N.S. voters say environment, health care, homelessness, among top election issues

The Chronicle Herald spoke to people out and about in Halifax about the issues that they care about the most. Here’s what they had to say. 

Environment

For Philip Church, who is from Hantsport and currently lives in a van with no fixed address, saving the environment — and Owls Head Provincial Park specifically from being developed into golf courses and residential properties — is most important.“What’s wrong with the status quo? Why do we always have to be taking more land away from animals and wildlife? I think we’re good where we are,” said Church, 42.

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JIM VIBERT: Without answers, Rankin’s credibility suffers

Naturalist Bob Bancroft and the Eastern Shore Forest Watch were in court last week making the case that the secret removal of Owls Head from the list denied the public an opportunity to be heard. There was broad public consultation to develop the list.

… Rankin’s defence of the behind-closed-doors machinations was vague and vapid. He talked about listening to Nova Scotians and following the right process.

Yet, all available evidence suggests Rankin and the government listened only to the golf course proponents and their well-connected Liberal lobbyists. As for the process, it was hidden from Nova Scotians, who just happen to own the land.

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