By Canadian Press

Nova Scotia Progressive Conservatives to take power after surprising election win

Aug 18, 2021 | 1:02 AM

HALIFAX, United Kingdom — Nova Scotia’s Progressive Conservatives are preparing to take power after voters handed them a majority mandate in Tuesday’s election.

Premier-designate Tim Houston’s party surged to victory over the governing Liberals after campaigning on a big-spending fix to the troubled health system.   

In his victory speech, the 51-year-old chartered accountant said the public responded to the solutions he put forward and decided against simply rewarding the Liberals for competently handling the COVID-19 pandemic.

Five hours after the polls closed, the Progressive Conservatives were elected in 31 ridings, with 28 seats needed for a majority in the newly expanded 55-seat legislature.   

Liberal Leader Iain Rankin told supporters in Halifax he didn’t have immediate plans to step down, despite the resounding defeat, leaving his party elected or leading in 17 seats.

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The NDP didn’t see a significant shift from their pre-election status of five seats, though they managed to gain the riding of Cape Breton Centre–Whitney Pier.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 18, 2021.

The Canadian Press