High-profile PC incumbent faces Liberal and Independent challengers in Eastern Passage

Progressive Conservative and Liberal signs line the streets of Eastern Passage, but a third candidate is knocking on doors with newfound independence.

Tammy Jakeman was on the ballot for the NDP in Eastern Passage until Nov 9. After about a week off campaigning, the educational assistant and union shop steward was on doorsteps as an Independent.

Jakeman parted ways with the NDP after Jewish organizations questioned two previous posts to the social media platform X. The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs and Atlantic Jewish Council described the content as "deeply troubling."

In the aftermath, Independent Jewish Voices condemned her removal as a candidate.

Jakeman said Israel needs to be held accountable for civilian casualties, but she regrets using a post from the Auschwitz Memorial on World Children's Day in 2023 to make her point. She said the NDP "machine" led her to believe her comments would overshadow any future campaigning, but that hasn't been the case.

"It's actually not that horrible. And people in Eastern Passage, South Woodside, Shearwater and Cow Bay have [to deal with] so many things that are wrong," she said. "I spoke to a gentleman yesterday who's seven years without a family doctor."

Jakeman was invited, but declined to participate in an all-candidates conversation hosted by the Eastern Passage and Area Business Association on Tuesday.

Health care, affordability 

During the event, PC incumbent Barbara Adams and Liberal candidate Chris Peters tackled questions on health care, affordability, housing, education and the environment.

Adams, a physiotherapist who was first elected to represent the area in 2017, served in multiple cabinet positions as part of the Houston government. She said a new nursing home in the community, the addition of pharmacy care clinics, and two family doctors — as well as plans for a third to start work in the community in March — were the results of her work as an MLA.

"And as somebody with 40 years of health-care experience, I have some of the most experience of anyone running for government," Adams told CBC News.

"I delivered the health care that Nova Scotians wanted in Eastern Passage and there are other things that we want to bring here and I want to help make sure that that happens."

Peters, a realtor who moved to the community two decades ago, said there needs to be a greater on-the-ground presence in the riding to tackle issues like affordability.

He said people are struggling to pay their bills and are facing difficult decisions about what grocery items they can afford.

Peters said he is very confident he can unseat the high-profile incumbent.

"When I walk around and I'm at the doors talking to folks, they want change," he said.

As for Jakeman, she knows winning as an Independent would be an upset.

"My husband and I taught our kids finish what you start, even when it's hard," she said.