Independent MLA Weighs Re-Election Options

HALIFAX – Cape Breton-Richmond MLA Alana Paon says she is enjoying life as an independent MLA, but has still not decided on whether to re-offer in next year’s provincial election.

Paon was originally elected as a Progressive Conservative MLA in the 2017 Nova Scotia election, which saw her defeat the Liberal cabinet minister that had held various incarnations of the riding for the previous 19 years, Michel Samson.

However, Paon was dismissed from the PC caucus in mid-2019 by provincial Tory leader Tim Houston, who took issue with the MLA’s repeated battles with the Speaker of the House of Assembly over her inability to provide wheelchair-accessible office space at her main constituency building in St. Peter’s.

Speaking to TELILE 24/7’s Adam Cooke on May 4, Paon said she had not yet made up her mind about running for re-election. If she chose to do so, the Isle Madame native would have to run in the newly-reduced riding of Richmond in 2021, following a ruling by Nova Scotia’ Electoral Boundaries Commission that was unanimously accepted by the provincial legislature in 2019.  

“I’ve been so busy that I haven’t really given it that much thought,” Paon declared.

“But it’s really never crossed my mind to not run again, whether I’m under a party banner or independent or otherwise.”

In the meantime, Paon suggested that several MLAs still sitting within party caucuses are looking at her independent status with a degree of envy.

“They’re saying, ‘You lucky duck – what’s it like sitting as an independent?’” Paon recalled with a laugh.

“Well, there’s lots of times that it’s actually quite scary, but you know, it’s quite freeing. So I would say that, in the three years, with all the adaptations – and even now, with all that’s going on with COVID-19 – you just have to be able to stand up…and put your best foot forward and do your best for the people that elected you. That’s really why I got involved in this in the first place.”

As for the tone of politics in the times of the coronavirus pandemic, Paon praised the work of Nova Scotia’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Robert Strang, and Premier Stephen McNeil in keeping residents updated and informed during this unusual period in the province’s history.

The MLA noted that she had her own personal stake in the COVID-19 crisis, given that her octogenarian mother is now living in a long-term care facility.

“I’m so proud of her, because a few years ago she learned how to use Facebook, but she’s also learned how to text, which has been a saving grace in many ways,” Paon beamed, adding that the use of Google Duo has also kept her connected with her mother.

“We’re able to have meals together sometimes over the internet, and had good chats. And I’ve actually decided to record some of our conversations, because she has great stories. It’ll be The COVID-19 Chronicle.”