Cumberland North MLA hopes for a less challenging year
Collaboration, health care key issues for Smith-McCrossin
After a year of ups and downs, Cumberland North MLA Elizabeth Smith-McCrossin remains optimistic this year will be much brighter than the past one for her riding.
2021 was another year full of COVID-19 restrictions that hit the border region between Nova Scotia and New Brunswick very hard, restricting access to health care and dividing families in both provinces.
To Smith-McCrossin, it showed the need for better collaboration and cooperation by the Maritime provinces.
“Maritime collaboration and improving health outcomes for our people are my two top priorities for 2022,” the MLA said in an interview with SaltWire Network.
“It has become increasingly evident the importance of our economies, health care and families that we can be stronger as a Maritime region rather than standing alone in isolation.”
The MLA said she is pledging to work collaboratively with others to seek healthcare ideas and solutions.
She said the health-care system needs to focus on human needs.
Looking back at 2021, Smith-McCrossin said it was a difficult year for many — mostly because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
“We continued with the many struggles we have been facing as a result of COVID19. It seemed every time we thought things might improve, a new obstacle arose,” she said. “We live in a border community, we have all seen how difficult things can get, especially during a global pandemic.
“We are a strong people, but when we see cases growing, it not only gives us fear about the health and safety of our families and friends, but we also know the real life impacts it can have on our economy, our paychecks, our resources and our wellbeing.”
She said she understands the health protocols were put in place to protect people, but at many times during 2021, frustration crept in and left many wondering why Nova Scotia and New Brunswick couldn’t do a better job of working together on Public Health protocols.
“What became very obvious to the people of Cumberland and myself was that the provincial government was simply not aware of how essential travel was across the Chignecto isthmus to New Brunswick,” Smith-McCrossin said.
It was this growing frustration that led to the temporary closure of the Trans-Canada Highway at Thomson Station in June. The MLA said she was not involved in the planning, but took a stand with her constituents.
After that closure ended several hours after starting, a group of protesters closed the border at Fort Lawrence — a blockade that lasted nearly 24 hours. Smith-McCrossin did not endorse or support the blockade but was removed from the PC caucus in response to what took place at Thomson Station and the border.
She said she is still disappointed about what happened with her expulsion from caucus, but she is also proud to be an independent MLA. She said she “supports and respects” Premier Tim Houston and will continue to serve as an independent.
“The people of Cumberland North elected me to a second term as MLA. Voters deserve a voice in government,” she said. “That is democracy. My hope is that the work I do for the people will shine as an example of the democratic leadership rather than being a yes-person for a party leader.”
The fall session of the legislature was her first as an independent MLA and she feels it was a success as she introduced several pieces of legislation, including immediate action for the Isthmus of Chignecto, enhanced reporting tools for the Adult Protection Program, and the creation of Nova Scotia Bonds to boost the economy and support for psychiatric care at the Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre.
One of the biggest positives of the past year was the government’s announcement in December to eliminate tolls on the Cobequid Pass between Thomson Station and Glenholme.
Looking ahead, she said she will continue to work for the enhancement of mental health and addictions services in Cumberland County while pushing government for the release of a plan on addressing the failing dikes on the isthmus between Amherst and Sackville, N.B.
She is also looking forward to the redevelopment of the emergency department at the regional hospital and will continue to push for the creation of a cancer care centre there as well.
Smith-McCrossin has also created a housing task force to address an acute housing issue in the riding, while she also wants to work with new Cumberland-Colchester MP Dr. Stephen Ellis on the future of the Col. James Layton Ralston Armoury in Amherst.