N.S. finance minister Allan MacMaster to resign, seek federal nomination

Nova Scotia's deputy premier and finance minister Allan MacMaster announced Thursday he is resigning from cabinet and will seek the federal Conservative nomination for Cape Breton-Canso-Antigonish.

MacMaster has been the Progressive Conservative member of the legislatureforthe riding of Invernesssince 2009.

"I spent 15 years at the legislature for the people of Inverness and I've done everything I can in that time and I would like to try Ottawa if they and the people in the surrounding area in the new riding of Cape Breton-Canso-Antigonish see fit to send me there," he said in an interview.

MacMaster would not say exactly when he made the decision, only that it was "very recent."

He said one of the deciding factors was "the strong potential of a government change in Ottawa," and his desire to make sure his region is represented by someone with experience and knowledge of local issues.

He pointed to the need for better cellphone coverage, which he thinks would be helped by stronger federal regulation of telecommunications companies.

Election speculation

MacMaster hasbeen in Premier Tim Houston's cabinet with a long list of responsibilities including labour relations and Gaelic affairs since the 2021 election when the PCs ascended to power.

He said he's proud to have been a part of Houston's cabinet and of the Tory government's record.

He'll continue to work as MLA for Inverness for the time being, but will step down if he wins the Conservative nomination. A provincial election would also bring an end to his term, andthere is speculation that Houston could call a snap election as soon as this weekend.

MacMaster said he willsupport a new PC candidate for Inverness, whenever an election is called.

On Poilievre

MacMaster said he thinks federal Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievreis "in tune with people,with the everyday issues that they're facing," including the cost of living.

He said he and Poilievre are aligned in their views on the carbon taxthat is, their opposition to it.

"I know a lot of people are looking forward to the carbon tax being eliminated, and I'm one of them," he said.

The federal seat of Cape Breton-Canso-Antigonish is currently held by Liberal MP Mike Kelloway