Canyon’s their man, but...
Central Nova Conservative candidate addresses members’ concerns about appointment
NEW GLASGOW, N.S. – George Canyon wants to make amends with Central Nova Conservative Party members.
A letter was issued to members last week from Central Nova Conservative Association President Ryan Sharpe.
“Our candidate, George Canyon, after reaching out to the other three gentlemen (who had previously sought the conservative nomination for Central Nova), has expressed clearly and honestly to our board of directors that he was willing to step aside and allow another selection process to occur, if that indeed was what the board desired,” Sharpe wrote. “He also expressed that he was unaware of how this process unfolded and had no part in the transition, other than to step up and agree to be the Conservative candidate in the upcoming election.”
Sharpe said after consulting with each board member individually, they all agreed they would like to “fully and enthusiastically” support Canyon during the upcoming federal election campaign.
“While we may have questions about the communication of this appointment, we are fully in agreement that he is an exemplary candidate that can defeat the incumbent and return Central Nova to the Conservative fold,” Sharpe stated.
Canyon had been named by the federal party as the Conservative candidate following the resignation of Roger MacKay, who stepped down citing personal reasons. The federal campaign appointment was consistent with the constitution and bylaws of the party, Sharpe explained.
“Given the shortness of time before the election and the quality of the candidate, he was quickly offered the candidacy, and accepted it.”
Luke Young, who lost to Roger MacKay in the May nomination meeting, had expressed on social media his disappointment at the way Canyon’s appointment was done.
“I think that it’s unfortunate that the process was handled as poorly as it was handled,” he said in a phone interview with The News on last Thursday.
But at this point, he said, “the train left the station” and he doesn’t think there was any appetite in trying to change the candidate or hold another nomination meeting.
Wes Surrett, who had also competed for the nomination, said he has been inundated with calls, texts and Facebook messages from people expressing their frustrations since Canyon’s appointment. He said Canyon did reach out to him and they had a conversation, but he said he doesn’t believe the board giving their endorsement for Canyon is going to satisfy all members.
“What I’m gathering from the members is they’re upset that their vote didn’t count for anything. I think that’s where the frustration lies. They don’t feel like it was a democratic process.”
At the previous nomination meeting, Surrett said membership had a chance to hear where all the candidates stood on major issues. But the membership didn’t have that opportunity with Canyon.