Liberal, Tory contest in Cumberland-Colchester mirrors national race

Halfway through the election campaign, tensions ran high at a local candidates debate in Truro, as the Conservative incumbent in Cumberland-Colchester, Stephen Ellis, and Liberal first-time candidate Alana Hirtle went head to head.

Hirtle accused Ellis of wanting to “cut every program in health care,” to which Ellis vehemently denied, calling it “misinformation.” Ellis shifted the focus to the Trudeau government’s nine consecutive deficit budgets, which he claimed have resulted in “unsustainable” debt. He proposed that his party’s policies on resource development could help counteract the high cost of debt servicing. Hirtle, on the other hand, defended her party’s spending as investments in the future.

The debate, hosted by the Truro and Colchester Chamber of Commerce, showcased the two-way race happening on the national stage, mirroring what was happening in the northern Nova Scotia riding. The dynamic between Ellis and Hirtle was emblematic of the larger political landscape.

Ellis, who was first elected in 2021, emphasized affordability and health care as his key platforms. As a former family doctor in Truro, he believes that federal leadership is crucial in improving the healthcare system, which he believes is hindered by provincial “silos.” He criticized the lack of leadership from the Liberal government over the past decade.

Hirtle, a long-time Liberal supporter, highlighted her experience in small business development and community organizing. She emphasized her commitment to helping small businesses thrive in the region and her belief in the leadership of Mark Carney to navigate through economic challenges posed by threats of annexation and tariffs.

The NDP candidate, Larry Duchesne, who has run for the party in 12 federal and provincial elections since the 1970s, is focusing on issues such as dental care, pharmacare, and glyphosate spraying. He sees the campaign as an opportunity to promote the NDP’s values and push for environmental protection.

Kelly-Ann Callaghan, representing the Green Party, is running out of concern for housing insecurity and homelessness. Despite living over 200 kilometers away from Cumberland-Colchester, she volunteered to run for the party in the riding where she believes her advocacy can make a difference.

Paul Church, the People’s Party candidate, rounds out the field with his own platform aimed at promoting small government and individual freedoms.

With the race in Cumberland-Colchester projected as a toss-up by data aggregators, the competition between Ellis and Hirtle is intensifying. As the campaign progresses, each candidate is vying for the support of voters in the region, hoping to secure their place in Parliament and make a difference in the lives of their constituents.