Another hint a provincial election's coming sooner than later. Taking a page from Stephen Harper's playbook, the Dexter government has launched a new attack on Liberal leader Stephen McNeil and what's described as his "cozy" relationship with Quebec Hydro. "So if you want Quebec Hydro controlling our power, Stephen McNeil is your guy," says the ad. "If you want an affordable made in Atlantic Canada energy future, he isn't." The N'Dippers of course are solidly behind the Muskrat Falls hydro project, despite public concern about its impact on our power bills. Trailing the Liberals in the public opinion polls, the NDP's pulling out all the stops with a slew of funding announcements of late. There's no doubt an election is near.
The federal Liberal party leadership candidates will be in Halifax this weekend for another of their so called debates. MP Mark Garneau is challenging front-runner Justin Trudeau to a one on one debate, saying Liberals and Canadians need to know just what he stands for. Trudeau seems likely to coast to a win April 14th when the convention is held. He received support yesterday from the last of Nova Scotia's 4 Grit MP's. Scott Brison has joined with Geoff Regan, Roger Cuzner and Mark Eyking to support Trudeau's leadership bid.
A Halifax police sting has netted five men who thought they were arranging to have sex with a 16 year old. An officer posed online as the teen, sometimes a girl, sometimes a boy, and lured the five into a trap. When they arrived at the hotel for what they thought would be sex they instead were arrested by police. Mitchell Kays-Rose, Alan Tek, Peter Lee White, Donald William Moore and Pierre Joseph Simon all face charges now of communicating with a person under 18 for the purpose of prostitution. Police say they set up the sting because they've seen more online prostitution involving young women. The officer involved exchanged hundreds of e-mails with the five before they were arrested. They'll be in court April 2nd.
It's sad Moosehead Mike won't get a chance to see the team he so dearly loved possibly play for the Memorial Cup this year. Michael Martin died Saturday after a short illness. He was 72 and about as devoted a hockey and Moosehead fan as there is. Indeed, his obituary featured a photo of him in a Mooseheads jersey. Mike was a true sports fan. In the summer he was often spotted at the ball diamonds. He was also a regular caller to my radio talk show and always defended his Mooseheads, even when the going was tough and the team struggled. Now that the team's poised for a championship run, it's a shame Mike won't be around to cheer them on. The Mooseheads issued a statement saying he will be with them in spirit, saying they know "he's still firmly behind us as we head into our playoffs." RIP Mike.
Have a great day. Get involved. And if you're not outraged, you're not paying attention.
Rick Howe
