Group of Independents in N.S. requests judicial review of snap election call
A group of Independents is currently seeking an emergency judicial review in an attempt to overturn the snap election that was called in Nova Scotia. The Independent NS Initiative has taken legal action against the provincial election, which was scheduled months ahead of the fixed date outlined in the Elections Act. The group is particularly challenging the decision to reject the nomination of candidates who did not provide an auditor to Elections Nova Scotia, arguing that this refusal violates the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
The applicants are urgently requesting that the court hear their motion for date and direction as soon as possible, with the alternative being a scheduled appearance before the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia in Port Hawkesbury on December 6th. Elections Nova Scotia has refrained from commenting on the matter due to its ongoing legal status.
The group of applicants, including John Hurley, Peter MacIsaac, Julissa Stewart, and Morgan Guptill, have chosen to remain silent on the issue and declined interview requests. The Progressive Conservatives and Liberals have a full slate of 55 candidates each, while the NDP has 54 candidates following the departure of Tammy Jakeman. The Green Party has 23 candidates, with four Independent candidates also in the running.
In a surprising turn of events, Nova Scotians United, a registered party since December 2021, has failed to nominate any candidates for the provincial election. Emily Clarke-Haughn, the party’s deputy leader, revealed that Elections Nova Scotia deregistered the party for not meeting the deadline to nominate 10 candidates by November 6th.
Clarke-Haughn expressed disappointment over the party’s inability to participate in the election, as they had hoped to share their vision with the people of Nova Scotia. Despite this setback, she remains hopeful for a potential resurgence of Nova Scotians United, as the party’s supporting society remains active.
Instead of running for Nova Scotians United, Clarke-Haughn is now serving as the official agent for Independent candidate James Omand in Hants West. Omand, along with Stemer MacLeod, an Independent candidate in Victoria-The Lakes, had initially intended to run under the Nova Scotians United banner. MacLeod, a seasoned Independent candidate in Cape Breton, emphasized the importance of providing voters with alternative choices to the major political parties, despite the challenges of competing in the electoral landscape.
As the legal battle over the snap election unfolds, the Independents continue to advocate for their right to participate in the democratic process and offer voters a diverse range of options on the ballot.
