A few dozen protesters greeted Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston in Bridgewater, N.S., Tuesday as he arrived at the latest stop on his provincewide summer tour. The premier is speaking to chambers of commerce and visiting with local business owners during his tour. Houston is speaking to the Bridgewater and Area Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday. The protesters – including a group of striking CUPW ambulance dispatchers – said there are a number of issues they want addressed and they want the premier “to listen.” “Following the incidents in Wolfville, people were afraid and we decided that we can’t be silenced and we need to speak up,” said Marion Moore, a member of the South Shore chapter of the Council of Canadians, an advocacy group. “People are here with their own issues. We all have something that matters most to us.” One protest sign said: “no to uranium mining” while another called for “climate justice.” The striking CUPW members who work for Emergency Medical Care said their wages aren’t keeping up with the cost of living. “We are here because we want the finance minister and Tim Houston to actually notice because he got elected on a health-care reform platform and we are a lynchpin of healthcare,” says Ryan Hayes-O’Sullivan, a senior communications officer. Houston did try to engage with those gathered outside the Best Western, but he was shouted down before he walked inside the hotel to begin Tuesday’s luncheon. While he delivered remarks to those inside – talking about next steps for the province and answering questions – the protesters remained outside with signs. “People have opinions in the province and I value that,” Houston said. “It would be rare that I didn’t stop and hear that and engage like that. “I enjoy that and it is necessary for our democracy. Sometimes you can tell when a crowd doesn’t want to engage.” Bridgewater Mayor David Mitchell said the protesters on Tuesday organized themselves well. “When I drove in, there were a lot of protesters, peaceful protesters acting respectfully and responsibly,” Mitchell said. “That is the beauty of this country. “With their signs and with their chants and songs; all the power to them, that’s how you do it.” Houston was expected at another Bridgewater event Tuesday afternoon, when he welcomed health-care workers to their new homes in the community. The premier’s summer tour will continue on the following dates: Second protest during premier’s summer tour This is not the first time protesters have gathered outside one of Houston’s summer tour stops, which already happened in the Annapolis Valley on July 15 and Yarmouth on July 16. Protesters blocked and swarmed the vehicle carrying the premier as he tried to leave a speaking event at Acadia University in Wolfville. Police said one person climbed onto the vehicle and the windshield was smashed. Houston was led back into a nearby building and escorted away from the venue. No one was injured. A 19-year-old man was later arrested and charged with two counts of intimidation of a justice system participant and one count of mischief under $5,000 in connection with the incident. Jacob Victor Smith of Kentville, N.S., appeared in provincial court on July 20. He remains in custody pending a future court appearance. With files from CTV News Atlantic’s Andrea Jerrett For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
