Post by : Meena Ariff

Iain Rankin has stepped into the interim leadership role of the Nova Scotia Liberal Party, emphasizing a need for the provincial government to prioritize economic growth. He advocates for increased collaboration, public dialogue, and a well-defined economic strategy.

Taking over from Derek Mombourquette this week, Rankin steps in as the party seeks a permanent leader after last year's disappointing election result, which left them with only two seats.

Rankin believes that Nova Scotia requires “a new set of goals for a modern economy” to address issues like U.S. tariffs and slow population growth impacting revenues. The province's deficit is forecasted to exceed $1 billion, with an update anticipated next week.

He criticized the government for its heavy reliance on natural resources such as petroleum, wind, and critical minerals while neglecting rapidly growing sectors like tourism and ocean industries.

“It’s somewhat disingenuous to assert that the focus is on economic advancement when the government has only recently responded to U.S. events,” Rankin stated.

Rankin calls for a more inclusive approach involving other political parties and community stakeholders, advocating for a strategy akin to the Ivany Report’s 10-year economic blueprint. He also insists on setting measurable economic objectives that the public can track.

In response, Premier Tim Houston invited the Liberals to work alongside his government to bolster Nova Scotia's economy, recognizing the significance of natural resources and support for local enterprises.

Additionally, Rankin highlighted the necessity for improved management of government expenditure. He noted that the Progressive Conservatives have overspent by about $1 billion yearly, partly due to past population increases. With growth stagnating, he advocated a comprehensive review of all programs and spending for efficiency.

Meanwhile, Mombourquette remains dedicated to supporting the party but has not confirmed if he will vie for permanent leadership. Rankin has stated he is not seeking the permanent position.

#Canada News #Politics News #World News