A CHRISTMAS GREETING FROM LIBERAL LEADER STEPHEN MCNEIL
Date: Friday December 18, 2009

For most of us, Christmas comes as a welcome break, whatever our
religious background - a chance to spend time with family and friends
that hectic work schedules often make impossible during the rest of the
year.

Looking back, 2009 has been a challenging year for some. Many Nova
Scotian families are struggling through what has been a difficult
economic time. Let us keep them in mind and do what we can to help the
less fortunate - not only at this time of year, but throughout 2010.

The last 12 months have, of course, been something of a political
rollercoaster for the Liberal caucus. After the June election, we were
joined by two new MLAs and our party became the province’s Official
Opposition - a role I’m honoured to fulfill. This past year, it has
been my privilege to have met and been able to talk with so many of you
as I have travelled this province from corner to corner.

Sadly, some Nova Scotians will be facing Christmas without their entire
family. I am thinking particularly of those who have loved ones serving
our country Afghanistan or who have lost a loved one in action.

Many families have suffered loss this year. Our hearts go out to
anyone who will be missing a loved one this Christmas.

Finally and certainly not least, I would like to thank those Nova
Scotians who keep our province on track at this time of the year. While
most of us have a few days off, hundreds of our neighbours are keeping
our hospitals open, fighting fires, saving lives in an ambulance,
policing our streets or working in residential and nursing homes. Where
would we be without them?

On behalf of my family and the Nova Scotia Liberal Party, I wish you
all a very Merry Christmas and much happiness in the year to come.

Stephen McNeil
Leader, Nova Scotia Liberal Caucus

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