The Record Ep. 44

Cape Breton-Canso Member of Parliament Mike Kelloway shared his reaction to Mark Carney’s decisive win in the Liberal leadership race on March 9, as well as his thoughts on the leadership convention that weekend.

In his victory speech, Carney outlined key policy goals, including lowering the capital gains tax, building an eastbound pipeline, and eliminating the consumer portion of the Carbon Rebate program. Kelloway was asked how this shift in direction might be received by Canadians.

With Carney set to be sworn in as Prime Minister, appoint a cabinet, and determine the timing of the next election, Kelloway discussed the government’s next steps during this transition period.

As some Liberal MPs have publicly speculated that an election could be called soon, Kelloway was asked for his expectations on the timing of the vote.

During the campaign, the carbon rebate is expected to be a major topic, as claimed by the Conservatives. Kelloway was asked whether he believes it will be a central issue in his campaign. Additionally, he addressed concerns over U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs and his controversial remarks about Canada as the “51st state.”

Locally, Kelloway was asked when the Liberal Party of Canada will announce its candidate for Sydney-Glace Bay and when a Liberal candidate is expected to step forward for the newly formed federal riding of Cape Breton-Canso-Antigonish.

Seafood Industry and Tariffs

Kris Vascotto, Executive Director of the Nova Scotia Seafood Alliance, addressed concerns over China’s 25% counter-tariffs on Canadian seafood, effective March 20. China currently receives over 40% of Nova Scotia’s live lobster exports.

According to China’s Ministry of Commerce, these new tariffs—covering $2.6 billion worth of agricultural and seafood products—are in response to Canada’s 100% tariff on Chinese-made electric vehicles and the 25% tariffs on Chinese steel and aluminum announced last October.

Vascotto was asked about the anticipated impact on the industry and what he’s hearing from local sellers and Chinese buyers. The seafood sector had feared being targeted by retaliatory tariffs since last October, and Vascotto discussed how the industry has been preparing for this scenario.

Meanwhile, U.S. President Trump has threatened to impose a 25% tariff on all Canadian exports, including seafood, potentially taking effect in early April. About 40% of live lobster exports and 70% of frozen processed lobster go to the U.S. In 2024, Nova Scotia exported $1.02 billion worth of lobster, making it the province’s second-largest export.

Vascotto was asked whether the impact on lobster would be more severe than on other sectors.

The owner of Tangier Lobster described the simultaneous American and Chinese tariffs as “incredibly poor luck” and “hard to comprehend,” predicting a significant impact on the industry. Vascotto was asked whether he agreed with that assessment.

Port Hawkesbury Town Council Meeting

Civic journalist Jake Boudrot attended the Port Hawkesbury Town Council’s monthly public meeting on March 4. Following the meeting, Cape Breton Regional Enterprise Network (CBREN) officials and Mayor Brenda Chisholm-Beaton spoke with the media.

Rachelle Samson of CBREN provided an update on progress toward establishing the Ocean Innovation Centre on the town’s waterfront.

Coinciding with President Trump’s tariff announcement that same day, Chisholm-Beaton and CBREN President & CEO Tyler Mattheis shared their reactions.

Chisholm-Beaton also highlighted the importance of recognizing April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

Université Sainte-Anne Accelerated Education Program

On March 3, Université Sainte-Anne announced the launch of an accelerated 16-month Bachelor of Education program, starting this September.

University President Kenneth Deveau was asked whether this option would be available at all campus locations, including Petit-de-Grat. Previously, the B.Ed. was a two-year program, and Deveau explained what the accelerated format entails and whether any curriculum changes are involved.

Université Sainte-Anne stated that the new program meets accreditation requirements while maintaining the quality of student learning. Deveau was asked how this would be ensured.

With the accelerated timeline, graduates will be able to enter classrooms as early as September 2026. Deveau was asked if he believes the practical learning component is more valuable than classroom instruction.

Across Canada, there is an urgent need to recruit, train, and retain teachers for French-language minority schools and French-as-a-second-language programs. As the only university in Nova Scotia offering French-language teacher training and the Specialist Diploma in the Teaching of French as a Second Language, Université Sainte-Anne aims to help address this shortage. Deveau was asked about the severity of the issue in Nova Scotia and how the university is responding.

Université Sainte-Anne will continue offering Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science programs integrated with the B.Ed. and the traditional two-year B.Ed. program. Deveau was asked how these options will be structured.

He concluded the interview by discussing current initiatives at the Petit-de-Grat campus and what’s on the horizon.

Atlantic Fisheries Fund Investment

On March 6, the Government of Canada and the Province of Nova Scotia announced $36.8 million in funding through the Atlantic Fisheries Fund for 142 projects in the province’s fishing and seafood sector.

This funding aims to modernize equipment, improve quality and productivity, and promote sustainability through new infrastructure, innovation, and scientific partnerships. The federal government contributes 70% of the funds, with the remaining 30% provided by the Atlantic provinces.

Local recipients include:

• Grandpa Vernie Fisheries Limited (Arichat): Approved for $20,000 to install a live well system for lobsters and extend the canopy on a new vessel. Total project cost: $60,168.

• Apaqtaukewaq Fisheries Co-op Ltd. (St. Peter’s): Awarded $289,915 for installing a refrigerated seawater system to improve snow crab quality. Total project cost: $386,650.

• Petit de Grat Packers Limited (Alderney Point): Granted $86,954 to fabricate four crab dumpers to assist in unloading crab. Total project cost: $115,939.

This funding comes from the $400 million Atlantic Fisheries Fund (AFF), a federal-provincial initiative designed to increase market opportunities and value for sustainably sourced, high-quality seafood from Atlantic Canada.