The Record Ep. 40

The Member of Parliament for Cape Breton-Canso, Mike Kelloway, recently spoke with Civic Journalist Jake Boudrot about his decision to seek the Liberal nomination in the new federal riding of Sydney-Glace Bay.

In a statement issued on Feb. 6, Kelloway explained that the new federal riding of Cape Breton-Canso-Antigonish no longer includes his hometown of Glace Bay or his constituency office. With no incumbent or assumed candidate in the newly formed riding, he felt that now was the right time to make his decision.

Despite running in a different riding, Kelloway emphasized that he will continue serving the people of Cape Breton-Canso until the next federal election is called.

When the election is announced, the current ridings of Cape Breton-Canso and Sydney-Victoria will be restructured into Cape Breton-Canso-Antigonish and Sydney-Glace Bay. Sydney-Victoria MP Jaime Battiste addressed the changes, stating that the Liberal Party of Canada has a "clear nomination process" in place, allowing incumbent MPs to be acclaimed if they meet the required criteria.

Battiste noted that over 75% of Sydney-Victoria will now be part of the newly established Sydney-Glace Bay riding. He affirmed that he has met and exceeded all party requirements for acclamation and added that the Liberal Party has not indicated any intention to open the nomination process for Sydney-Glace Bay. Party representatives, he said, have assured him that the nomination rules will be followed.

EverWind Fuels Open Houses

EverWind Fuels is hosting a series of open houses to discuss the proposed Strait Crossing transmission line, a key renewable energy project.

Mark Stewart, EverWind's Director of Engagement, outlined the project details, including its scope, expected timeline, and current progress. These sessions provide an opportunity for the public to ask questions, learn more, and offer feedback.

The first open house took place on Feb. 5 at the Mulgrave Fire Hall, followed by sessions on Feb. 6 at the Port Hawkesbury Civic Centre and the Acadiaville Community Centre in West Arichat.

MLA Kendra Coombes on Key Issues

Cape Breton Centre-Whitney Pier MLA Kendra Coombes, who serves as the NDP critic for Municipal Affairs and Public Works and as Deputy House Leader, addressed a range of pressing issues.

She commented on a Jan. 28 letter from NDP leader Claudia Chender, which criticized Premier Tim Houston for lacking concrete plans to counter potential American tariffs. Chender accused Houston of prioritizing outdated resource extraction policies over environmental protections and Indigenous consultation.

On Jan. 16, the NDP called for urgent action on gender-based violence. Chender, along with Status of Women Critic Susan Leblanc and Justice Critic Lina Hamid, urged the premier to meet with stakeholders and take decisive steps following another intimate partner homicide in the province. Since October, seven people in Nova Scotia have died in confirmed cases of intimate partner violence. The NDP insists that while the government has made promises, it must provide clear timelines, funding commitments, and leadership to address the crisis.

Health care also remains a major concern. On Jan. 14, the NDP released a statement highlighting worsening emergency room wait times in Nova Scotia. More than 10% of patients left emergency departments without being seen. Additionally, after CBC reported that approximately 9,500 people were removed from the province's "Need a Physician" waitlist without explanation, NDP Health Spokesperson Dr. Rod Wilson criticized the government for its lack of transparency. Wilson noted that many constituents remain uncertain about their status on the waitlist and how long they will have to wait for primary care.

Highway Infrastructure and Rural Transit

Following the provincial government's release of its Five-Year Highway Improvement Plan on Jan. 21, Coombes acknowledged it as a step forward but stressed the need for further action. Many roads, particularly in rural areas, remain in poor condition. She urged the government to allocate more resources to Nova Scotia Public Works offices and prioritize rural transportation and community transit initiatives.

CORAH Programs for Seniors

The Centre of Rural Aging and Health (CORAH) is continuing its seniors’ programs at the Nova Scotia Community College’s Strait Area Campus in Port Hawkesbury.

Michele MacPhee, CORAH’s Administration and Project Coordinator, reported success with past events and provided updates on upcoming programs.

Key sessions include:

• Boundary Setting – Feb. 18 (10:30-11:30 a.m.)

• Restorative Justice Workshop – Feb. 25 (10-11:30 a.m.)

• Meditation Classes – Feb. 6, 13, and 20

• Anxiety Prevention Session – Feb. 28

• Grief Library – Feb. 26

Additional events include a Plant Exchange on Feb. 14, Tai Chi Classes every Thursday, the CORAH Kitchen on Feb. 21, and a Foot Care Clinic on Feb. 19.

Social activities such as the CORAH Café (Wednesdays and Fridays), Afternoon at the Movies (Feb. 13), Crafternoon and Puzzle Club (Tuesdays), and the CORAH Chorale/Choir (Feb. 27) round out the schedule.

These programs aim to provide engagement, education, and wellness opportunities for seniors in the community.