HALIFAX - Liberal Leader Stephane Dion strolled through a Halifax farmers market on Saturday, insisting he would be a prime minister Nova Scotians could trust to protect their interests while fighting for the environment.
Dion, in the Halifax area for the provincial Liberal party's leadership convention, pledged to let Nova Scotia keep the revenues from its offshore energy industry, while also working to ensure the province has "a future beyond natural gas and oil.''
"How can (Nova Scotians) for the next election, vote not only for the next four years, but vote also for the next generation after natural gas will be over?'' said Dion after shaking hands, posing for pictures and buying a bar of seaweed soap.
Dion, who has been travelling the country to boost his support since becoming leader in December, is trying to capitalize on anger in Atlantic Canada over how Ottawa addressed the so-called fiscal imbalance.
The premiers of Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland and Labrador have lashed out against Prime Minister Stephen Harper for including a cap on offshore revenues in a new equalization formula.
Dion has said several times he wouldn't cap revenues, and would instead respect the offshore accords the two provinces signed two years ago.
"I think people feel betrayed by Mr. Harper,'' said Dion. "Canadians need a trustworthy prime minister. It is what I will be for Nova Scotians, and for Canadians as a whole.''
Last weekend, Dion visited Newfoundland, where he and Premier Danny Williams, who has vowed to campaign against Harper, pledged to work together if the Liberals win the next federal election.
Dion has yet to meet with Nova Scotia's Conservative premier, but on Saturday said he looks forward to working with Rodney MacDonald.
"I will not hide that I prefer a Liberal,'' said Dion. "But I will respect the choice that Nova Scotians are making, and I will work with your premier as a good partner.''
Harper has denied breaking any promise because the provinces have the option of sticking to the principles of their offshore accords in the new equalization deal.
Dion also defended a controversial agreement not to run a candidate against Green Leader Elizabeth May in an important Nova Scotia riding.
He said most Nova Scotians he's spoken with support his decision not to run a Liberal against May in Central Nova, currently held by Foreign Affairs Minister Peter MacKay.
"Some people have a legitimate view that it would be better to run in every riding of Canada,'' said Dion, acknowledging that the move has received criticism within the his party.
"But many people, including today in this market, are telling me it's a good decision, because climate change is an exceptional problem.''
Marilyn Pierce, who stopped and chatted with the Liberal leader, told Dion he has what it takes to help create a sustainable environmental policy for Canada.
"I just wanted to say to him, `I hope you're going to save our environment, work hard at this, I hope you're elected at the next (election),''' said Pierce.
"I think he's being portrayed as someone who is not a leader, and I think that's so wrong. I think he has huge potential.''
Amy Kilbride, who sold Dion a bar of soap, said she likes seeing politicians interact with people.
"I think it's wonderful when politicians and public figures really come down and see what's happening and get to meet people,'' she said. "I hope his wife enjoys the soap.''
