Pictou Centre race starting to take shape
Pictou Centre PC MLA Pat Dunn will be vying against Liberal candidate Jim McKenna in the next provincial election.
McKenna won the nomination election to represent the Nova Scotia Liberal Party in the next provincial election.
Due to COVID-19, the nomination meeting was conducted virtually, with the vote taking place entire-ly online and over the phone.
Dunn, as the incumbent, will be seeking a fourth term representing the riding.
McKenna currently serves on the boards of the Pictou County Fuel Fund, the Pictou Academy Educational Fund and Pictou County Safe Harbour. He was recognized earlier this year by the Pictou County Chamber of Commerce for creating the Facebook page “Helping During Coronavirus – Pictou County,” a virtual community space for neighbours and businesses to connect during the pandemic.
“I want to be part of the Liberal government that will help Nova Scotians recover from the pandemic, and ensure that Pictou County has a voice in government when important decisions are made,” McKenna said in a release. “I have happily spent a lifetime serving my community, and I am thrilled to be taking this next step toward advocating for Pictou County in government.”
He recently retired from Nova Scotia Community College – Pictou Campus after 30 years as an instructor, counsellor and manager of student services. He and his wife Wanda live in New Glasgow. They have two adult children.
“Pictou Centre is fortunate to have Jim as their Liberal candidate,” says Premier Iain Rankin. “I am eager to work alongside Jim as we begin this new chapter in Nova Scotia.”
DUNN
During the recent legislative session, Dunn advocated for additional life-saving dialysis chairs, more resources for addictions and mental health and pushed for a fair process to construct a P-8 school in his constituency.
“It’s been a tremendous pleasure and privilege to serve the people of Stellarton, New Glasgow and Trenton,” Dunn said in a recent release. “There is more work to be done, and I look forward to making improvements in our community.”
Dunn is a strong supporter of the vision being laid out by the PC caucus, including dignity for seniors, universal mental health care, improved access to primary health care providers and implementing an aggressive approach to recruiting doctors.
Dunn and the PC team introduced 16 different pieces of health legislation on the first day of the recent spring session and have been dedicated advocates for fixing a fractured system.
“Pat is a conscientious MLA who has shown his dedication to fighting for health care and the people in his community,” says PC Leader Tim Houston. “I am glad to have a former cabinet minister and quality community leader on our team as we bring change to our province and Hope for Healthcare back to Pictou County and across Nova Scotia.
The NDP have yet to announce a candidate for the Pictou Centre riding. No date has been set for the next election.