The Record Episode 24

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In episode 24 of The Record, Cape Breton-Canso MP Mike Kelloway discusses amendments to the Fisheries Act with Civic Journalist Jake Boudrot.

During the interview, Kelloway highlighted recent proceedings in the House of Commons Fisheries Committee, alleging that Conservative Members of Parliament “have no interest in modernizing the Fisheries Act.” According to Kelloway, Conservative MPs—including Rick Perkins (Nova Scotia), Clifford Small (Newfoundland and Labrador), Mel Arnold (British Columbia), and Richard Bragdon (New Brunswick)—blocked the committee’s progress on Sept. 25 by filibustering, preventing a review of the act.

Kelloway expressed concern that this could signal a return to past policies, accusing the Conservative Party of previously “gutting” the Fisheries Act when in government. He emphasized that Liberal MPs are committed to keeping the modernization of the Fisheries Act a priority, ensuring that it continues to support coastal communities and safeguard Canada’s fisheries.

The Fisheries Act affects quotas, scientific research, and law enforcement that protect the fisheries, which Kelloway calls a “critical law” for communities along Canada’s coasts.

New Dialysis Unit Coming to Strait-Richmond Hospital

Strait-Richmond Hospital is set to receive a new six-station dialysis unit, marking a significant healthcare development for rural communities. The Department of Health and Wellness announced that the unit will be constructed using a method called Design for Manufacture and Assembly. This approach, which involves off-site building and on-site assembly, is expected to reduce both delays and unexpected costs typically associated with traditional construction.

Dr. Steven Soroka, Senior Medical Director of the Renal Program and Pharmacy Services with Nova Scotia Health, stated that modular building techniques like this will allow for quicker delivery of hemodialysis capacity in rural areas, bringing much-needed specialized care closer to patients' homes. Construction is set to begin once the design is complete and a vendor has been selected.

Road Concerns in Port Royal and MacEachern Road

Local resident Laken Delorey is leading a group of concerned residents advocating for improvements to MacEachern Road, which is now the sole route into Port Royal, St. Marys, and Janvrins Island following the loss of the bridge in Port Royal. Delorey created the Facebook page “Port Royal Bridge” to rally community support and voice their concerns.

In response, Nova Scotia Public Works spokesperson Gary Andrea confirmed via email that the department is working to upgrade MacEachern Road, including brush clearing and ditching, with crews actively on-site. Patching efforts are ongoing, but major repaving has been delayed until the next construction season.

Richmond MLA Trevor Boudreau expressed disappointment with the delays, noting that Public Works is awaiting approval from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) for shoreline protection and culverts. Boudreau stated that the application is currently in a 90-day review period, which has postponed the original completion deadline of late September.

He assured residents that he will continue pushing for necessary upgrades to improve safety on MacEachern Road.