The Record Ep. 71

Cape Breton–Canso–Antigonish MP Jaime Battiste, who also serves as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, recently spoke about his priorities and the key issues shaping the upcoming fall sitting of Parliament. From renewable energy and conservation to rural connectivity and housing, Battiste said his focus remains on balancing long-term sustainability with the immediate needs of local communities.

On the topic of offshore and wind energy, Battiste pointed to two recent federal announcements that could have lasting implications for Nova Scotia’s economy and environment. The first was the federal government’s endorsement of the Wind West initiative, a major step toward positioning Atlantic Canada as a leader in renewable energy production. Then, on September 20, Central Nova MP and Minister of Justice Sean Fraser announced that the provincial and federal governments had directed the Canada–Nova Scotia Offshore Energy Regulator to launch a prequalification process and call for expressions of interest in offshore wind development. Together, these moves mark what Battiste described as “the early stages of a generational opportunity” for the region.

When asked what these developments might mean for his own riding, Battiste said the potential is enormous—not only in creating green energy but also in supporting skilled jobs, training opportunities, and regional infrastructure growth. “Our goal,” he said, “is to ensure that the benefits of these projects flow directly to our communities, including Indigenous and coastal populations that have deep ties to the land and sea.”

Meanwhile, another announcement from Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) earlier in September stirred mixed emotions among fishers. The department announced the closure of the Atlantic mackerel bait fishery across all designated fishing areas on September 10, citing conservation concerns and noting that landings were approaching the second half of the total allowable catch for 2025. DFO acknowledged the economic strain the decision could place on harvesters and coastal communities but emphasized that the move was necessary to preserve stock health for future seasons. Battiste voiced support for the closure, saying that while he understands the hardship it causes, conservation must take precedence to ensure that local fisheries remain viable for generations to come.

Housing was another major topic during the month. On September 14, Fraser—who also serves as Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency—announced the creation of Build Canada Homes, a new federal agency designed to accelerate the construction of affordable housing nationwide. When asked what this could mean for Cape Breton–Canso–Antigonish, Battiste said the program could help address one of the riding’s most persistent challenges: access to safe, affordable housing. “Too many families are struggling to find a place to live,” he said. “This initiative has the potential to change that by building at scale, creating jobs, and revitalizing local economies.”

Rural connectivity remains another pressing concern. Many communities within the riding continue to experience unreliable or nonexistent cell phone and internet service. Richmond Municipal Council recently sent Battiste a formal letter outlining the situation in Richmond County, where residents and small businesses still face daily obstacles due to lack of coverage. Battiste said that improving broadband and cellular access is one of his top priorities. “Reliable communication is no longer a luxury—it’s essential for education, healthcare, and economic participation,” he said.

When asked about other upcoming issues and possible announcements, Battiste indicated that the federal budget expected in November would help determine next steps and shape his legislative direction heading into winter.

In other local news, Richmond County RCMP continue to investigate a dramatic case involving a stolen boat traced across provinces and international waters. A Toronto man was arrested after allegedly stealing a white cabin cruiser from the Lennox Passage Yacht Club in D’Escousse on September 23. Surveillance footage captured the suspect boarding the vessel shortly before noon. Investigators later discovered that the grey Ford F-150 he had driven to the marina—bearing Ontario plates—had itself been reported stolen from Alberta in July.

Days later, on September 28, Fisheries and Oceans Canada officers conducting aerial surveillance near St. Pierre and Miquelon spotted the vessel adrift and apparently unoccupied. DFO worked in coordination with the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre, the Canadian Coast Guard, and the RCMP, including Quebec’s Marine Security Enforcement Teams, to track the vessel and ensure no one aboard required medical attention. On September 30, officers boarded the boat east of Sable Island and arrested the suspect, identified as 31-year-old Mohammed Saleh of Toronto. He was assessed for medical concerns and transported to shore. Both the boat and the stolen truck were seized, and investigations are continuing with support from RCMP forensic teams in Nova Scotia, Alberta, and British Columbia. Saleh appeared in Wagmatcook Provincial Court on October 1, facing charges of theft and possession of property obtained by crime. He is scheduled for a bail hearing in Port Hawkesbury Provincial Court on October 9.

Elsewhere in the county, the only road connecting the communities of Port Royal, St. Mary’s, and Janvrins Island was closed for two hours on September 26 after a structure fire broke out on MacEachern Road. Emergency crews were dispatched around 9:15 a.m., with Isle Madame and Louisdale Volunteer Fire Departments responding alongside Emergency Health Services and Nova Scotia Power. The blaze spread dangerously close to a wooded area behind the home, prompting firefighters to return twice later in the day to battle flare-ups. Public Works confirmed that the road was fully reopened by noon, though the event raised renewed concerns about the vulnerability of isolated communities.

Because the bridge on Port Royal Road was closed to vehicle traffic in 2017—and removed entirely in early 2024—MacEachern Road remains the only access point for residents. In recent years, residents have formed the “Port Royal Bridge” Facebook group to lobby the provincial government to restore a secondary route, citing the risks of relying on a single road during emergencies. While upgrades to MacEachern Road were completed this past summer, the bridge remains a focal point of local advocacy.

In another development, St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish received $1.36 million in federal funding for an ambitious research project aimed at improving Arctic search and rescue operations. Announced on August 27 by Anthony Housefather, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience, the three-year initiative—titled “Closing the Gaps: Addressing Critical Challenges in Arctic Ground Search and Rescue”—will be supported through the federal Search and Rescue New Initiatives Fund.

Dr. Peter Kikkert, Public Policy and Governance professor at StFX and Research Fellow with the Mulroney Institute of Government, said the project builds on years of collaboration among researchers, Inuit responders, and government agencies. “We’re working to strengthen governance, test new technologies, and co-develop training tools rooted in Inuit knowledge,” Kikkert explained. He emphasized that Inuit responders are the foundation of the effort, operating in some of the most challenging conditions on earth. “Almost every responder has found a loved one deceased,” he noted, underlining the deeply personal nature of the work. The project also offers hands-on opportunities for undergraduate students who will contribute to the research while gaining valuable experience in emergency management and policy development.

The RCMP also continue to investigate the theft of an ATV in Port Hawkesbury. Between the night of July 31 and the morning of August 1, a green 2015 Arctic Cat Wildcat Trail LG side-by-side was stolen from private property. The vehicle, bearing plate number LX042 and VIN 4UF15MPV1FT306445, remains missing. Police are urging anyone with information to contact Inverness County District RCMP at 902-625-2220 or reach out to Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers.

Finally, Richmond County Literacy Network Executive Director Mitch David spoke with Telile Station Manager Becky Bourinot about the organization’s fall programming. The discussion focused on expanding adult learning opportunities, digital literacy, and community outreach—continuing the network’s mission to strengthen education and inclusion across the region.