The Liberal candidate for the riding of Inverness, Jaime Beaton, spoke with Civic Journalist Jake Boudrot about her decision to seek election in the provincial riding, which includes the Town of Port Hawkesbury and the Municipality of the County of Inverness.

Beaton, who grew up in Mabou, reflected on her roots in the community, her love of hockey, and her volunteer experience with Katimavik Canada after graduating in 1999.

“It’s a very community-building experience,” she said of the national volunteer program for young people.

After moving to Ottawa, Beaton pursued studies in media, communications, and political science at Carleton University. She then worked in municipal government for about 13 years, focusing on social services with the City of Ottawa.

In 2019, Beaton returned to Cape Breton and began working in public housing.

“I was so excited to get back home; I think that’s every Cape Bretoner’s dream,” she said.

Beaton explained her decision to run in the Nova Scotia election and why she chose to represent the Liberal party.

“I think I have a lot of experience working with people, especially trying to problem-solve issues they have,” she said. “The MLA, really in any riding, is that conduit to figure out, ‘how can we make things better?’”

She identified some of the key challenges facing the Inverness riding and discussed her priorities if elected as a Member of the Legislative Assembly.

“I have a great understanding of the landscape in Nova Scotia now, what’s going on, and some of the priorities in Inverness,” she said.

Beaton concluded by discussing her campaign and outlining her plans for the coming weeks.