Interim Liberal Leader Iain Rankin, Denis Cormier and MLA Derek Mombourquette at the conventionon Saturday.
-by Rankin MacDonald
It was the Inverness County Liberals who fired the first volley in the expected upcoming byelection in the new riding of Cheticamp–Margaree–Pleasant Bay.
Pundits are saying that the byelection will be called this spring.
There were two candidates, Neil Poirier and Denis Cormier, seeking to carry the Liberal banner in the election and when the 70 votes were counted it was Denis Cormier who came out on top.
Interim Liberal Leader Iain Rankin, Derek Mombourquette, MP Jaime Battiste, and Senator Rejean Aucoin attended the full house at the Belle Cote Community Centre.
Neil Poirier and Denis Cormier made impassioned speeches, promising to work hard for the people and the culture of Inverness County.
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.”
With Denis on the team, Liberals are ready to fight for the services and investments this region needs, and to ensure rural communities aren’t overlooked. The Houston government’s recent budget cuts to areas like culture and tourism are putting key parts of the local economy at risk. These are the sectors that sustain jobs, support small businesses, and keep the region vibrant – and they deserve stronger support, not less.
“I’m so proud to have Denis on the team. He understands the challenges his community is facing and will be a strong voice for his community,” said Rankin. “It’s exciting to see the energy and momentum building in the riding. I look forward to welcoming Denis to the legislature as the first MLA for Chéticamp–Margarees–Pleasant Bay.”
In his remarks, Rankin said:
“Today is an important moment.
“The creation of this new riding is about recognition. It’s about acknowledging the unique Acadian culture and history here – and ensuring it has a strong, dedicated voice moving forward.
“I want to thank the independent commission for their work. These decisions aren’t easy, but they matter.
“It wasn’t that long ago that we saw decisions made that went in the opposite direction. It was the NDP government that abolished protected ridings that ensured Acadian and other historic minority communities had proper representation in our legislature.
“So the creation of this riding is a meaningful step forward – not just for this community, but for Acadian communities across Nova Scotia.
“But as important as that is – the real work begins now.
“Now, I’ll be honest. It hasn’t always been easy for our party. We’ve had tough moments. We’ve faced setbacks.
But what we’re seeing now is momentum.
“People are paying attention again. They’re engaging again. And they’re looking for leadership that reflects their values.
“I saw that firsthand last month in Montreal, where I had the opportunity to meet with Prime Minister Mark Carney.
“He understands the challenges facing our country, and I believe he is the right leader for this moment. C’est exactement le leadership dont le Canada a besoin en ce moment.
“And here in Nova Scotia, I believe our party is best equipped to work with the federal government and fight for what matters most to people.
“That means affordable and reliable power.
“It means better cell service in communities like this one.
“It means protecting the culture that makes us who we are.
“It means building a strong local economy that supports industries like fishing and tourism – industries that are the backbone of communities like Cheticamp, the Margarees, and Pleasant Bay.
“We believe in responsible financial management, not for its own sake, but so we can be there for people when it matters most.
“We believe in fiscal responsibility so we can invest in people and communities when they need it most. That’s what we stand for. Those are our values.
“Investments in people, in communities, and in the future of this province.
“And that’s why today I’m so proud that we have two strong candidates ready to step up and carry that vision forward for the people of Cheticamp-Margarees-Pleasant Bay.
“Today is about more than a nomination.
“It’s about the future of this riding. It’s about ensuring Acadian communities continue to have a strong voice. “And it’s about building a Nova Scotia where everyone can succeed – no matter where you live.
“Merci beaucoup. Thank you. Allons-y!