Burrill: Byelections offer voters real, clear choice

HALIFAX - The three byelections this summer provide a clear opportunity for voters to demand meaningful action to address the health care crisis.

“Emergency rooms are closed or overcrowded, people can’t find a family doctor, and seniors are stranded in hospitals waiting for a bed in long-term care,” said NDP Leader Gary Burrill. “In these byelections, voters have a choice between the Liberals, whose record on health care has been defined by crisis and confusion, the Conservatives, who won’t commit to keeping hospitals open, or the NDP’s path of increased investment in people’s health.”

During six years in government the Liberals have not opened a single new nursing home bed but have instead focused on centralizing health care decision making in Halifax. In Northside-Westmount particularly, the choice couldn’t be more clear.

“Stephen McNeil is closing the Northside General Hospital and Conservative Leader Tim Houston has refused to sign the pledge to keep the hospital open,” said Burrill. “The only way to vote for keeping the hospital is to vote for the NDP.”

Ronald Crowther is the NDP candidate in Northside-Westmount. Mary Beth MacDonald is running in Sydney River-Mira-Louisbourg. Robin Smith is running in Argyle-Barrington. The three byelections will be held on September 3rd.

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