Nova Scotia's provincial election campaign is nearing its end, with the governing Progressive Conservatives trying to maintain their lead over a rising NDP.

Federal Foreign Affairs Minister Peter MacKay, a popular Conservative Nova Scotia MP,  and former Nova Scotia Tory premier John Hamm joined Progressive Conservative Leader and Premier Rodney MacDonald on Saturday, hoping to shore up support before Tuesday's vote.

"Peter (MacKay) and I are out there working, not because our names are on this ballot but because we believe in Premier Rodney MacDonald," Hamm told supporters in Pictou County.

"We know that (the Tories) will do a better job for the people of Nova Scotia than either of the other two parties."

The Progressive Conservatives are running two new candidates in Pictou Centre and Pictou East. Hamm, who served as premier for almost seven years, and PC member Jim DeWolfe won the ridings in the previous election. However, both have retired from electoral politics.

Along with trying to strengthen support in ridings traditionally held by Tories, MacDonald also went on the offensive against the NDP.

He accused the New Democrats of planning to make it easier for workers at Nova Scotia's three Michelin tire manufacturing plants to unionize.

A law passed in 1979 forbids any one plant from unionizing unless joined by the other two.

MacDonald argued that changes to the law could jeopardize thousands of jobs.

"Companies like Michelin are too important to Pictou County's economy, and too important to Nova Scotia's economy, for there to be any uncertainty," he said.

"Now the NDP may be confused or reluctant to talk about their real agenda for Michelin and for the 3,500 workers and families who depend on Michelin. But make no mistake, the PC party -- unlike the NDP -- has always been a proud supporter of Michelin jobs."

'Broken promises'

The NDP struck back at the Progressive Conservatives by accusing the party of failing to carry through with their promises.

NDP Leader Darrell Dexter, campaigning in Lower Sackville, told residents the Tories have not properly funded schools.

"Seven years of Conservative broken promises have left students in suburban schools without the resources to ensure they can do better in school," he said in a statement.

Meanwhile, the Liberals have downplayed reports they are rapidly bleeding support to the New Democrats, and are no longer a threat to the Tories winning a majority government.

"We've talked to many of our candidates across the province, and I'm still maintaining that we're in a very strong position," said Liberal Leader Francis MacKenzie.

"We're very well alive, and we have a chance.''

The Liberals held 10 seats before MacDonald called an election, the Progressive Consevatives had 25 and the NDP had 15.

For the remaining two seats, one was held by an Independent and the other was vacant.

Possible campaign sabotage

Progressive Conservatives suspected a case of campaign sabotage Saturday after about 700 brochures for Eastern Shore candidate Bill Dooks were found in a garbage can.

Printers worked overnight to make a new batch, that campaign workers personally delivered to Canada Post.

The party filed complaints with Canada Post and the RCMP, and an investigation was launched.

In another case of possible sabotage, Dook's Liberal opponent Judith Cabrita has had campaign signs disappear.

With files from CTV Atlantic and The Canadian Press