Confidence abounds as party leaders near the finish line

Tory Leader Jamie Baillie entered the twilight of the Nova Scotia election campaign on Monday with no regrets and one last push for supporters.

"You have to come and unite behind the Progressive Conservative party to replace the McNeil government," he told a group of several dozen people gathered at a campaign office in Dartmouth.

"You have one more day. Go out and finish the job."

PC leader says voters looking for change

Baillie, who has pushed relentlessly on the issue of health care in the last few weeks, said he feels good about the campaign and the work the Tory team has done throughout the month.

He's ready to be at peace with whatever result turns up Tuesday night — although he said he expects it to be one that makes him premier.

"It seems clear to me people are looking for change," said Baillie. "They believe we can be doing better."

The man he's seeking to replace, Liberal Leader Stephen McNeil, started the day in strong Tory country — Inverness — where he thanked volunteers and told them they had a chance to have a member sitting with the government.

A majority in sight, says Liberal leader

"We're here to win a government and we believe there's a majority government out there in sight," said McNeil. 

"We're going to go work and continue to build and earn every vote to deliver that majority government."

McNeil said the goal throughout the campaign has been simple: stick to the plan and let the platform prevail.

He said it's the casual interactions he's having with people during the campaign that make him feel confident.

"It's what gives you the motivation to continue to work hard. Because people might not always find a microphone to say something into, but when they respect what you've been doing, they'll come up to you and tell you that."

• Read all of CBC Nova Scotia's election coverage
• Where the major party leaders are campaigning

NDP leader says 26 seats would be a success

NDP Leader Gary Burrill ended things where he started them — at a doctor's office talking about plans to improve the health-care system, restore funding to long-term care homes and make sure everyone has enough to eat.

The last 30 days have gone well, he said, adding the thing that stands out the most from his first campaign as party leader is the level of need he's witnessed.

"It's been my privilege to visit all over the province and in every part of the province we hear people speak about the need for opportunities for their kids, the need in their family for someone for a doctor," he said.

"This is why I say what we need to have is a government that registers this need and responds to it."

Burrill was blunt when asked what he'd consider a success on Tuesday night.

"Twenty-six NDP MLAs."