New political party taking shape in N.S.
Posted Mar 12, 2010 05:26:15 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
There’s a new kid on the political block in Nova Scotia.
The Atlantica Party has now been officially recognized as a political party by Elections Nova Scotia and its leader is vowing to field candidates in all 52 ridings in the next provincial election.
The Atlantica Party calls itself a grassroots pro-democracy movement and the province’s only real option for electoral reform.
They might have only 20 members signed up right now, but leader Jonathon Dean says they’re quite serious about forming government some day.
“We’re for real, we’re serious, and we have valid good ideas that are an alternative to what people have right now,” he said.
They might now have official recognition as a party, but whether Nova Scotians know who they are is another issue.
Premier Darrell Dexter hasn’t heard of them.
Cape Breton University political science professor Tom Urbaniak says they’ve got an uphill battle.
“Some more stars have to align if we’re going to take the Atlantica Party seriously,” he said. “It will need a high-profile leader or candidate.”
Jonathon Dean remains confident, saying his party offers Nova Scotians a true choice between the bleak status quo or a hopeful future.
