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MLA for Truro area riding feels positive about increase in number of women elected
For election recaps for the ridings of Colchester North and Truro-Bible Hill-Salmon River-Millbrook,
Lenore Zann is hopeful the large number of women elected Tuesday night will result in less competitiveness in the Legislature.
The Truro-Bible Hill-Millbrook-Salmon River NDP candidate was one of 17 women elected during the provincial election.
“I’m hoping having more women will change the dynamics,” she said. “Hopefully, it will lessen the competitiveness that happens sometimes in the house.
“Sometimes the men try to outdo one another. When something upsets one, they’ve retaliated and that shows up by crazy hours in the house. Everyone’s punished. Sometimes one house leader is upset with another and they drag everyone along with them.”
She said she gets along well with many of the women in all parties and considers them friends, but stresses it’s not necessary to be pals to work together.
There were 17 women elected (seven Liberals, five NDP and five Progressive Conservatives),
compared to 15 in 2013.
“I’m thrilled and grateful that I kept my seat, and glad to see the large number by which I won.
“I think having Gary (Burrill) will strengthen us. He’s a passionate and caring person and a very good speaker.
“We’ve got a strong, passionate team from all walks of life.”
For awhile it looked like the NDP might hold the balance of power, and she’s disappointed things didn’t turn out that way.
“I’m disappointed for all the people hurt by the McNeil government, but we will keep fighting for them. I’ll be focusing my
energy on our community and my portfolios, and working as hard as ever.”
Zann first won her seat in 2009 and held it in 2013. This year there were 16,345 registered electors in the riding, and 7,744 valid votes were cast. Zann received 43.32 per cent of those votes. Voter turnout in the riding was 47.70 per cent.
Opponents’ reaction Running in the provincial election was a positive experience for Keltie Jones, who represented the PC party in Truro-Bible Hill-Millbrook-Salmon River, and finished second to Lenore Zann in votes.
“I had a great time and had so many amazing conversations with people,” she said. “I had a great time.
“Everyone worked hard and cares deeply. Before the results were in I told them that no matter what happens, there are no losers.”
Now that the election is over she hopes to catch up on her sleep and her job.
Craig Johnson, who represented the Liberal party, said he’s happy with the hard work of his campaign team.
“I’m disappointed that the community is once again in third place,” he said. “I think it’s a disadvantage to elect someone who’s in third place opposition.” He added he will continue to be involved in politics in the future.