EASTERN PASSAGE, N.S. - PC candidate Barbara Adams says it is inappropriate for Claudia Chender’s official agent to be working for former NDP candidate Tammy Jakeman. Jakeman has decided to run as an independent candidate following her decision to leave the Nova Scotia NDP.
Adams says information on the Elections Nova Scotia website shows Tammy Jakeman is registered as an independent candidate, but she shares official agents with Nova Scotia NDP leader Claudia Chender.
Carol Grimmitt is listed as the official agent for independent candidate Tammy Jakeman. Grimmitt is also listed as the official agent for Chender and over 50 Nova Scotia NDP candidates.
“Why is Claudia Chender allowing NDP staff to support a candidate forced out of the party?” asked Adams. “This will make Nova Scotians doubt the sincerity of the NDP’s statements and apology.”
“Allowing NDP staff to support Jakeman amounts to Claudia Chender endorsing her statements.”
Adams said Chender must be honest and transparent with Nova Scotians.
“Claudia Chender spent this campaign saying good leaders earn trust,” said Adams. “The NDP’s handling of this issue will cost Chender the trust of Nova Scotians.”
Jakeman was forced to leave the Nova Scotia NDP after concerns about her were raised in a news release from the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA). CIJA called on Chender to say why Jakeman “was allowed to run under the NDP banner despite her deeply offensive statements and to clearly disassociate the party from these damaging remarks.”