Trevor Poirier, NDP; Denis Cormier, Liberal; and, Claude Bourgeois, PC.
-by Rankin MacDonald
The die is cast!
The first provincial election to be held in the new riding of Chéticamp-Margarees-Pleasant Bay will take place on Tuesday, June 23rd, 2026.
The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Dorothy Rice, has received an order from the Governor in Council for a by-election in the new electoral district of Chéticamp-Margarees-Pleasant Bay. The CEO has issued a writ of election for Chéticamp-Margarees-Pleasant Bay and election day will be Tuesday, June 23rd, 2026.
Legislation was introduced in February 2026 to create a new exceptional electoral district called Chéticamp-Margarees-Pleasant Bay out of the existing Inverness electoral district. Amendments to the House of Assembly Act implement the recommendations of the 2025 Electoral Boundaries Commission, which released its final report January 30th, 2026.
Elections Nova Scotia is a non-partisan and independent agency responsible for conducting provincial elections. For more information, please visit https://electionsnovascotia.ca or follow us on Facebook, Bluesky, and X @electionsns.
While Election Day is Tuesday, June 23rd, 2026, voters can vote early and remotely by write-in ballot.
In total there will be 24 days of voting available to electors in Chéticamp-Margarees-Pleasant Bay.
Early voting will begin on Wednesday, May 27th, 2026, at the returning office, 51 Old Cabot Trail RD, Grand Étang.
E-Balloting will be used for early voting in the Chéticamp-Margarees-Pleasant Bay by-election following the close of candidate nominations at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 3rd, 2026. Before the close of candidate nominations, the write-in ballot will be used for early voting.
The e-Balloting system is safe and allows voters to select the candidate of their choice on a secure tablet. E-Balloting allows fast and secure counting of early votes when the polls close on election night. This means the results of the Chéticamp-Margarees-Pleasant Bay by-election will be returned quickly and efficiently.
Traditional paper ballots will be used for voting on election day. E-Balloting will only be offered during early voting after the close of candidate nominations prior to election day in the Chéticamp-Margarees-Pleasant Bay by-election.
E-Balloting is not internet voting. Both are electronic forms of voting, but e-Balloting takes place in-person at a voting location on a secure tablet while internet voting facilitates remote voting using the internet. Internet voting will not be used in the Chéticamp-Margarees-Pleasant Bay by-election.
To be eligible to vote in the Chéticamp-Margarees-Pleasant Bay by-election, voters must be 18 years of age or older on Tuesday, June 23rd, 2026, a Canadian citizen, have lived in Nova Scotia since November 23rd, 2025, and reside in the electoral district of Chéticamp-Margarees-Pleasant Bay.
Following the most recent Provincial General Election, several changes to the Elections Act were made. Amendments to the Elections Act received Royal Assent on April 9th, 2026. In accordance with the Elections Act (S.354), these amendments will be implemented six months after Royal Assent.
Under section 5(r) of the Elections Act, the Chief Electoral Officer may modify any provision of this Act to permit its use at a by-election.
Modifications to the following provisions of the Elections Act will be implemented for the Chéticamp-Margarees-Pleasant Bay by-election:
– Subsection 65(2) The candidate’s nomination deposit as set out in clause (b) is not required. For further clarity, all other references to nomination deposit within sections 66, 67, 69, 71, 72, will not apply.
– Subsection 252(2) The tax receipts will be issued to candidate’s official agents from ENS head office.
In order to cast a ballot in this by-election, Nova Scotians must be 18 years or older, be a Canadian citizen, have lived in the province for six months, and must currently reside in the electoral district of Cheticamp-Margarees-Pleasant Bay. Election day is Tuesday, June 23rd, 2026, but voters can vote early.
“Voters in Cheticamp-Margarees-Pleasant Bay can count on Elections Nova Scotia to deliver on our mandate by providing a fair and balanced by-election,” said Dorothy Rice, chief electoral officer of Nova Scotia, “We offer a variety of voting options because we want the electoral process to be accessible so all voters can participate in democracy.”
Early voting after the close of candidate nominations on Wednesday, June 3rd, 2026, will be done using Elections Nova Scotia’s new secure e-Ballot system. E-Ballot allows voters to cast their vote on a secure tablet in person at an early voting location. Early voting before the close of candidate nominations will be done by paper ballot, using the write-in ballot.
Write-in ballot is the remote voting option for voters in the Cheticamp-Margarees-Pleasant Bay by-election. Voters can apply to vote using a write-in ballot. A trusted friend or family member can act as an agent to assist a voter with their write-in ballot application. Returning offices can also make arrangements for a write-in ballot team to visit voters at their home.
On election day, Tuesday, June 23rd, 2026, voters in Cheticamp-Margarees-Pleasant Bay must vote at their assigned voting location or the returns office. Elections day voting will be done on traditional paper ballots. Polls will be open on election day from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Three candidates are seeking the new seat which will give Nova Scotia 56 seats in the Legislature.
Claude Bourgeois is running for the Progressive Conservatives.
PC Candidate Claude Bourgeois is a local business owner with more than 30 years of experience in trucking, marine services, hospitality and community life. He owned and operated the Doryman Pub & Grill for 10 years, and his company, C. Bourgeois Diesel Services Ltd., is celebrating 30 years in business. Claude has also volunteered on numerous committees, served on local boards and supported the region’s music and culture by hosting talent nights and a weekly fiddle radio show. He is a proud father and grandfather.
“This by-election is about making sure the people of Chéticamp-Margarees-Pleasant Bay have a seat at the table as our government takes action to defend Nova Scotia jobs, communities and industries from the impacts of Donald Trump’s trade war,” said Premier Tim Houston. “Whether it’s fishing, tourism, small business or local jobs, the decisions being made right now will shape the future of this region. Electing Claude means your community will have a strong voice where those decisions are being made.”
Houston said the by-election also presents voters with a clear choice between being represented inside government or sending another opposition MLA to a Liberal caucus with only three elected members.
PC Candidate Claude Bourgeois said he is running to ensure Chéticamp-Margarees-Pleasant Bay has a strong advocate in government to protect local jobs and opportunities.
“Our communities deserve a representative who is part of the team making decisions about Nova Scotia’s economic future,” said Bourgeois. “People here work hard and want to see their families, businesses and industries protected during uncertain times. I want to bring the voices of every single community in Chéticamp-Margarees-Pleasant Bay directly to the government table and fight for their future.”
Denis Cormier is carrying the Liberal flag in this election.
Denis Cormier is a lifelong resident of the region with deep roots in the community. He began his career working on a lobster boat as a fisherman helper before he went on to receive his teaching degree from the Nova Scotia Teachers College. Denis dedicated nearly three decades to education as a teacher and guidance counselor in the community.
After retirement, Denis returned to the classroom as a substitute teacher with the Strait Regional School Board and currently serves as a post office assistant with Canada Post. He has also volunteered as the President of the Margaree Rivers Association since 2024.
“I’m honoured to have earned the support of local Liberals today,” said Cormier. “This community has given so much to me and my family, and I’m ready to work hard to represent the people of Chéticamp-Margarees-Pleasant Bay and be a strong voice for them in the legislature. I truly believe Liberals are the party that will stand up for this region and fight for the investments our community deserves.”
Trevor Poirier will be representing the NDP in the by-election.
Poirier works in long-term care at Foyer Père Fiset and is the President of CUPE Local 2031.
“As a long term care worker, Trevor knows first hand how the Houston government’s choices have created challenges for Chéticamp-Margarees-Pleasant Bay,” said NSNDP Leader Claudia Chender. “No government can fix health care without supporting the workers who take care of our parents and grandparents across the province. Trevor knows that we all do better when we look after one another and that’s why he’s putting his name forward for the NDP.”
“People have given the Houston government the benefit of the doubt but instead of helping Nova Scotians they have made serious cuts that disproportionately hurt Acadian culture, tourism, and local jobs. Enough is enough. We need a government that understands the challenges and opportunities of this new riding,” explained Chender.
“I know this community and am ready to be a voice for our neighbours and families. I’m committed to listening to your concerns, supporting local businesses, and working together so we’re all better off,” said Poirier. “I believe in Claudia Chender and her commitment to a Nova Scotia where everyone can build the life they want here at home.”