Tories step up campaign attacks on NDP election platform
Last Updated: Saturday, May 16, 2009 | 3:12 PM ET
The Canadian Press
Nova Scotia Conservatives stepped up their attacks on the New Democrats on Saturday as a quiet campaign for the June 9 election began to heat up in advance of a leaders' debate.
Following up on the "Risky NDP" campaign his party launched a few months ago, deputy premier Angus MacIsaac slammed the NDP election platform, released last week, as having no credibility.
"It has more holes than a fishing net," said MacIsaac. "Instead of giving Nova Scotians a clear direction, they are misleading voters with promises they can't deliver or hiding past commitments," he said.
As an example, he cited a promise by NDP Leader Darrell Dexter to add 17 emergency-room beds to the QEII Health Sciences Centre in Halifax for less than $5 million. MacIsaac noted that the Conservative government is about to open 14 beds at the Halifax Infirmary at a cost of $21 million.
"Either Dexter's bed count is wrong, or the cost is wrong," he said of the party the Tories regard as their primary competition.
Remarks called desperation
New Democrat Maureen MacDonald, who dropped in at Tory campaign headquarters to listen to MacIsaac's remarks, called it an act of desperation.
"What's really disappointing is that Mr. MacIsaac himself is propagating half-truths and untruths," said MacDonald, who is seeking re-election in a north-end Halifax seat.
MacDonald said she has heard it all before.
"It's not the first time they've done it. They'll say and do anything to stay in power."
MacDonald said the Tories weren't upfront about their own budget and all they are trying to do now is further mislead voters by slagging another party with a reasonable plan.
Conservative Leader Rodney MacDonald and Liberal Leader Stephen McNeil were campaigning in Cape Breton on Saturday, while Dexter spent most of the day in the Annapolis Valley.
All three are scheduled to meet in a televised debate Tuesday night.
