The Grapevine on Government Special Provincial Election Questionnaire: PETER HARRISON
By Emily Leeson & Emily KathanÂ
We asked a series of questions to all the candidates from Hants West, Kings North, Kings South, Kings West, and Annapolis. We’ve printed a selection of these questions and answers in The Grapevine. Leading up to the election on May 30, we’ll be sharing online the entire questionnaire as completed by each candidate who took the time to do so.
The answers below were provided by: Peter Harrison, PC Candidate for Kings South
GV (The Grapevine): What strategies are being used by your campaign to engage potential voters, particularly in demographics with typically low voter turnout? Do you have specific strategies for engaging with youth?
We are canvassing every day and it is our goal to ensure that we reach as many people as possible over the course of the campaign. We have a great team with volunteers of all ages working with us. To me it is really important to ask people to help out and get involved. It’s a great way to engage people in the process.
I’ll also be participating in a question and answer session on May 23rd co-sponsored by Chamber of Commerce and Kings County News. Social media is also a great way to connect with the community.
GV:Â What do you think might present barriers to higher voter turnout? What is your campaign doing to overcome those barriers?
I think it’s unfortunate that we’ve had such low voter turnouts in the past. I think we’ll see an increase in numbers this election. With the McNeil government cutting and slashing from frontline works and all sectors, it’s made people engage with the government and the election. I’m going to try to speak with every constituent of Kings South and make sure they know who I am and what I stand for. One thing that could help is if we take the politics out of election timing by introducing fixed election dates something PCs support.
GV: What’s the most interesting question a constituent has asked you as you’ve been campaigning door to door?
People are worried about the economy and the crumbling roads. It comes up often. Jamie Baillie has a strong plan to grow the economy to pay for important services like health care and education.
GV:Â How does your daily life differ now that the election has been called?
I’ve always been involved in the community as a volunteer and a lifelong resident of the Valley, so attending events isn’t anything new for me. Plus, my kids always keep me busy. It has been great to get out and talk with folks about what’s on their minds.
GV:Â Describe the way you see the relationship between MLAs and the municipal units within their electoral districts. How would you work with towns and counties to further mutual interests?
The flow of communication needs to remain open. As an MLA, if there are things that a municipality needs help with or has concerns about, I want them to feel comfortable reaching out to me. I will take action to get answers and results.
GV:Â The Valley has a vibrant and growing creative economy. What policies and strategies do you propose to support and expand the arts community at the provincial level?
One I would like to point out is our film industry. I think there’s huge potential there for the valley. Our landscape is breathtaking. The film industry is internationally-recognized and is responsible for increasing tourism, fostering cultural pride and generating jobs in rural communities. We will work with the industry to reinstate a workable film tax credit.
GV:Â What are you doing to support and attract young families living and working in rural Nova Scotia?
By making sure families in rural Nova Scotia have the same quality of life that a family would have in Halifax. We will make sure families have excellent access to healthcare, education and services. We would ensure this by creating jobs and invest in sectors like healthcare, education and infrastructure.
GV: Will you have time to attend Apple Blossom Festival events this year? What’s your favourite event?
Yes, I will be attending and participating, my favourite event is the parade. I have been involved with many aspects of the parade for years.
