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Unifor is calling on all political parties to adopt platforms that support workers, with the Nova Scotia provincial Election Day set for Tuesday, August 17, 2021.
“This election is an opportunity for workers to unite to demand policies from the next provincial government to improve daily life, both on the job and in their communities,” said Unifor Atlantic Regional Director Linda MacNeil. “When Unifor members vote and work together, we can elect candidates who will protect good jobs, support key industries, and safeguard and strengthen crucial social services, including health and long-term care.”
Unifor is calling on all parties to come forward with clear platforms that reflect workers’ priorities and set the path for a just recovery, including commitments to:
- Enact paid sick days for all workers
- Increase healthcare spending and invest in programs to recruit healthcare and long-term care workers.
- Invest in the protection of forestry jobs with stringent environmental and worker safety regulations and respect for First Nations.
The COVID-19 pandemic exposed multiple cracks in Nova Scotia’s economic and social safety net systems, including low wages and precarious work and the damaging effects of cuts to long-term care.
“During the pandemic, our health and long-term care members experienced firsthand the devastating results of chronic government underfunding and lack of paid sick days. Now is the time to support candidates who will take action,” said MacNeil.
Unifor member Angela Downey, a Continuing Care Assistant who has worked in long-term care for over 18 years, is running as the NS-NDP candidate in Hammonds Plains – Lucasville.
This provincial election will see the number of seats rise to 55 from the current 51, following the recommendations of the Electoral Boundaries Commission, with the goal to increase the participation and representation of Acadians and African-Nova Scotians.
View maps of the new electoral districts here.
Upon dissolution, the seat count stood at 24 for the Liberal government, 17 Conservative, five NDP, three independent and two vacant.
This is Liberal leader Iain Rankin’s first provincial election since taking over from former Premier Stephen McNeil in February 2021. This will also be the first election for Tim Houston since becoming Progressive Conservative leader in October 2018, while NDP leader Gary Burrill has led his party since February 2016.
“The policies that emerge from this campaign will shape Nova Scotia post-pandemic,” said MacNeil. “Workers can make a real difference in this election, but only when we participate and make sure our voices are heard.”
To volunteer with the Unifor Votes election campaign please contact Jennifer Benoit at @email.
For more information visit ns.uniforvotes.ca
