A Conversation with the Candidates
The Halifax Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with NSAR and the Downtown Halifax Business Commission, is excited to announce we are hosting a conversation with the Nova Scotia General Election Candidates with leaders from the major provincial parties. This is your opportunity to hear from our future Premier on important issues like healthcare, taxes, education and support for businesses post-COVID.
The three candidates; Iain Rankin, Tim Houston, and Gary Burrill will give an opening statement and then the presentation will move into a Q&A format, moderated by Patrick Sullivan, President & CEO of the Halifax Chamber of Commerce.
Register today for this virtual event and submit your questions for the next premier of Nova Scotia.
MEET THE PRESENTERS:
IAIN RANKIN, LEADER OF THE NOVA SCOTIA LIBERAL PARTY
Iain Rankin is Nova Scotia’s 29th Premier.
Born in Inverness, Nova Scotia, he grew up in the community of Timberlea, which he has represented since 2013. In his youth, Iain was active in sports and music and helped manage the family business. Later, he pursued his business degree, and lived and worked in several provinces, including Alberta and Ontario as an operations manager. He returned home in 2011.
Iain was first elected to the Nova Scotia House of Assembly as MLA for the constituency of Timberlea-Prospect in 2013 and was re-elected in 2017, and was appointed Minister of Environment. In 2018, he was appointed as Minister of Lands and Forestry.
Both portfolios have shaped his view on the imperative of achieving strong economic growth that includes a focus on climate change mitigation.
Iain was sworn in as premier on Feb. 23, 2021 after being elected leader of the Nova Scotia Liberal party. Premier Rankin also serves as president of the Executive Council and Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Regulatory Affairs and Service Effectiveness. He is Minister of the Office of L’nu Affairs, formally the Office of Aboriginal Affairs, and responsible for youth, military relations and the Office of Citizen-Centered Approaches.
Today, Iain lives in Timberlea with his wife Mary, and their two dogs, Weston and Rocco.
TIM HOUSTON, LEADER OF THE NOVA SCOTIA PROGRESSIVE CONSERVATIVE PARTY
Tim is a dad. He and his wife Carol have been married for 25 years and they have two children, Paget and Zachary. As a Chartered Professional Accountant, Chartered Accountant with 20 years business leadership, Tim has strong views on the economy and cares about the community. He listens carefully to Nova Scotians and takes their concerns to the floor of the Legislature. By introducing Bills (and few MLA’s have introduced more) he drives discussion to the things that matter.
Some of his Bills include:
- Cayley's Law (Youth Mental Health support)
- Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Act
- Helping Seniors Stay at Home Act
- Lyme Disease Strategy Act
- Act to Incorporate St. Andrew's Society
- Education Fund Protection Act
- Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (Amended)
- Pensions Act (withdrawals for financial hardships)
- Exempting first responders from spring weight limits
- Service standards and penalties for NS Power
- Red Tape Reduction
- Service Dogs
- Transparency in Ministers' Expenses Act
Tim is approachable and enjoys chatting at the various community festivals, parades, sales and dinners and it is those casual, sincere interactions that give him focus and purpose.
GARY BURRILL, LEADER OF THE NOVA SCOTIA NEW DEMOCRATIC PARTY
In May 2017, he was elected as MLA for Halifax Chebucto.
Gary has spent his life working in communities around the province. He is a United Church Minister and was an MLA from 2009-2013. A graduate of Queen’s University and Harvard, Gary has worked as community organizer, a writer, and an editor.
He has published books in poetry, political economy and oral history.
In his spare time, Gary plays guitar and piano and has accompanied fiddlers at dances and community events for many years.
Gary is married to Debbie Perrott. Gary and Debbie live on Poplar Street and they have four grown children: Clayton and Rosanna are members of the band Hillsburn; Eva is a clinical therapist in addictions; and Fred is a community organizer and historian.
Date and Time
Wednesday Aug 4, 2021
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM ADT
Wednesday August 4th, 2021
10:30 am - 12:00 pm
Location
VIRTUAL
Link to attend will be in your confirmation email
Fees/Admission
FREE FOR MEMBERS AND FUTURE MEMBERS
PLEASE RSVP
Contact Information
Sandra Thomson, Event Coordinator
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