Three PC MLAs eye potential jump into federal politics
Posted Apr 12, 2019 05:39:58 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
The Nova Scotia Legislature could look a little different went it returns for the next session.
That's because there's a possibility three PC MLAs could be seeking nominations in the upcoming federal election.
Chris d'Entremont, MLA for Argyle-Barrington, confirmed late last year his desire to seek the Conservative Party of Canada nomination for the West Nova riding.
D'Entremont spoke to reporters at Province House, saying if he gets the nod, he will not be returning in the fall.
“It's my intention to seek that nomination,” he said. “The rules of this House say that once I receive that nomination, if I receive that nomination, I have to resign my position. So that's going to happen in the next couple of months, so I don't see me coming back in October.”
Eddie Orrell, MLA for Northside-Westmount, also may be looking to make the switch to the federal realm in Sydney-Victoria. Long-time MP for the riding, Mark Eyking, announced in February he would not be reoffering.
“With the federal member moving on, it's time to get back to a Tory government in Ottawa to help deliver more to the area,” said Orrell. “The pots are bigger, the issues are bigger, I'm up for a challenge.”
Fellow PC MLA for Sydney River-Mira-Louisbourg, Alfie MacLeod, has also hinted at making the switch from provincial to federal politics.
PC leader Tim Houston says he supports all three in any future endeavours they choose to pursue.
“It'll be a busy summer if they make their decisions,” said Houston. “That'll obviously consume a lot of time and energy for myself and the party but we're excited about that.”
With NDP MLA Dave Wilson's recent retirement, that means the province could see up to four byelections by year-end.
