TRURO – While touring the Cumberland Colchester Musquodoboit Valley riding during the past few weeks, federal byelection NDP candidate Mark Austin says he has learned a lot.
But the one thing that stands out the most is what kind of person voters here want to represent them in the nation’s capital.
“I really believe people want integrity and they want people who aren’t out for themselves,” he said. “So, you can smell a mile away a person who wants your vote, only doesn’t have time to actually talk to you or listen to you, that is all about a vote and a career change,” Austin said Friday afternoon before joining NDP powerhouse Alexa McDonough on the campaign trail in Truro. He feels that “smelly” quality is not one he possesses.
 “People who are struggling to get by and people who are disillusioned with the political system, they don’t need an agenda rammed down their throats, and to be honest Jim Burrows doesn’t smell all that bad either and Jason (Blanch) certainly is all about his convictions,” he said.
Liberal candidate Burrows said he has heard people repeatedly say they are upset with Prime Minister Stephen Harper for how he treated former MP Bill Casey, and feels he is divisive.
Burrows said another major concern is pension security, along with youth retention and the struggles of small businesses.
“I think we have to start looking at ways we can improve infrastructure in rural areas so small businesses have more opportunities to be established there and grow in those areas,” said the Liberal candidate.
Blanch, Green Party candidate, is saddened by the number of people who distrust politicians and don’t care about the electoral process.
“They are discouraged and fed up,” he said.  “They think it doesn’t really matter who they vote for because they are going to be lied to and stolen from all the same.”
However, he said many people are concerned about the effects of climate change.
Jim Hnatiuk, Christian Heritage Party candidate, said major concerns he has heard range from health care and recruitment of rural doctors, to abolishing the long-gun registry, and retention of benefits for military personnel.
On Friday, Conservative candidate Scott Armstrong campaigned alongside John Baird, federal minister of transport, Infrastructure and Communities, making stops in Truro and Amherst.
Concern about funding for the proposed civic centre in Truro, long-gun registry, health care and sustainable rural communities are some topics voters have shared with them.
“When it comes to the local issues and the local needs of the riding Scott is someone who can deliver,” said Baird, adding Harper wants and needs Armstrong on his team.
“I can tell you I’m not a shy person and I have no problem with standing up to authority and power and telling them what I think, and I will work hard for this riding and do everything I can for the people of Cumberland Colchester Musquodoboit Valley," he said.
Polls will open at 8:30 a.m. on Monday.