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Scotia Provincial Election 2003 |
Election News
Party Standings Prior to the Election
Prior to the calling of the election, the Progressive Conservative held a majority
government with 31 of 52 seats in the provincial legislature. The New Democrats were
the official opposition with 11 seats.
| Political Party |
Seats in Legislature |
| Progressive Conservatives |
31 |
| New Democrats |
11 |
| Liberals |
7 |
| Independent |
1 |
| Vacant |
2 |
Nova Scotia Legislature Website
Public Opinion Polls
A public opinion poll conducted in May 2003 found the Liberals and Progressive Conservatives
neck and neck in public support, with the New Democrats trailing. The poll also found
a strong support for the leadership of Premier Hamm.
Public Support By Political
Party |
| Liberals |
35% |
| Progressive Conservatives |
34% |
| New Democrats |
23% |
Public Support By Leader |
| John Hamm (PC) |
31% |
| Danny Graham (LIB) |
25% |
| Darrell Dexter (NDP) |
18% |
(Source: Corporate Research Associates Inc., May 2003)
Criticism of the Election Date
Premier Hamm received heavy criticism for calling the election for August 5, during
the peak holiday session. This may mean a low turn turnout for the provincial election.
NDP Leader Darrell Dexter and Liberal Leader Danny Graham both accused the premier of
trying to sneak into a second term. Mr. Dexter stated, “They [the PC Party] hope that
people will sleep through this election, that people will forget what they did over
the last four years.” Premier Hamm rejected the criticisms. “I believe this is the right
time to call an election.” Emphasizing that the last election was in the summer of 1999,
Premier Hamm stated, “I'm not interested in hanging on just to hang around.”
Auto Insurance a Central issue
As in the recent New Brunswick election, auto insurance will be a central issue. In
the course of the last year, auto insurance premiums have risen 65 percent. The NDP
in particular have focused on the issue, promising to end private insurance and introduce
a low cost, fair public insurance scheme. While not making it the centre of their platform,
both the PC and Liberal parties have promised to address the issue. The Progressive
Conservatives have pledged to reduce auto insurance by 20 percent by capping payouts
for minor injuries. The Liberals have promised to reduce auto insurance rates by 15
percent through legislation and the capping payouts for minor injuries.
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