The federal election is April 28Published Apr 25, 2025 • Last updated 11 hours ago • 4 minute readTo help voters choose, The Truro News reached out to candidates in the Cumberland-Colchester riding with a short list of questions about their priorities in this election. Photo by Contributed /The Truro NewsCOLCHESTER COUNTY – On April 28, Canadians will head to the polls.According to Elections Canada, there was a 62.6 per cent overall voter turnout in the last federal election in 2021. That year, eight of the 11 seats in Nova Scotia were won by the Liberal Party. The remaining three were won by the Conservative Party.Some of the issues Canadians are focused on in this election are relations with the U.S., cost of living, health care and infrastructure, to name a few.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentTo help voters choose, the Truro News reached out to candidates in the Cumberland-Colchester riding with a short list of questions about their priorities in this election.Cumberland-Colchester The federal riding of Cumberland-Colchester, which has a population of 82,014. Photo by Elections Canada /Truro NewsPopulation: 82,014Riding description: Major communities include Truro, Stewiacke, Amherst and Millbrook First Nation.Candidates:Conservative PartyDr. Stephen Ellis (incumbent) Dr. Stephen Ellis, Conservative Party candidate for Cumberland-Colchester in the 2025 federal election. Photo by Contributed /Truro NewsAge: 56Occupation: Physician and former Member of Parliament, currently the Conservative candidate for Cumberland–ColchesterWhat do you consider the top issue in this election in 50 words or less? Affordability and homeownership are deeply connected—and both are slipping out of reach. People in Cumberland–Colchester can’t afford to live, work, and own in the communities they grew up in. We need change now to bring down costs, restore opportunity, and protect the next generation of Canadians.Article contentWhat’s one thing you want to accomplish in your term as MP in 50 words or less? I want to help bring homeownership back within reach for working families in Cumberland–Colchester. That means cutting barriers to new builds, supporting skilled trades, and making housing more affordable so the next generation can build their future right here at home.What’s one thing people might not know about you? I served in the Royal Canadian Air Force for nine years and was a flight surgeon. During this time, I was deployed to the Middle East and was awarded the Special Service Medal with a Peace Bar and the Canadian Peacekeeping Service Medal. I had the privilege to serve as Honourary Colonel for the Nova Scotia Highlanders. After these combined years of service, I was awarded the Canadian Forces Decoration (CD).Article contentGreen PartyKelly-Ann Callaghan Kelly-Ann Callaghan, Green Party candidate for Cumberland-Colchester in the 2025 federal election. Photo by Green Party of Canada /Truro NewsAge: 38Occupation: Marketing Specialist for Small Business RetailersWhat do you consider the top issue in this election in 50 words or less? Affordability is the top issue in this election. Housing, groceries, taxes and tariffs. How we move forward in the next five years will determine how many people we can save from avoidable poverty.What’s one thing you want to accomplish in your term as MP in 50 words or less? Fix housing first. Ban corporate landlords in large urban centres, stop treating homes like stocks, and overhaul zoning to build more real, affordable housing. Every Canadian deserves a safe place to live—housing is a human right, not an investment strategy.What’s one thing people might not know about you? My favourite board games to play are chess and Catan.Article contentLiberal PartyAlana Hirtle Alana Hirtle, Liberal Party candidate for Cumberland-Colchester in the 2025 federal election. Photo by Contributed /Truro NewsAge: 56Occupation: Business Development Officer with CBDC NOBLWhat do you consider the top issue in this election in 50 words or less? We are in the middle of unprecedented attacks on our economy and sovereignty. There is a clear choice in this election: who is best to deal with Trump, Mark Carney or Pierre Poilievre. For me, Mark Carney is the clear choice.What’s one thing you want to accomplish in your term as MP in 50 words or less? I have spent the last decade supporting small business owners by building pathways to opportunity. I will dedicate my time in Ottawa to standing up for the rural values that raised me, and the Canadian businesses that make Nova Scotia one of the best places to call home.Article contentWhat’s one thing people might not know about you? After our community was struck by tragedy, I stepped up as one of the lead organizers on the Portapique Community Build Up Project, leading the public relations and fundraising teams, raising about $1.5 million. The playground opened in 2021, and the beautiful Portaupique Community Centre opened June 2024. Community service is what drives me every day.NDPLarry Duchesne Larry Duchesne, NDP candidate for Cumberland-Colchester in the 2025 federal election. Photo by Schwalen Photography /Truro NewsAge: N/AOccupation: Retired teacherWhat do you consider the top issue in this election in 50 words or less? The main issue in this campaign is protecting the environment in the face of economic challenges caused by the actions of Donald Trump. We will stand up to Trump but won’t allow unregulated exploitation of our natural resources as a consequence. We say no to gas and oil pipeline projects that keep us dependent on burning fossil fuels.Article contentWhat’s one thing you want to accomplish in your term as MP in 50 words or less? During my first term as MP I will fight with Jagmeet Singh to ensure gains like dental care, Pharmacare and Medicare will be protected and improved. I will fight for a ban on the aerial spraying of poisonous chemicals like glyphosate on our forests and for stricter controls on their use in farming.What’s one thing people might not know about you? My fun project. On my three-acre plot in River Philip I have planted trees native to Nova Scotia, a few trees each year, so that 15 years after I started, all the species are here except one balsam poplar. Many I planted are happily reproducing. I have enjoyed and learned much.Article content
Cumberland-Colchester candidates talk election issues
