Anti-Trudeau sentiment a problem for Liberals in Clare
Riding has been held by the Liberals for 31 years
Throughout the Nova Scotia election campaign, the Progressive Conservatives (PCs) have sought to leverage dissatisfaction with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the federal Liberal Party to their advantage.
PC Leader Tim Houston has consistently accused Zach Churchill, leader of the Nova Scotia Liberal Party, of being "beholden" to Trudeau and the federal Liberals. This strategy could resonate in southwestern Nova Scotia, where concerns are mounting over allegations of an illegal, out-of-season lobster fishery and what some see as insufficient federal action.
In the Clare district, a longtime Liberal stronghold, these issues have added pressure on the party to maintain its footing. Clare, located along St. Mary’s Bay, has been represented by Liberals for over three decades. The last PC representative, Guy LeBlanc, lost the seat to Wayne Gaudet in 1993.
Ronnie LeBlanc, the Liberal candidate and a local fisherman, narrowly won the seat in the 2021 election by 301 votes, a stark contrast to the party’s previous larger margins. Facing challenges from PC candidate Ryan Robicheau, a community development officer, and NDP candidate Dre Taylor, LeBlanc acknowledges he is in a tough race.
"People are very concerned as they watch thousands and thousands of pounds [of lobster] being removed from St. Mary’s Bay," LeBlanc said in a recent interview. "They're not sure what the impact will be when the season opens."
The lobster fishery is a significant contributor to the local economy, and the lack of enforcement on illegal fishing is a major issue for voters in the region. LeBlanc highlighted the need for stricter monitoring and enforcement by the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) and emphasized his party’s commitment to addressing illegal fishing through measures such as cracking down on unlawful buyers and advocating for a royal commission on the matter.
Robicheau, representing the PCs, shares similar concerns. Running in his first election, the 31-year-old has emphasized the need for provincial pressure on the federal government to address illegal fishing and tackle the rising cost of living. "The local fishermen, and even people in the community — they want a voice at the table," Robicheau stated. "If we have another PC government, we want our local voice heard to address these concerns."
Anti-Trudeau sentiment has also played a role in shaping the election’s dynamic, adding challenges for the Liberal Party in Clare. While LeBlanc acknowledges the impact of the federal government’s unpopularity, he insists the focus should remain on electing a provincial government. "There’s no question there is a bit of drag from the unpopularity of the federal government, but in the end, we’re electing a Nova Scotia government," he said.
The NDP candidate for Clare, Dre Taylor, was not available for comment.
