Lone N.S. Tory to win federal seat says party could have responded faster to Trump turmoil
The federal election in Nova Scotia saw the only Conservative candidate, Chris d’Entremont, emerge victorious in the Acadie-Annapolis riding. In a recent interview with CBC’s As It Happens, d’Entremont attributed the losses of his party in the province to a combination of factors including tariffs, Donald Trump, and the collapse of the NDP vote.
According to d’Entremont, the Conservative Party could have responded more promptly to concerns about the U.S. president, as it was a prevalent issue on the minds of voters during the campaign. He also mentioned that an earlier visit from party leader Pierre Poilievre might have made a difference in the outcome of the election.
D’Entremont highlighted that voters were looking for change, but there was a lack of consensus on what that change should entail. He noted that he and Liberal candidate Ronnie LeBlanc split the vote evenly in their riding.
The loss of Conservative incumbents Rick Perkins in South Shore-St Margarets and Stephen Ellis in Cumberland-Colchester was also mentioned by d’Entremont. Despite these setbacks, d’Entremont managed to secure his seat for the third consecutive election, largely due to his focus on issues in the fishery sector.
One of d’Entremont’s constituents, Jack Wright, praised him for his dedication to representing the riding well, particularly in matters concerning the fishery. D’Entremont emphasized the importance of closer alignment between the provincial Progressive Conservatives and the federal Conservatives to better serve the interests of the people.
The rift within the Conservative movement was exemplified by Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston’s decision not to campaign for either the federal Conservative or Liberal leader. Meredith Ralston, known for the documentary “Why Women Run,” expressed her lack of surprise at the election results in the Maritimes. She noted the split within the Conservative movement, with some members distancing themselves from what they perceive as a “mini-Trump” aspect of the party.
Ralston suggested that Poilievre should have been more responsive to the changing political landscape, especially in light of growing anti-Trump sentiments among Canadians. She emphasized the need for pivoting towards a more inclusive and empathetic approach to politics, rather than echoing divisive rhetoric.
Overall, the federal election in Nova Scotia underscored the need for political parties to adapt to shifting dynamics and embrace a more inclusive and collaborative approach to governance. The lessons learned from this election will likely shape the future trajectory of the Conservative Party in the region.
