Two announce run for NDP nomination in Pictou Centre
Two people have come forward seeking the NDP nomination in Pictou Centre. Henderson Paris and John Atwater both made their intentions to run known this week. Pictou Centre includes the towns of Stellarton, New Glasgow and Trenton.
A nomination meeting will be announced in the coming weeks.
John Atwater
Atwater worked as a youth worker with the Children’s Aid Society of Pictou County for many years. As well, he was a counsellor attendant with the Pictou Detox Unit, and a house manager with Highland Community Residential Services. He sat as the employee representative on the Board of Umpires for Employment Insurance. He is currently employed with The Nova Scotia Community College as faculty in the Social Services Program. “I am excited to have a chance at representing the NDP and [party leader] Gary Burrill in this next provincial election,” said Atwater. “I hope as well to have the opportunity to represent the people of Pictou Centre as their MLA.”
Through his work, Atwater sat on the provincial executive and national committees for the Canadian Union of Public Employees. He was a local president for the NSGEU and now is a Campus Rep with the Nova Scotia Teachers Union. Atwater attended the Labour College of Canada through the Canadian Labour Congress.
“More than ever, we need to be investing to reduce inequality and expand opportunities for people,” said Atwater. “The NDP proposals for eliminating community college tuition, raising the minimum wage to $15, and getting families out of food banks are ideas with which I strongly identify.”
Atwater said he is looking forward to speaking with community members about the next provincial election.
Henderson Paris
A candidate in the 2016 election for mayor of New Glasgow, Paris is known for his human rights activism and community involvement.
“Having spent the last 12 years proudly representing the Town of New Glasgow as a municipal councillor, I have gained valuable knowledge and insight on the impact of policies and government decision-making on our communities, as well as an understanding of our residents’ concerns,” said Paris.
Paris has served twice as deputy mayor of New Glasgow. In 1990 he founded the Run Against Racism, an awareness campaign and annual event to combat racial discrimination.
“Pictou Centre is an area that has much potential for future growth and prosperity, however, we must be willing to accept the challenge of sustainable, decent-paying jobs, and commit to investing in people’s incomes, health and opportunities,” said Paris.
Paris said the province needs to invest in the potential of people in Pictou County, and in the futures of their children and grandchildren.
“Greater efforts must be made to ensure that our young people have the support and opportunities that will encourage them to stay and build a life for themselves and their families here in Pictou Centre.”
He said he has the knowledge, determination and passion for this role.
“As MLA I hope to continue doing what I love to do, which is work and help all people within our communities,” he said. “I strongly feel that my views and aspirations align well with those of the NDP and I am extremely excited to help advance Gary Burrill’s vision of a people-centred economy.”