Feb.27, 2004

Halifax- HRM's Deputy Mayor Steve Streatch announced his intention to seek the Conservative Party of Canada's nomination in the new riding of Sackville-Eastern Shore in the upcoming federal election.

Deputy Mayor Streatch, who has been a member of the Halifax Regional Council for the past five years, said "During my years as an elected official, I have consistently called for greater fiscal responsibility at the local government level. That same responsibility is even more important now at the federal level. No matter which government collects the money, it all comes from the same taxpayer. It is our responsibility to ensure that we give the public the best, and most, value for their dollar."

Five generations of the Streatch family have been supporters of the Conservative Party. Mr. Streatch's father, the Honourable Ken Streatch, was a former Halifax County councillor and a former MLA and Conservative provincial Cabinet Minister for many years. Born and raised on a dairy farm, Deputy Mayor Streatch comes from a business background and is still involved with the family operation.

Deputy Mayor Streatch said " Now, with the revitalized Conservative Party of Canada, a new opportunity awaits for all Canadians. We have all witnessed what Liberal governments have done to our great nation, and Canadians from coast to coast are ready for a change. That change will be to elect the Conservative Party to form the next government of Canada."

He said "As Deputy Mayor, I have had the pleasure to represent all the citizens of the Halifax Regional Municipality. I was elected Councillor by the residents of District 1 and my heart and commitment have always been, and will remain, to the residents of HRM. I am committed to making our community an even better place to live, work and raise a family. I believe that the time is right for me to take my vision and commitment to a higher level, and it would be a pleasure and honour to represent the constituents of the new federal riding of Sackville-Eastern Shore in the House of Commons."

The Deputy Mayor said his wife, Marilyn, and their five sons are very supportive of his decision to seek the Conservative Party nomination and are committed to working with his team for the constituents of Sackville-Eastern Shore.

The Conservative Party organization for Sackville-Eastern Shore is expected to hold its nomination meeting in the next number of weeks.