By akademiotoelektronik, 20/04/2022

Elections in Nova Scotia: three priorities for the Acadians of Clare and Argyle

Clare and Argyle are two protected Acadian ridings, that is to say they are formed in such a way as to give Acadians a chance to be better represented in the Legislative Assembly of Nova Scotia. They have a total of about 13,000 voters.

affordable housing

One of the primary concerns of voters in Clare and Argyle is the lack of affordable housing.

Whether they are university students or even people of my generation who want to come back to live in Clare, they can no longer afford housing because the houses are too expensive and there are very few apartments , deplores Natalie Robichaud, executive director of the Société acadienne de Clare.

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Many older people can no longer afford to maintain their homes and need [a place] to go , says Argyle Town Warden Danny Muise.

Mr. Muise would like the provincial government to subsidize the construction of affordable housing, but for the moment, he does not feel listened to.

Healthcare

Constituents in Clare and Argyle are also concerned about shortcomings in the health care system. There are a lot of people who don't have a family doctor and that's a big problem , says Danny Muise. For him, there are flaws in the system at all levels and the next government will need several years to fill them.

Simon LeBlanc is a fisherman, musician and manager of the tourist company Tusket Island Tours.

Photo: Radio-Canada / Peter Dawson

Simon LeBlanc, co-owner of the Tusket Island Tours tourism business, says the province must act quickly to promote the region's merits to doctors and their families. This weekend I have a tour with doctors who are starting their careers now and we hope to have ways to keep those doctors in the Yarmouth area without them having to go somewhere else , he said.

Natalie Robichaud hopes the next MP will speak French and understand Acadians.

Photo: Radio-Canada / Peter Dawson

The reconciliation

The inhabitants of Clare still have in mind the conflicts between native and non-native fishermen around the lobster fishery.

Personally, Natalie Robichaud thinks that the next provincial deputy will have a role to play in resolving the conflict.

Musician Guyaume Boulianne wants to believe that the long friendship between the Mi'kmaq and Acadians is stronger than the recent fishing dispute.

If I could chat with the candidates, my most burning question would be: what is their plan to bring our community closer to the indigenous communities?

Meteghan, in the Municipality of Clare, is not immune to the housing crisis in Canada.

Photo: Radio-Canada / Peter Dawson

Electors of Clare and Argyle hope that their next MNA will defend their culture and their language in Halifax, in particular to have the bilingual character of the municipality of Clare officially recognized and to obtain a contribution from the province to the financing of the next Congrès mondial acadien which is due to take place in Clare and Argyle in 2024.