Independent candidate Smith-McCrossin faces new challengers in Cumberland North
Political scientist says PCs likely hungry to win back riding
Independent incumbent Elizabeth Smith-McCrossin is back on the campaign trail in Cumberland North, but opponents say the riding would be better represented by an MLA from an official party.
Smith-McCrossin, first elected as an MLA in 2017, was booted from the Nova Scotia Progressive Conservative caucus in 2021 over her involvement in a protest related to COVID-19 guidelines. Still, 53 per cent of voters supported her bid to represent Cumberland North as an Independent in the last election.
"When I'm knocking on doors this election, one of the differences that I see is I'm knocking on doors of people that I've helped over the last three years," Smith-McCrossin said in an interview. "And that's very rewarding."
Smith-McCrossin said advocating for better health care in the area as well as expanding local agriculture are some of the top issues she would work on with other parties on if re-elected.
"We've gotten a lot of things accomplished together," she said. "I love that. My brand is Cumberland County. It's the people that I represent."
4 candidates
The Liberals, second in the riding three years ago, have a new candidate this time around. Kurt Ditner, a retiree and newcomer to Amherst, said he has been a lifelong party member.
"I've worked inside the party," he said. "I've had my opinions heard."
Ditner said health care, the cost of living and improving rural roads are key issues in the riding.
"What I'm hearing is people feel the money doesn't come here," he said in an interview. "It never seems to get to our riding. So you need an elected official in an official party to move ahead and get services here."
Bill Dowe, the Progressive Conservative candidate, has some similar thoughts.
The owner of a trucking and excavating company and a former chair of the Cumberland Chamber of Commerce echoed the key issues of the other candidates, but said the Houston government has taken positive strides.
"We've had some great improvements here in health care," he said. "Cumberland County has a fabulous team that are doing recruitment and … they are bringing in more people than ever," Dowe said.
"I'm not gonna say anything bad about the Independent. All I know is that I think as being a part of the team, I have a lot better chance of getting accomplishments here than somebody working on their own."
Labour rights advocate Tyson Boyd is running for the NDP. He wasn't available for an interview.
Alex Marland, a political scientist at Acadia University, said it is rare, but not unprecedented, for Independents in Nova Scotia to win multiple elections. (Acadia University)
Alex Marland, a political scientist at Acadia University, said some parties may intentionally not run a strong campaign in a riding with an incumbent Independent. But he said the PCs are likely looking to oust their former party member.
"We could see that the Progressive Conservatives are really hungry to get that seat back," said Marland. "So if they think they can get it back and … kind of lose a thorn in their side, they'd be happy to do that."
Marland said Independents often have to work harder and need name recognition. Smith-McCrossin has that on the streets of Amherst.
"[Smith-McCrossin's] been there through thick and thin," said Debbie Berry, who wasn't familiar with any of the other candidates. "I don't know a lot of the people that are running and I would hate to vote for the wrong person."
"[Smith-McCrossin] is for the people," said Bill Winters. "She does help people a lot and I hope she gets in."
Ian MacLean said he was undecided. "I've voted for just about everything at some point of my life or other."
MacLean said the environment, in particular the Chignecto Isthmus, is one of his top issues. The $650-million project to protect the land connection between Nova Scotia and New Brunswick remains at the centre of a federal-provincial dispute over who should pay the bills.
Smith-McCrossin and Dowe both highlighted the importance of the isthmus, not just for the border community, but the broader economy.
Marland said it is rare for Independents to win multiple elections in Nova Scotia, but not unprecedented. Paul MacEwan represented a Cape Breton riding for 33 years under three party banners and as an independent.
"It becomes something that people almost think they couldn't vote for anybody else because anybody else almost seems like an outsider," Marland said.
https://billdowe.pcpartyns.ca/2024/10/11/bill-dowe-nominated-pc-candidate-in-cumberland-north/
Bill Dowe nominated PC candidate in Cumberland North
AMHERST– An Amherst business owner and community volunteer is running for MLA to be a voice in government that delivers.
Bill Dowe became the Progressive Conservative candidate for Cumberland North in the next provincial general election when nominations closed last month.
“As a lifelong resident of Cumberland County, I know the people of Cumberland North deserve an MLA who can get things done in government,” said Dowe. “Working alongside cabinet minister and Cumberland South MLA Tory Rushton, I will be an MLA that puts getting results for the people of the Town of Amherst and Cumberland County first. Our constituency needs someone who will get the job done in government..”
Originally from River Hebert, Dowe now lives in Amherst. A self-employed business owner for more than 37 years, Dowe also has extensive volunteer leadership experience. A longtime board member of the Cumberland Chamber of Commerce, he is currently the past president and recently joined the board of the Atlantic Chamber of Commerce. He also led the Cumberland County Truckers Association for five years and spent more than two decades as a board member with the Truckers Association of Nova Scotia.
Dowe has found many ways to give back to the community he has called home, including time as a board member of the Tidnish Crossroads Community Association. His co-ordination of the Bordertown Working Truck Show and Shine has raised over
$27,000 for Special Olympics Amherst. This year also marks Dowe and his family presenting the 30th Annual Chris Dowe Memorial Scholarship to a deserving 4H student.
“When I see what a positive difference Tory Rushton makes on behalf of the people of Cumberland South, I know that Cumberland North can do so much better with someone who gets things done for people as a member of my team,” said Premier Tim Houston. “Bill Dowe has a sincere interest in building up Nova Scotia and he will be a hardworking and effective MLA.”
Tim Houston’s PC team has also delivered record investments in healthcare, housing and tax relief to Nova Scotians, while strongly opposing the Liberal carbon tax. The current Independent MLA for Cumberland North has consistently voted against the Houston government’s investments in Cumberland North and across the province.
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https://liberal.ns.ca/candidate/kurt-ditner/
Candidate for Cumberland North Kurt Ditner
Kurt is a passionate member of the Amherst community and takes pride in calling it his home. His dedication to his community is evident through his involvement within the Amherst Curling Club and as a member of the local Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 10.
He was born in Sept-Iles, Quebec and moved to Ontario to attend Wilfrid Laurier University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics. During his university breaks, he worked for the Quebec North Shore and Labrador Railway.
Kurt has a dedicated and committed history to his local community. He has served as an elected trustee for the Waterloo Region Catholic School Board, as a member of the Finance and Teacher’s Salary negotiations committees. He has also held the positions of Vice President and Health and Safety Representative for Local 44 C.W.C, a former union for employees of Bell Canada. This experience provides him with the knowledge and skillset needed to succeed as your MLA in Cumberland North.
In his professional life, Kurt has spent the past 24 years as a licensed Commercial Account Executive in the Insurance industry. Through his career, he has developed a strong work ethic that he looks forward to utilizing to support his constituents.
Kurt believes that Nova Scotians deserve a better deal when it comes to overall affordability, our health care system, and the ongoing housing crisis, and pledges to advocate for a political climate that encourages economic growth and new job development.
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