By all accounts, Tuesday's election in Nova Scotia will be a historic moment.

Nova Scotia is poised to elect the first NDP provincial government east of Ontario.

But, will an NDP government be much different?

Everyone knows about the historical social democratic roots of the NDP and its championing of workers' rights, but there has been very little evidence that this iteration of the NDP plans to turn any of these concerns into policy once in office.

What might Nova Scotians expect of an NDP government?

If the NDP wins a minority government, they will likely not implement regressive policies that would further weaken public services, (eg. no P3s, no more private health clinics).

As the Nova Scotia election countdown begins, there are concerns an NDP government would raise taxes, engage in freewheeling spending and worst of all, it would be in the pocket of unions.

These concerns are misguided.

Quite opposite to raising taxes in Nova Scotia, the NDP is pledging to offer a spate of tax rebates and credits that actually fly in the face of good economic sense during an economic recession - to forego revenue at a time when revenue is declining.

For more than a decade, Nova Scotia has consistently ranked amongst the lowest spenders per capita on all social programs. A marginal increase in spending, especially spending targeted to those who are most vulnerable during this economic crisis, would be more than justified.

If we look beyond the labels of the political parties running in the Nova Scotia election and consider their platforms, we might be confused by what is revealed.

Even in wine tasting it is getting harder to name the grape, region and vintage, because there is such a diversity of wines available, from different regions of the world, using new grape varieties and even fusions. However, a cabernet is a cabernet right?

What is a liberal, a conservative and a social democrat in our province -- and even our country?
In Nova Scotia, the NDP, Liberals and Progressive Conservatives are fighting for centre, if not the slightly right of centre. Each espouses a vague vision about making Nova Scotia a great place to work, live and raise a family.

There was a "debate" among the leaders of the three main Nova Scotia political parties on Tuesday evening - Rodney MacDonald for the Progressive Conservatives, Darrell Dexter for the NDP and Stephen McNeil for the Liberals.

The discussion following such a debate often starts like this:

"Did you watch the debate?"

"Yeah."

"Who won?"

"I don't know.  I haven't heard what the pundits are saying yet."