When will Nova Scotians go to the polls?
Speculation is pointing to a late-fall provincial election.
Cape Breton University political scientist Tom Urbaniak says an election call is ‘likely’ over the next several days.
“I’m feeling the vibes everywhere, I’m seeing pre-election advertising, the final nominations of candidates. Everything right now is pointing to a fall provincial election,” said Urbaniak.
He says the only thing that would delay Premier Tim Houston is if a federal election was imminent.
Urbaniak adds it’s a risk for Houston, as he’d be going back on his word to implement a fixed-election date.
“This was Bill number one of the Tim Houston government. Tim Houston rose in the house and gave argument after argument, criticizing the other parties for not having brought in fixed election dates. He argued it would create a fairer playing field. He’s calculating that other issues will take over.”
The election would have to be called by July, 2025.
Urbaniak adds Houston probably thinks the time is right for his PC Party, as Justin Trudeau’s Liberals remain in power federally.
He expects the opposition Liberals and NDP to point to healthcare and affordability issues in their attack ads on Houston.
