KENTVILLE, N.S. — For the first time in a long time, Scott Brison’s name won’t be on the ballot when voters turn out to select a new Member of Parliament for Kings-Hants. Canadians are going to the polls Oct. 21 and here’s a look at who’s seeking support in the local riding:
Green Party of Canada:
Brogan Anderson
Brogan Anderson works with the Annapolis Valley Regional Library. Hailing from Quebec, she is fluent in both English and French.
Anderson has lived in the Annapolis Valley for 18 years. She serves the local chapters of the Sierra Club and Council of Canadians.
She’s throwing her hat in the political ring to push for a green economy in Canada’s future.
Liberal Party of Canada:
Kody Blois
Kody Blois is an articled clerk with the McInnes Cooper law firm. He hails from a working-class family in Belnan, Hants County. In addition to law, he studied commerce, public administration and political science in university.
He’s well known in the hockey community in East Hants – and beyond. Blois was draft pick for the Q’s Halifax Mooseheads in 2008. Closer to home, he had a hand in the founding of the East Hants Sport Heritage Society and the evolution of Tide Fest, a popular summer festival spearheaded by the Come Home East Hants Association.
Conservative Party of Canada:
Martha MacQuarrie
Martha MacQuarrie is no stranger to politics. She’s well known in the Kentville area as the manager of Kings North PC MLA John Lohr’s constituency office.
She is a Rotarian and community volunteer devoted to several causes supporting health and children’s education.
MacQuarrie serves as the chairperson for the Landmark East Foundation, a group that raises funds for bursaries that helps students take part in the boarding and day school’s programs for individuals with language and learning difficulties.
New Democratic Party (NDP)
Stephen Schneider
Stephen Schneider is a criminology professor at St. Mary’s University.
The Wolfville resident is regarded as a national expert in crime prevention and organized crime. He’s shared his knowledge on both subjects as a consultant for the federal government, and he’s also penned five books on the topics.
He moved to the Annapolis Valley in 2003, first settling in the Aylesford Lake area.
He’s volunteered as a board member for the Wolfville Children’s Centre and local minor basketball coach.
People’s Party of Canada
Matthew Southall
Matthew Southall grew up in Kentville and spent his school years in Kings County.
He’s studied at Memorial University, worked as a technician for Bell Aliant and does stand-up comedy as a hobby.
A freedom of speech advocate, he plans on challenging the “politically correct” culture.
Southall said he gained a strong understanding of living conditions throughout Kings-Hants while responding to in-home service calls with Bell, and he’s also learned the importance of advocating for better mental health services firsthand.