ARICHAT - The Progressive Conservative MLA for Richmond says he has spoken to local municipal councillors about the road-clearing efforts of Nova Scotia Department of Public Works (DPW) crews in Richmond County, and he understands their desire to speak to the department's local office and its minister, Kim Masland. 

During an interview with Roundtable host Adam Cooke, Boudreau said he understands the frustration of councillors and local residents with the DPW protocols that see major 100-series highways cleared immediately after a snow event, with smaller highways coming next and rural roads often left without significant snow clearance until 24 hours after a major weather event begins. 

"It's reasonable for [councillors] to request why this has been the approach that the province has always taken," said Boudreau, noting that the staggered system predates his time as an MLA and his party's election to government in 2021. "I'm happy to sit in on those meetings...and if councillors have suggestions for improvement, I think it's important for them to be able to voice those."

Also on this week's Roundtable:

10:38 - Richmond Warden Amanda Mombourquette explains the importance of having a uniform promotional strategy for all emergency comfort centres that set up shop in the aftermath of a major weather event and/or power outage. 

14:36 - Richmond MLA Trevor Boudreau and provincial Acadian Affairs Minister Colton LeBlanc (21:52) explain new provincial funding designed to promote the recruitment and retention of healthcare professionals for Nova Scotia's Mi'kmaq and Acadian communities. 

33:53 - Richmond council addresses several issues regarding heritage and culture within the county, including the approval of new criteria for Heritage Properties within the municipality and the commitment of $10,000 towards the Association Portuaire du Petit de Grat for the development of a monument celebrating the community's Acadian heritage, culture and history. 

41:16 - A provincial bill designed to override the Halifax Regional Municipality's noise by-law to allow the expansion of housing construction in the urban centre is not sitting well with Richmond Municipal Council or Warden Amanda Mombourquette. 

47:35 - Richmond District RCMP Constable Jeff Pierre offers tips to avoid frauds and scams to a special seniors' gathering at St. Louis Parish Hall in Louisdale.