SPRINGHILL, N.S. – Cumberland County has many attractions to offer tourists, getting them to stop to see those attractions can be a challenge.
“Six million dollars of tourism money was released this year, and not one cent came to Cumberland County,” said Tory Rushton, MLA for Cumberland South.
Rushton was speaking to 110 people who attended the Cumberland South Progressive Conservative fundraising dinner at the Dr. Carson & Marion Murray Community Centre in Springhill.
“We’re the gateway to Nova Scotia, we’re the start of the Bay of Fundy adventures, we have Advocate, we have Parrsboro,” said Rushton. “You can lower yourself in a mine right here in Springhill. You don’t have to drive all the way to Cape Breton.”
Rushton said that he and Elizabeth Smith-McCrossin, MLA for Cumberland North, approached the provincial minister responsible for tourism about the revenue imbalance and were told they would have to wait until the next budget before funds are allocated to Cumberland County.
Rushton said that’s not good enough.
“We don’t need to put another coat of paint on Peggy’s Cove which was just painted two years ago,” said Rushton. “We need more tourism right here in Cumberland County. We need to get people to stay here, and spend money, and help the economy of Cumberland South.”
Tim Houston was elected leader of the Nova Scotia PC Party on Oct. 27, and Rushton said Houston will lead them to victory in the next provincial election.
“In the brief talks I’ve had with our new leader Tim Houston, we’re looking for positivity, hard work, and humility,” said Rushton.
“People are saying the election is two years away. You know what, the election started when we declared Tim as the leader,” he added. “All 51 constituencies in this great province need to get to work. We are poised to form the next government, but it’s not going to be handed to us on a platter. We’re going to have to work for it.”
