Dear Progressive Conservative:
Needless to say, last night's by-election results in Glace Bay and Yarmouth were disappointing.
But these results were not for lack of effort on the part of our candidates Michelle Wheelhouse in Glace Bay and Charles Crosby in Yarmouth. They and their teams worked hard, put in countless hours and deserve the thanks and appreciation of every Progressive Conservative in our province for representing our party with honour and distinction. I saw that level of commitment first hand during my visits to Glace Bay and Yarmouth to help out on the campaign trail.
In terms of the by-election, a special thank you should also be extended to our interim leader Karen Casey, our MLAs, fellow provincial executive members and many party volunteers for spending time (and in many cases money) to support the Glace Bay and Yarmouth campaigns. Many constituency associations also stepped up and showed their generosity with financial transfers to one or both campaigns.
When we face challenging nights as yesterday, it's important that we take stock on what went well and what we need to change as a party to become a more attractive choice to voters.
Over the next number of months, our party will be receiving two reports: first, from Karen Casey on her province-wide leader tour, and second, the Outlook 2014 visioning exercise from the spring. These reports will provide our next leader, the caucus, the provincial executive and the party membership in all 52 constituencies with ideas and advice to continue rebuilding our party.
This coming fall will also see our party choose a new leader - someone who must build on the strong foundation put in place by Karen Casey and the PC Caucus.
Having now attended annual meetings, fundraisers and executive meetings in 30 out of our 52 constituencies since becoming president in November (as well as speaking to many constituency presidents over the phone in May and June), I see a party that continues to demonstrate strength and resolve.
By working together, listening to people, supporting each other and advancing sensible change, we will see brighter days ahead for our PC Party - brighter days that will deliver better government for Nova Scotians.
Keep in touch by calling me at 902-722-3127 or email at robert.batherson@pcparty.ns.ca.
Robert Batherson
President
PC Party of Nova Scotia
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