Masland re-offering, says PCs are the government in waiting

Queens-Shelburne MLA Kim Masland will re-offer in the new riding of Queens. Photo Ed Halverson
The MLA for Queens Shelburne is coming back for more.
Kim Masland has announced she will represent the Progressive Conservatives in Queens in the next provincial election.
Masland wants to continue to work on behalf of the people in her community.
“Even though it’s not a big fancy building or it’s not a repaved highway, for me, I know I’ve made a difference, I’ve made an impact in that person’s life and no one will probably ever know about it. But I do, and they do and that’s why I entered into this job, to care for people,” said Masland.
The first-time MLA was elected in the riding of Queens-Shelburne in 2017.
She says representing a large constituency with very different populations over the past four years has been challenging.
The electoral boundaries have been redrawn for the next election to divide the two communities and Masland has chosen to run in Queens, the district she has always called home.
“Queens is home for me,” said Masland. “You know, I was brought up in Queens and I’ve never left. I’m looking forward to be able to, 100 percent focus on Queens County.”
Masland has spent her time in the legislature on the opposition benches and she is optimistic when the final ballots are tallied the PC caucus will be sitting on the government side of the house.
“I truly believe that we are the government in waiting. I truly believe that after the next election there will be a PC government caring for our province,” said Masland.
Despite her party affiliation, Masland says she would like to see an end of partisan politics and games in Nova Scotia.
“If the Liberals or the NDP bring forth great legislation, or speak to a bill that I know is going to benefit my constituents I’m the first one clapping for them. It doesn’t matter to me. It’s all about what is the best for the people we represent,” said Masland.
Often when politicians hit the campaign trail many promises are made that are forgotten once candidates are elected.
Masland says one commitment she guarantees she will keep is to bring decisions about health care back to a local level.
“The administration that was created by the sitting government, by the Liberal government, has basically put decision-making of how healthcare is delivered into glass towers in Halifax.,” said Masland. “That has made things very difficult for the delivery of healthcare in small, rural areas such as Queens County.”
Masland’s family supports her decision to reoffer even though it means they will continue to take a back seat to the people of Queens.
It was a comment from her daughter that Masland says really underscores her family’s understanding of the sacrifices she makes.
“She said Mom, you know what, it’s okay. And of course, my children are grown and are out my house but, [she said] we’ll share you again with constituents because we know they need you.”
The next general election must be called by spring of 2022.
All parties are in the process of solidifying their roster of candidates as Nova Scotia is the only province in Canada without fixed election dates and Premier Iain Rankin could call an election at any time.
Reported by Ed Halverson
E-mail: edhalversonnews@gmail.com
Twitter: @edwardhalverson
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