BY BRENT FOX
The Advertiser
NovaNewsNow.com


He’s the only rural candidate and the only one focusing on the economy. Ultimately, he hopes to get his party focused on it, too.

Federal Liberal leadership candidate Kings-Hants MP Scott Brison isn’t one of the front-runners – yet – but he has practical economic policies based on his rural background.

Brison said Wednesday, Nov. 15, “I don’t want to live in a Canada where the only economic opportunities are in places with 30-storey buildings. Being a small-town, rural MP, I bring a perspective into the race."

At the same time, the Liberal environment critic brings issues concerning the economy and the environment together. “We’re getting the message out," Brison said.

The front-runners are seen as former Ontario NDP premier Bob Rae, former Chrétien cabinet minister Stephane Dion, former Ontario education minister Gerard Kennedy and academic Michael Ignatieff.

Despite the leadership campaign’s more airy issues such as foreign policy and Quebec, Brison’s message on the need for economic growth – and a green economy – is getting through.

Brison was acknowledged in a Globe and Mail editorial Nov. 14 as being the only candidate who offers a wealth-creation program with populist appeal, including tax credits to encourage lower-income people to enter the workforce.


Real economic opportunities

Win or lose, Brison said, he plans to refocus the Liberal party on the economy. “It’s important that the Liberal Party have strong economic values and ideas because any social programs and policies have to be paid for through a successful economy."

He noted his green economic and social policies, as well. “I think there are real economic opportunities for Canada to develop environmental and clean air technology," Brison said.

It’s good economics for Canada to get involved in what will be the most important development in the 21st century. The demand for energy is increasing, as is the need for environmental technology.

“I think the fastest growing area in the 21st century economy is environmental technology and clean energy. At the same time, however, doing what’s right for the planet is going to have to be profitable."

As for the upcoming leadership convention in Montreal early next month, Brison said, “we’re going for a reasonable first ballot and we’ll take it from there."

He said his young age – 39 – could be a drawback as well as an asset, as is his relatively new membership in the party and being from rural Canada.

Whatever the outcome, he’ll work to help focus the party on the economy and environment.

As for feeling at home in the Liberal Party, regardless of who wins next month, Brison said his membership has been ‘liberating.’ He finds that he doesn’t have to concern himself with rights issues among his colleagues; they’re a given in the Liberal party. Thus, he can focus on his economic and environmental policies.