Nova Scotia Liberal leadership race gets second candidate ahead of Friday deadline

A second candidate has jumped into the race to succeed Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil as provincial Liberal leader and premier, ensuring a contest ahead of the party’s deadline for entrants.

Iain Rankin, who represents the Halifax-area riding of Timberlea-Prospect, officially launched his campaign on Monday after resigning as minister of lands and forestry.

The 37-year-old joins Labi Kousoulis, the former minister of labour and advanced education, who became the first candidate to declare last week.

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In a news release, Rankin said he wants to renew his party and lead the province’s economic recovery during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Leadership is about listening,” said Rankin. “It’s about learning from past successes and mistakes. It is about having the courage to lead when the future is uncertain.”

Rankin, who also formerly served as minister of environment, was first elected to the legislature in 2013 and was re-elected in 2017.

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He said his campaign platform would focus on six priorities: a strong economic recovery from COVID-19, modernized health care, bold climate action, empowerment through education, smart investments in infrastructure, and social and racial justice.

“I look forward to talking to Nova Scotians across the province to hear about what matters most to them, because it’s not always about what you know, it’s about how much you are willing to learn,” Rankin said.

Candidates have until Friday to enter the race, with a new leader set to be chosen Feb. 6.

2:18 Premier Stephen McNeil stepping down as leader of N.S.

McNeil announced his resignation suddenly in August, saying it was time for him to leave politics.

Under campaign rules, candidates must pay a $60,000 fee to enter the race, of which $10,000 is potentially refundable. The refundable portion is a compliance fee to ensure all candidates follow the rules.

They also won’t be allowed to incur campaign expenses totalling more than $350,000.

The party will use a preferential ballot system to elect its next leader.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 5, 2020.