Dear MLA MacQuarrie,
It is difficult to decide where to start with the bombshell in the form of the budget that was dropped on Nova Scotians in the last few days. Initially I had intended to write to you about my disgust with the scrapping of the wildlife division of the DNR. Since this is your area, I am going to start with this.
We are, as you are (hopefully) aware, living in an era of immense changes brought upon us by climate breakdown. Therefore it is incredibly irresponsible to get rid of scientists such as the biologists working for the wildlife division at DNR, who are able to help us make sense of and may be able to help us mitigate the effects of climate breakdown.
Speaking of climate breakdown: Nova Scotia must be the only place in the whole world discouraging people from switching to electric or hybrid vehicles, which is what introducing a levy will accomplish. This government’s plans on increasing resource extraction, when we know that we are already beyond peak oil and way beyond CO2 levels agreed upon in the Paris Agreement is highly irresponsible.
Closing visitor information centres and museums will impact rural communities disproportionately. Many small rural tourism operators rely on tourism information centres when it comes to advertising their business, as they lack the means to promote their business online. The targeted small museums tend to be in rural communities and help to preserve local history and help visitors connect with small communities. Tourism accounts for a large proportion of Nova Scotia’s GDP and unlike out-of-province owners of large operations, the owners of small businesses live in this province and pay taxes here.
These are some of the issues that initially stood out when I was looking at the budget. I am sure there are more.
This government not only shows its disregard for constituents in the budget that was presented this week. Apparently there are plans to change the rules to allow ministers to avoid question period and estimates, and to send ministerial assistants instead. This constitutes dismantling of democracy. Ministers are legally responsible for decisions made under their portfolio and should answer for these decisions. They are the ones who must swear an oath of office to carry out their duties faithfully and to be accountable for government decisions. It is unconscionable that this government is even considering this.
The Houston government is not acting in the interests of Nova Scotians and I implore you to do the right thing and stop supporting it. You are our representative: You are answering to constituents, not to Premier Houston. As an independent you would not feel compelled to vote with the party line.
I am looking forward to hearing your thoughts on this matter.
Sincerely,
Elly Heim
Mount Young