Spotlight on Business: You were given a super majority in the recent provincial election. Why do you feel that Nova Scotians support you and your party? Do you think your majority will be an invitation for the opposition to accuse the government of an abuse of power? Premier Tim Houston: I want to take this opportunity to thank Nova Scotians for re- electing our government and for electing new members. We were given a strong mandate to make things happen in Nova Scotia, and that’s exactly what we will do. It is humbling to receive this level of confidence from Nova Scotians, and I want them to know that we will continue to work hard every day to unlock our province’s potential. Spotlight on Business: The landscape of the Nova Scotia House of Assembly has changed drastically. We now have an NDP opposition, and the Liberals are relegated to two members and are the third party. The NDP has but one of their seats, a CBRM MLA, in HRM. Do you anticipate the discussion in the House being centered on urban issues versus rural? Premier Houston: We have elected members from Yarmouth to Sydney to the Halifax Regional Municipality. With this broad rural and city representation, we will ensure that different perspectives are heard as we make decisions. Spotlight on Business: The drama is ever-changing in Ottawa these days. With polls showing that this race could be very close. How does the calling of the recent federal election impact how you negotiate with Ottawa to meet the goals of your mandate? Premier Houston: Our government will work with whoever is elected in Ottawa to improve Nova Scotia. I sent a letter to the leaders of the two major political parties outlining Nova Scotia’s priorities for the federal government, which include: • Protecting the Chignecto Isthmus • Building a national energy corridor is in the best interests of Canadians from Coast to Coast to Coast • Amending our childcare agreement
to allow for some participation by private providers • Helping to build a new, modern, safe pulp mill to create more jobs and economic prosperity in one of our traditional industries • Investing in wharves and high-speed rail. Spotlight on Business: Your government has already started to work on the $650-million investment to protect the Chignecto Isthmus, which is the crucial land bridge that connects Nova Scotia and New Brunswick permitting more than $100 million per day, or $35 billion a year, in trade crosses the Isthmus on the Trans-Canada Highway and CN Rail lines. You refused an offer to use $325M of the revenue generated from the federal carbon tax from former PM Trudeau on the premise that the federal government should pay for the entire project. If there is a change in government or the Liberals continue to with their form of the axe, the tax promise is carried out, would that change your position on the funding formula for the project? Premier Houston: Protecting Nova Scotia’s
We were given a strong mandate to make things happen in Nova Scotia, and that’s exactly what we will do.
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SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE 13
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