The Record Ep. 43

The Clearwater Seafoods facility in Isle Madame has been temporarily closed.

Christene Penney, Vice President of Sustainability and Public Affairs at Clearwater Seafoods, stated in an email that on Feb. 26, the company announced changes to its inshore lobster procurement, grading, live storage, and processing businesses.

Penney explained that Clearwater is in late-stage negotiations to sell its live lobster holding facility in Isle Madame to an experienced local operator. In anticipation of this transaction, the live holding facility in Cap Auguet has been temporarily shut down due to a lack of inventory.

As a result, staff have been temporarily laid off. Subject to the completion of a final purchase agreement, local employees will transition to the new owner.

With these changes, Clearwater is refocusing its lobster business on offshore harvesting operations and aligning strategically with affiliated companies. Penney noted that shareholders are moving forward with investments in a new offshore vessel to support this business.

Penney acknowledged that these changes are difficult but necessary to enhance resilience and secure the company's long-term health amid challenging market conditions. She emphasized that these decisions align the business with its strengths—vertically integrated, frozen-at-sea offshore harvesting, processing, and global distribution of premium wild-caught shellfish.

Despite these adjustments, Clearwater continues to employ 1,100 people across Atlantic Canada. By focusing on its strongest business lines, the company aims to position itself for success in the face of macroeconomic challenges.

With March 4 marking one year since Cody Duane MacDonald was reported missing, the RCMP has issued another public appeal for information.

According to a recent press release, MacDonald was last seen on Feb. 29, 2024, at a home on Campbell Road in Grande Anse. He is described as being 5'10", weighing approximately 145 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes.

Initially, authorities believed he was wearing an orange survival suit at the time of his disappearance. However, based on new information and evidence, the RCMP now believes he was last seen wearing a grey hat and green fisherman boots. No additional clothing details are known at this time.

A multi-day search of the surrounding areas was conducted in March 2024, with assistance from Strait Area Ground Search and Rescue, Sydney Ground Search and Rescue, RCMP Police Dog Services, and RCMP Air Services.

Over the past year, investigators have followed up on numerous tips and continue to receive and assess new information. The RCMP is now specifically seeking details about the hours and days leading up to MacDonald’s disappearance.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Richmond County District RCMP at 902-535-2002 or Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers.

Civic Journalist Jake Boudrot attended the regular monthly meeting of Richmond Municipal Council on Feb. 25 in Arichat, where Warden Lois Landry addressed media inquiries.

Key decisions from the meeting included:

• Approval of the multi-use facility feasibility study.

• Direction for staff to explore repair options for the Richmond Arena.

• A request to the provincial government for property assessment caps for homeowners who lose properties due to emergencies.

• A $500 municipal grant to the Acadiaville Community Centre Society from District 2 Funds.

• A $2,000 Type 4 Grant to the Whiteside Church Preservation Society from District 3 Funds.

• Discussion on private roadside waste collection.

• A decision by Minister of Public Works Fred Tilley to deny a request for road reopenings during emergencies.

• Review of correspondence from the Minister of Municipal Affairs and the Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities regarding the province’s response to U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods.

The Strait Area Transit Co-operative Ltd. is receiving $900,000 in funding from federal, provincial, and municipal governments to expand its services.

According to a press release, the funding will be used to purchase two 16-passenger accessible buses, increasing capacity for larger groups.

Nichole Briand, General Manager of Strait Area Transit, emphasized that rural transportation is a critical service for many Strait area residents. She said this expansion will enable SAT to continue providing inclusive, safe, reliable, and environmentally friendly transit options.

Additionally, Port Hawkesbury has allocated part of the funding toward developing a new multi-use pathway and accessible sidewalks, connecting active transportation facilities to key destinations, including the Nova Scotia Blue Route. The town is contributing $197,800 to the initiative.

Mayor Brenda Chisholm-Beaton stated that this project, combined with existing and planned active transportation facilities, will enhance mobility and significantly improve accessibility and safety for residents and visitors.

Funding breakdown:

• The federal government is investing $340,080 through the Rural Transit Solutions Fund, contingent on a contribution agreement.

• The Government of Nova Scotia is contributing $85,020.

• The federal government is also investing $296,700 through the Active Transportation Fund to support an active transportation plan.

Cape Breton-Canso MP Mike Kelloway highlighted the importance of enhancing public transit and active transportation to reduce reliance on personal vehicles. Richmond MLA and Energy Minister Trevor Boudreau echoed this sentiment, noting that improved transportation options connect people to their communities, boost economic opportunities, and enhance overall quality of life.

Fourteen seafood companies and related organizations across Nova Scotia are receiving funding to reduce their carbon footprint through the Fisheries and Aquaculture Energy Efficiency Innovation Fund.

The funded projects range from Canada’s first zero-emission electric lobster boat to solar-powered lobster and bait facilities.

Among the recipients, the Strait of Canso Superport Corporation will receive $250,000 to install a charging station for electric vessels.

Kris Vascotto, Executive Director of the Nova Scotia Seafood Alliance, stated that the fund represents a significant investment in improving efficiency, cutting energy costs, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions for seafood businesses. He added that adopting low-emission technology will enhance Nova Scotia’s reputation in premium global markets.

The province’s $6.5-million, three-year program supports initiatives aimed at reducing emissions in boats, buildings, and commercial fisheries and aquaculture operations. The provincial government has opened applications for the second round of funding, with a deadline of April 11.

Eligible projects include:

• Adapting electric and hybrid technology for fishing vessels and fleets.

• Installing renewable energy systems.

• Upgrading equipment and technology to lower emissions.

• Conducting research to support future emission-reduction projects.

The Nova Scotia Fisheries and Aquaculture Loan Board will provide $10 million in dedicated lending over three years to support applicants.

Energy Minister Kent Smith reiterated the government’s commitment to addressing climate change, emphasizing that these investments will help the seafood industry reduce fossil fuel use, lower emissions, and decrease operational costs.