Canada’s 45th General Election began on March 23, 2025 with voting day happening on April 28.
Lunenburg County is located in the recently-redrawn riding of South Shore—St. Margarets.
The Lunenburg Barnacle reached out to all federal candidates and parties that are officially running in the election.
Rick Perkins, the Conservative Party candidate, did not respond to multiple attempts to reach him.
The South Shore—St. Margaret’s New Democratic Party (NDP) Electoral District Association (EDA) responded to our outreach saying that they would respond to our questions, but they did not submit any responses by the time of publication.
We asked candidates five questions on policy topics that we have recently covered in the Lunenburg Barnacle.
What kind of government approach do you support for Canada to reach net-zero by 2050?
Rick Perkins (Conservative Party – Incumbent):
No response given.
Mark Embrett (Green Party):
It’s time to act, it’s time for change. We need bold, immediate action—not more delays and half-measures and empty promises. I support ending all new fossil fuel projects, eliminating fossil fuel subsidies, and investing deeply in a clean energy economy that works for everyone. This can include building a modern national power grid, transitioning to 100% renewable energy, and launching a Youth Climate Corps to train and employ young people in climate adaptation and sustainability efforts across the country.
We must also make polluters pay by holding corporations accountable for their emissions, enforcing science-based pollution limits, and demanding real climate risk disclosure. The scale of the crisis demands a response as ambitious as past national mobilizations. This isn’t just about climate—it’s about protecting people, creating good jobs, and lowering energy costs in the process.
Jessica Fancy-Landry (Liberal Party):
I support ambitious, science-driven action to help Canada achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. This includes making strategic investments in clean energy, strengthening environmental regulations, and transitioning to a green economy. Our rural communities, especially along the South Shore, will benefit from green jobs in industries like renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and clean technology. As a lifelong advocate for both environmental protection and economic growth, I believe that protecting our natural resources while fostering economic resilience is crucial for future generations.
New Democratic Party:
The NDP candidate has not been officially announced yet and no response was given.
Patrick Boyd (Peoples Party):
C02 is plant food (making up 0.04% of the atmosphere) and not a means to usher in neo-feudalism; China emits more C02 than the entire collective West and China’s emissions continue to grow as they commission roughly two (2) new coal plants every week—it’s time to re-industrialise Canada by investing in our own responsible energy infrastructure.
Will you support measures to stop Israeli attacks on Gaza?
Rick Perkins (Conservative Party – Incumbent):
No response given.
Mark Embrett (Green Party):
Yes. I support a firm and principled Canadian foreign policy rooted in international law, human rights, and justice. Canada must immediately call for a ceasefire, end arms sales to Israel, and support international efforts to investigate and hold accountable those responsible for war crimes.
We must also advocate for the rights and dignity of Palestinians, including urgent humanitarian aid access and support for long-term peace-building. Justice and safety for all peoples—Israeli and Palestinian alike—can only be achieved through accountability, respect for human rights, and diplomacy over militarism.
Jessica Fancy-Landry (Liberal Party):
Canada must always stand for
human rights and justice. I am deeply committed to peace and diplomacy in the Middle
East, and I believe that international action must focus on ending violence and promoting
long-term peace between Israel and Palestine. While respecting Canada’s role in
supporting a peaceful, two-state solution, we must ensure accountability for human
rights violations and work toward bringing justice to all affected by the violence.
New Democratic Party:
The NDP candidate has not been officially announced yet and no response was given.
Patrick Boyd (Peoples Party):
The bulldozing of women and children is abhorrent and yet any ceasefire would realistically need to involve the United States given their role as the enabler of this military campaign (funding, munitions, diplomatic cover, etc.).
Do you support a proportional representation approach to electoral reform?
Rick Perkins (Conservative Party – Incumbent):
No response given.
Mark Embrett (Green Party):
This is a no brainer. Our current first-past-the-post system is broken. It distorts results, leaves millions of votes meaningless, and fuels political disillusionment. I fully support a proportional representation system where every vote counts and Parliament reflects the real diversity of views in Canada.
The Green Party also supports restoring the per-vote subsidy so smaller parties can compete fairly, lowering the voting age to 16 to empower youth, and creating a Citizens’ Assembly to shape reforms democratically. True democracy means fair representation—and we can’t build a better future without it.
Jessica Fancy-Landry (Liberal Party):
I strongly support electoral reform and the introduction of a proportional representation system. This change would ensure that every vote counts and that our democracy better reflects the diverse views and interests of Canadians. By moving toward a fairer system, we can strengthen democratic engagement and make sure all voices are heard in Ottawa.
New Democratic Party:
The NDP candidate has not been officially announced yet and no response was given.
Patrick Boyd (Peoples Party):
We should strive for a lean government made up of everyday Canadians working in service of Canadians with elections based on proportional representation.
Will you support an increase in funding for the construction of new social housing units?
Rick Perkins (Conservative Party – Incumbent):
No response given.
Mark Embrett (Green Party):
This is a complex problem that will require a multi—pronged approach, however it is solvable sooner rather than later. The foundation of this is that housing is a human right, and the federal government must take direct leadership in building homes again. I support launching the largest public housing construction program since the 1970s. These homes must be truly affordable—costing no more than 30% of a household’s income—and protected from speculation through affordability covenants.
We’ll ensure homes built with public money stay affordable forever, stop corporate investors from buying up housing stock, and close tax loopholes exploited by Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs). Everyone deserves a safe, stable place to live—and we know how to build it. What’s been missing is political will.
Jessica Fancy-Landry (Liberal Party):
Absolutely. Housing is a human right, and affordability is one of the most urgent challenges facing families across South Shore—St. Margarets. I strongly support increased funding for the construction of new social and affordable housing units, and I’m proud to stand behind Liberal Leader Mark Carney’s bold new housing plan — the most ambitious since the Second World War. His proposal to build nearly 500,000 homes a year and establish Build Canada Homes shows real leadership, and I believe it can bring meaningful results to rural and coastal communities like ours. We need to ensure that rural Nova Scotians aren’t left behind,
that housing developments reflect local needs, and that we bring all levels of government to the table to get shovels in the ground. This is about more than just numbers — it’s about building real homes, in real communities, for real people.
New Democratic Party:
The NDP candidate has not been officially announced yet and no response was given.
Patrick Boyd (Peoples Party):
Let’s focus on the root causes behind an increasing proportion of Canadians who are terrifyingly slipping into poverty—e.g. over taxation, suppressed industry, and mass immigration—in order to fulfill Canada’s untapped potential to be an ultra affluent economic powerhouse based on our natural resources, geography, and workforce.
Will you support recognizing and protecting Mi’kmaq jurisdiction over their community’s fisheries?
Rick Perkins (Conservative Party – Incumbent):
No response given.
Mark Embrett (Green Party):
Yes. The Mi’kmaq people have constitutionally protected treaty rights to fish for a moderate livelihood, and Canada has a legal and moral responsibility to honor and protect those rights. I support full recognition of Mi’kmaq jurisdiction over their fisheries, co-governance arrangements, and real partnership rooted in Indigenous sovereignty and reconciliation.
The current approach—delays, conflict, and federal overreach—is unacceptable. We must support sustainable, Indigenous-led fisheries management that protects the environment while empowering Mi’kmaq communities. Justice and reconciliation begin with action—not just words.
Jessica Fancy-Landry (Liberal Party):
Mi’kmaq communities have constitutionally protected treaty rights that must be respected and meaningfully upheld — this is not just about reconciliation, it’s about building sustainable futures together. At the same time, we must ensure that commercial fishers, who are the backbone of many South Shore communities, are not left behind. Their livelihoods matter deeply to our local economy, culture, and food security. I believe the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) must do a better job of engaging directly with communities — getting closer to the wharf, listening to fishers on all sides, and finding practical, transparent solutions. Sustainable fisheries management depends on trust and collaboration — and I will work to ensure that everyone who depends on the fishery has a voice at the table.
New Democratic Party:
The NDP candidate has not been officially announced yet and no response was given.
Patrick Boyd (Peoples Party):
Fisheries Officers should be properly equipped with the gear they need to safely do their job—knowing that they have the trust of the communities and the support of senior leadership to fairly enforce regulations.
Information about voter registration, advance polling dates, and voting day locations are available through Elections Canada’s website.
Dr. Christy Kelly-Bisson is a political economist and garlic farmer living in Sulieweykitk (New Germany), Lunenburg County. You can follow them on Bluesky at @garlicbreath644.bsky.social
The questions are more revealing than the answers.