3 parties pay visit to Halifax city hall

Representatives from the three main political parties paid a visit to Halifax City Hall on Tuesday, echoing a promise to strengthen the relationship between the city and the province.

Mayor Mike Savage sent invitations to the parties, but the only leader who showed up was Liberal Stephen McNeil.

Progressive Conservative candidate Andrew Black and New Democratic candidate Becky Kent represented their parties.

McNeil talked about transportation issues, waterfront development and even saving lighthouses.

But McNeil emphasized improving provincial-municipal ties.

“I want to be your partner. I want to be able to work with you to ensure this city reaches its full potential,” he said.

Black, vying for the Halifax Citadel riding, talked about his party's support for public transit.  He also warned that predicted economic growth in the municipality could be in jeopardy.

“Halifax is supposed to grow by 1.7 per cent, but that forecast is based on the HST being decreased next year. That decrease won't happen under the Liberals,” he said.

Kent, the NDP candidate in the Eastern Passage area, told councillors her party is interested in helping with downtown revitalization. She blamed the lack of provincial funding for transit on a previous Liberal government.

“This council should recall it was the last Liberal government in the 1990s that negotiated a service exchange with HRM,” she said.

Councillors were not allowed to ask questions after the presentations.