflecting on the party’s values and identity. Ryan believes that this introspective process will reinvigorate former supporters and attract new members to the party.
The report compiled by Ryan and retired Liberal senator Jim Cowan highlights the disconnect between riding presidents and the party leadership, emphasizing the need for better communication and engagement. The 19 recommendations outlined in the report provide a roadmap for rebuilding the party and regaining the trust of disaffected members.
Overall, the consensus among Nova Scotia Liberals is clear: it is time to rebuild, reevaluate, and refocus on what it means to be a Liberal in the province. By addressing internal divisions, engaging with party members, and reaffirming their values, the Liberals hope to bounce back from their election defeat and emerge stronger than ever.
