Two candidates vie to become next leader of Nova Scotia Liberal Party

The Nova Scotia Liberal Party is on the cusp of electing its first female leader, with Lunenburg West MLA Becky Druhan and Richmond County Deputy Warden Amanda Mombourquette emerging as the two official candidates. The party has been seeking new leadership since the departure of Zach Churchill, who resigned as leader after losing his seat in the 2024 election.

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We need to look at basically a toolkit that will help the party rebuild at that grassroots level so that we go into the next general election with 56 strong electoral district associations and 56 strong candidates.

Both Druhan and Mombourquette have articulated clear visions centered on rebuilding the party. Mombourquette emphasized the need for a comprehensive toolkit to strengthen the party's grassroots organization, aiming for robust electoral district associations and strong candidates for the upcoming general election. "We need to look at basically a toolkit that will help the party rebuild at that grassroots level so that we go into the next general election with 56 strong electoral district associations and 56 strong candidates," she stated.

Druhan highlighted the importance of inclusivity and dialogue in the rebuilding process. "Having conversations, listening to one another and building plans that reflect our province and that position us to be able to have that trust," she said, stressing the need to welcome new members and foster trust. The party has seen interim leadership from Sydney-Membertou MLA Derek Mombourquette (no relation to Amanda) and Timberlea-Prospect MLA Iain Rankin since Churchill's resignation.

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Having conversations, listening to one another and building plans that reflect our province and that position us to be able to have that trust.

Druhan brings a unique background, having previously been elected twice as a Progressive Conservative before leaving the PC caucus last October due to "differences in principle." She joined the Liberals in May and believes her experience makes her well-suited to lead. "I have the experience, I have the skills, I know how to build teams. I believe in Nova Scotia. I know that we can achieve great things together, and I’m ready to do this," Druhan asserted.

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I have the experience, I have the skills, I know how to build teams. I believe in Nova Scotia. I know that we can achieve great things together, and I’m ready to do this.

Mombourquette, on the other hand, points to her experience in municipal politics as an advantage for building connections and implementing her goals. She stressed the importance of a strong, supportive team dynamic. "At the end of the day, the buck stops with the leader and I want to be the kind of leader that has the backs of my MLAs, you know, and vice versa, we really need to build a strong team," Mombourquette explained. Party members will cast their votes starting November 16, with the winner to be announced at the leadership convention on November 21.

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At the end of the day, the buck stops with the leader and I want to be the kind of leader that has the backs of my MLAs, you know, and vice versa, we really need to build a strong team.