HALIFAX - The MLA for Timberlea-Prospect is promoting a green agenda as he seeks to capture the leadership of a provincial party traditionally associated with the colour red. 

Iain Rankin, who was first elected as an MLA in 2013 and has served as the Minister of Environment and Minister of Lands and Forestry over the past eight years, is one of three candidates seeking to replace outgoing Premier Stephen McNeil as the leader of the Nova Scotia Liberal Party when its members choose a new leader this coming February. 

Rankin, who left the Environment portfolio in September, is touting several platform planks related to renewable energy and business developments designed to combat climate change, including a departure from coal mining that would take place earlier than the 2030 deadline imposed on Nova Scotia by the federal government. 

"I think we really have to start tackling problems like climate change and social justice, so it's been part of my platform to focus on making sure that, when we rebound from this pandemic, while focusing on the [aftermath of] the pandemic, that we have an economic recovery that's more low-carb and socially inclusive," Rankin told TELILE 24/7 host Adam Cooke in an interview from his Halifax office.