Mike Olscamp hopes to represent the people of Tantramar for another four years and he will have that opportunity after being selected as the riding’s Progressive Conservative candidate during the party’s nomination meeting in Sackville on Saturday afternoon.
Olscamp, who has served as the local MLA since 2006, will run in the upcoming provincial election this September and said he is humbled by the support he has received as he works to regain his seat.
“I can assure you I will continue to work as hard as I have for the past four years for the people of Tantramar,” Olscamp told a crowd of Tory supporters during the meeting.
The incumbent MLA, who was uncontested in his nomination bid, said he feels “privileged” to sit in the legislature each week and represent a riding that is truly diverse.
From meeting with fishers and farmers in the various communities of Tantramar, to chatting with the university president or theatre performers and artisans, Olscamp insists he has “the nicest riding in the province.”
“I love working with individuals . . . for me, that’s what politics is all about,” he said. “We don’t have to build ivory towers in this riding because that’s not what we’re trying to do.”
The past few months have been tough for Olscamp as he’s battled prostate cancer. His diagnosis came last fall and he has since undergone radiation treatment and hormone therapy to slow down the spread of the disease. Although he is currently in remission, Olscamp admits the type of cancer he has is incurable and it’s expected to reoccur eventually.
But for now, Olscamp said he will take things day to day.
“I feel good. And I can guarantee you, if I wasn’t good to go, I wouldn’t be here today accepting the nomination,” he said.
Tory leader David Alward, who served as guest speaker for Saturday afternoon’s nomination meeting, said there are many challenges and opportunities facing both urban and rural New Brunswick and said he’s pleased Olscamp has agreed once again to be a part of the Tory team.
“This guy does a phenomenal job . . . he’s involved in politics for the right reason, and that’s people,” said Alward.
Alward said he believes the Progressive Conservatives can form the next government in New Brunswick and is putting together a strong team over the next few weeks to unseat the Liberals in September’s election.
With the current government having shown such disregard for its own province, Alward said he thinks Shawn Graham’s time in office may soon come to an end.
“Never before have we seen a premier mismanage a province to such an extent,” he said, “and never before have we seen a premier disrespect our people so much.”
From post-secondary education and health care reforms, to the French second language debate and the proposed sale of NB Power, the government has made a number of bad decisions that have left New Brunswickers feeling left out, he noted.
Alward said public consultation should always be considered in major decisions that affect them.
“While there are many things I’d like to do (if elected), bringing people together and citizen engagement continues to be one of my top priorities”
Also taking precedence for the Tories will be setting out an energy plan that will guide the province into the future. In fact, Alward said he will announce his plans this week on how the party will lay out the groundwork for a long-term energy vision and how New Brunswickers can participate in the development of the plan.
“And be assured, conservation and renewable energy will be a part of the solution going forward,” he said.
