Simmonds Vs. Churchill: Nova Scotia Liberal Leadership Race Set

The race is on! With two candidates the Nova Scotia Liberal Party will select either Liberal MLA for Preston Angela Simmonds or MLA for Yarmouth Zach Churchill.

The deadline to file paperwork to be considered a candidate passed last week, with only Simmonds and Chruchill filing paperwork.

Simmonds was first elected in 2021, and prior to the race was serving as Deputy Speaker of the Nova Scotia House of Assembly. Under Iain Rankin, Simmonds was the Liberals critic for Justice, Office of Equity and Anti-Racism Initiatives, Human Rights Commission and Accessibility Act.

Churchill who was first elected in 2010, serves in the cabinet in both Premier Stephen McNeil and Premier Rankin's government. He served in multiple cabinet roles including; Minister of Health and Wellness, Natural Resources, Municipal Affairs, Communications Nova Scotia, and Education and Early Childhood Development. Prior to entering the race, Churchill served as Deputy Leader and critic for Health in the Nova Scotia House of Assembly.

Rankin stepped down as leader in January after speaking with family, He served as the 29th Premier of Nova Scotia for just over 7 months. He took over from Premier Stephen McNeil.

Nova Scotia Liberals will elect a new leader on July 9th. Until then Rankin will continue to serve as Leader of the Official Opposition.