Battiste Wins New Federal Riding

The Member of Parliament for the new federal riding of Cape Breton–Canso–Antigonish has been elected.

According to unofficial results from Elections Canada, with all 245 polls reporting, Liberal candidate Jaime Battiste won the riding with 24,634 votes, amounting to 51.5 per cent of the vote.

Conservative candidate Allan MacMaster came in second with 20,714 votes, or 43.3 per cent of the ballots cast.

NDP candidate Joanna Clark finished third with 1,914 votes, representing 4% of the vote.

People’s Party of Canada candidate Ryan Smyth placed fourth with 337 votes (0.7 per cent), followed by Independent candidate Rebbecca Wall, who received 228 votes (0.5 per cent).

According to Elections Canada, voter turnout in the riding was 74.44 per cent, with 47,827 people casting ballots across Richmond County, the Town of Port Hawkesbury, Inverness, Victoria, and Guysborough Counties, as well as Antigonish town and county.

Port Hawkesbury Mourns Political Giant Billy Joe MacLean

A well-known local politician has passed away.

On April 23, the Town of Port Hawkesbury announced that its council, staff, and residents were mourning Billy Joe MacLean's death.

The town highlighted MacLean’s long-standing commitment to public service, noting his roles as town councillor, mayor, MLA, cabinet minister, chair, charter board member, and participant on numerous committees.

MacLean began his public service career in 1962 as a town councillor and went on to serve eight terms as mayor. Over the decades, he helped guide the town and the greater Strait area through significant economic and social changes, always remaining a steady advocate for residents.

He also served as Chair of the Strait Area Mayors and Wardens Committee, working to strengthen the region politically and economically by mobilizing local leadership for growth.

“MacLean took great pride in every role he served,” said the town. “And the support shown by Port Hawkesbury residents over the years demonstrated their pride in his leadership.”

During times of crisis, he was known for his calm and decisive leadership. On August 22, 2011, MacLean formed the Municipal Action Committee in response to the closure of the NewPage paper mill, uniting regional leaders to advocate for the local economy and emphasizing the mill’s importance to the area.

Port Hawkesbury Mayor Brenda Chisholm-Beaton called MacLean “a giant among politicians.”

“Our families grew up together in the same neighbourhood, just a few houses apart,” she said. “You could say that my introduction to politics was thanks to Billy Joe. I had the privilege to serve as a councillor in 2012 under his leadership during his final term as mayor. I know full well the commitment required to fulfil the role of a public servant. None of that is possible without the support of your family and your community. I’d be remiss if I didn’t extend the deepest of condolences to Billy Joe’s family, who have generously shared this remarkable political champion with their town, their province, and the country.”

MacLean’s legacy includes improvements to education and recreation in Port Hawkesbury and beyond. He was inducted into the Port Hawkesbury Sports Wall of Fame at the Civic Centre—a facility built in 2004 under his leadership.

He was also awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal for his decades of public and community service.

Richmond Council News

Richmond Municipal Council held its regular monthly meeting on April 22 in Arichat. Afterward, Warden Lois Landry spoke to the media.

Council agreed to send a letter of support for proponents of two solar projects entering a public consultation phase. The projects, located in Whiteside (off Highway 104) and near Kempt Road (off Highway 4), are being proposed by AI Renewable, Solarbank, and Trimac Engineering. The companies plan to host two public meetings and make a presentation to council.

Council also reiterated its opposition to the Non-Resident Deed Transfer Tax increase and voted to send a letter to Premier Tim Houston requesting reconsideration of the policy.

A letter of support will also be sent to the Strait Richmond Healthcare Foundation in its effort to acquire a CT scanner for the Evanston hospital.

Additional council discussions included:

• Policy updates on the receipt of donations, as recommended by the Municipal Bylaw/Policy Committee.

• Planning bylaw changes to allow secondary and backyard suites, recommended by the Municipal Planning Advisory Committee.

• Concerns raised by an Arichat resident regarding blasting preparations for the new long-term care facility being built to replace St. Anne Community and Nursing Care Centre.

• Correspondence from Nova Scotia’s Attorney General on the Additional Officer Program.

• Warden Landry’s letter about Brela Homes’ expansion plans, including a new facility and job creation.

• A letter from Municipal Affairs Minister John Lohr to the Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities sparked budget-related discussion.

Finally, council voted to send a letter objecting to Invest Nova Scotia’s exclusion of Point Tupper properties from an upcoming study.

Funding for Local Infrastructure

The Nova Scotia Department of Municipal Affairs and Housing announced nearly $26.8 million in funding for 35 municipal infrastructure projects through the Growth and Renewal for Infrastructure Development (GRID) Program.

The Village of St. Peter’s will receive $12,500 for a sidewalk study, and the Town of Port Hawkesbury was awarded $309,651 for Phase 1 of an extension of municipal services on Artie Reynolds Road.

Minister John Lohr said the program supports municipalities in building more resilient communities by funding vital water, sewer, and stormwater services.

RCMP Cracks Down on Truck Noise

Following public complaints, Inverness County District RCMP stopped about 75 tractor-trailer operators to educate them on engine brake laws.

Under Section 181a of the Nova Scotia Motor Vehicle Act, engine brakes are prohibited in areas where the speed limit is 50 km/h or less.

Last winter, Port Hawkesbury Town Council pledged to address ongoing complaints about truck noise. At a February meeting, Councillor Paula Hart said residents had contacted her about loud engine braking late at night.

Mayor Brenda Chisholm-Beaton noted that while engine braking within town limits is illegal, noise persists on Reeves Street and Trunk 4. The town is working with the RCMP and Nova Scotia Public Works to enforce regulations. The RCMP Traffic Enforcement Unit may also be deployed to tackle the issue.

Chisholm-Beaton said efforts are ongoing to engage local industry and trucking associations and that the town will ask the province to install reminder signage for drivers.

CORAH Update

Michele MacPhee, Administration and Project Coordinator for the Centre of Rural Aging and Health (CORAH), spoke with Civic Journalist Jake Boudrot about upcoming events and programs.

CORAH continues to host popular social gatherings like Crafternoon, Puzzle Club, and the CORAH Café, which meet on Wednesdays and Fridays. MacPhee discussed how these programs benefit seniors’ mental well-being through creativity and connection.

She also spoke about CORAH’s recent “Spring Into Foraging” workshop in collaboration with the Strait Richmond Community Health Board, which is also actively recruiting new volunteers.

CORAH offers Tai Chi Clinics, Foot Care Clinics, the CORAH Kitchen, and the CORAH Chorale. MacPhee noted strong community engagement with these events.

The recent “Meet the Author” event with Frank Macdonald was “very well received,” she said.

Looking ahead, CORAH will host a “Day at Sea” event using the NSCC Strait Area Campus marine simulator, a unique offering thanks to a growing partnership with the college.

In May and June, CORAH will introduce several educational events, including a presentation on the Halifax Explosion, Travel Talk, art and gardening workshops, a Death Café, and a Basic Income Learning Event—all designed to enrich community life for seniors.