Former MLA Ross Landry to seek federal NDP nomination in Central Nova
Justice Minister Peter MacKay's impending departure has 'opened the riding up,' says Landry
Ross Landry, a senior member of former Nova Scotia premier Darrell Dexter's cabinet, wants to give federal politics a try.
Landry, a former justice minister, is seeking the nomination in Central Nova for the federal New Democratic Party.
Central Nova is currently represented by federal Justice Minister Peter MacKay. He announced his retirement from politics on May 29. That surprise announcement was key to Landry's decision to give public life another go.
"I think it's critical," Landry told CBC News on Monday.
"I think the fact that Peter has decided to move on has opened the riding up and I think he had a strong, loyal following but many of these people want to examine what options are out there and look at other opportunities for the riding."
The one-term provincial cabinet minister was defeated in the 2013 provincial election by Progressive Conservative Pat Dunn. Landry had taken the seat from Dunn in 2009, narrowly beating out the incumbent by 131 votes.
Landry will face at least one challenger for the nomination. Community organizer Katherine Reed has already been approved by the party as a possible candidate.
If he wins the nomination for the New Democratic Party, Landry thinks his chances in Central Nova are "really good."
"The feedback I'm getting from people in the street is very good. They're positive. There's a strong message out there that Harper's people have had enough of Mr. Harper and they want a change," he said.
As justice minister, Landry helped bring a new provincial jail to Pictou County. He also brought in one of the country's first cyberbullying laws and established a new mental health court.
Before becoming a politician, Landry had a 34-year career as an RCMP officer.
The nomination meeting to choose the NDP candidate for Central Nova will take place on July 26.