Jobs- priority for MLA Chuck Porter

MLA Chuck Porter says his top priority as a Progressive Conservative candidate is to put food on families’ tables, and that can’t happen without jobs. “We need jobs, we need to put people back to work, that’s what will stimulate this economy,” he said.

Peak construction season is no time for an election and will cost jobs, he adds. What an election now means is that work on some infrastructure projects may be put on hold.

Porter notes those infrastructure projects that were recently awarded and have received confirmation will go forward. “This is no time to write a new budget, that will put us into the fall before any progress can be made on projects in this province. What will that mean to the person whose Employment Insurance runs out in the meantime?”

Porter said he was surprised and disappointed by the election call, and adds it’s bad timing for everyone. “This is a tough economic year, tenders are out and people are waiting to start work. This is about bread and butter on the table, and that’s what I’m hearing in West Hants.”

He notes that the use of offshore oil accounts to fund infrastructure projects is good short-term policy. “These are important expenditures, but the opposition is more interested in gaining power than supporting the people of Nova Scotia.” He adds if the other parties had examined the budget put in place before dismissing it outright there would not be an election at this time, noting the cost of an election is a risk the province can’t afford “It will cost the people of Nova Scotia 10 million for this election. Look at how much money is being wasted that could be going on roads.”

Porter said he will continue to work hard for the people of West Hants and get projects off the ground. “I believe we’ve got a great future- we’ve been through hard times before, but we can and we will move forward.”

Premier Rodney MacDonald contacted The Hants Journal, via telephone, May 22 while on route through the Annapolis Valley. He notes that while the $1.9 million Building For Growth strategy would add to the provincial debt, it would not put the province into a deficit. “This is the short-term stimulus plan Nova Scotians need. We require a stimulus package to help families and individual needing jobs. We must invest in infrastructure; it’s the right thing to do.”

MacDonald added it’s possible to make that investment without cutting services or raising taxes. I don’t want to see our province go down the road of a deficit.” He notes the Progressive Conservative party has produced eight consecutive balanced budgets, and this year was no exception. “The opposition will take us down a deficit each year, their plan will increase taxes and add to the provincial debt in the long term, they are not being a responsible government. In these unusual times, the government has a responsibility to protect and build on services.”

He said the opposition has forced Nova Scotians into an election at the worst possible time. “Our focus right now should be on the economy, not politics. There is a very clear choice and a very clear difference on where the parties stand.”

Projects such as the New Windsor Elms, local schools and the Highway 101 twinning will continue to be a priority in West Hants. Should the election move in his favour MacDonald said those infrastructure projects would move ahead on schedule. “After June 9, I will choose my cabinet and have a budget by the end of the month.”

He notes MLA Chuck Porter has done a wonderful job for West Hants and will continue to be a strong voice for the community.