Cost of living major issue in federal election, many Maritimers say

All federal parties are making their final pitches to voters as the election enters the final week.

With just a week away from what looks to be a tight federal election, Maritimers are zeroing in on the issues they say will be the deciding factor in their vote.

Lauren Chinery from Halifax says the cost of living and affordable housing are among her top priorities this election.

“The cost of groceries has gone up so much, I can barely afford to eat so those are my personal top priorities, and then of course tariffs are a concern as well,” says Chinery.

Another Halifax woman says, as a student, those issues are her top priorities this time around.

“I’m really just voting on cost of living and affordable housing. It’s terrifying I’m about to graduate, going into the job market, trying to get a job, trying to find an apartment, just trying to get off your feet as a young person. It’s just really difficult right now. It’s daunting,” she says.

Business professor Ed McHugh says inflation has become hard to ignore and voters will likely take their frustrations about it to the polls

“Money is always a top issue in any election. But I think more noticeably in this one based on the last two to three years the inflation we’ve seen, and the price increases that have occurred,” McHugh says.

For 80-year-old Ulrich Lobsiger, climate change is a top issue for him this election.

“It prevents Canada from becoming its true potential in terms of energy. The world needs energy and Canada could be much more wealthy with playing its proper role in the global energy market,” he says.

McHugh believes the influence of the United States could play a role in how people vote.

“The largest economy in the world has acted very erratically over the last few months, with no signs into the future that it’s going to show any stability so I think people generally are nervous,” he says, while also noting leadership could be a key focus for many voters. “Leadership is a big part in what’s going to happen in this election and whom people feel will be the best leader to lead them through some tough economic times.”

Election day is April 28.