Allan MacMaster, the recently nominated Conservative candidate for the new federal riding of Cape Breton-Canso-Antigonish, spoke with Civic Journalist Jake Boudrot.

MacMaster secured the nomination after two votes, one in Whycocomagh on Feb. 16 and another the following day in Heatherton.

He shared his reaction to winning the nomination and addressed the decision to hold two meetings. With both the Liberals and NDP yet to nominate candidates, MacMaster was asked whether this gives him an advantage or makes it challenging to start his campaign without knowing his opponents.

Last fall, the Conservatives were leading national public opinion polls by over 20 points. However, since then, U.S. President Donald Trump has been sworn in, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced his resignation, and a new Liberal leader is set to take over. Polls now show a much closer race between the Conservatives and Liberals. MacMaster was asked whether he believes Conservative momentum has shifted and if what once seemed like a potential Conservative majority could now be a smaller majority, a minority government, or even a Liberal victory.

With skepticism toward Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre reflected in polls and public sentiment, MacMaster was asked if he believes this could affect his campaign.

Trump’s proposed 25 percent tariffs on Canadian goods and his controversial remarks about Canada becoming the 51st state have not been well received. MacMaster was asked if these factors could negatively impact his campaign or if he sees an opportunity to turn them into a positive.

He was also asked about the potential impact of these tariffs on key industries, including the fishery and the Port Hawkesbury Paper mill in Point Tupper.

The timing of the next federal election remains uncertain. While most expect it to be held in May, Liberal leadership candidate Mark Carney has suggested it could be called earlier, possibly before Parliament resumes in March. MacMaster was asked if he believes the carbon tax will be a major election issue and if he is prepared to campaign whenever the election is called.

Given the vast geographic size of the new federal riding—which includes rural parts of the Cape Breton Regional Municipality, Victoria County, Inverness County, Richmond County, Guysborough County, as well as Antigonish town and county—MacMaster was asked how he plans to run an effective campaign.