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In episode 15 of Strait Talk, Port Hawkesbury Town Councillor Jason Aucoin sat down with Civic Journalist Jake Boudrot to discuss his candidacy for Mayor of the Town of Port Hawkesbury, outlining his vision for the town's future and reflecting on his past experiences that he believes make him well-suited for the role.

When asked to share his background for newer residents and younger voters, Aucoin highlighted his 13 years as a shop steward and two years as vice-president of a construction union local representing 26,000 members in Western Canada. This experience, he said, equipped him with a deep understanding of industrial operations and labour relations, skills he plans to apply in Port Hawkesbury’s growing green energy sector.

“I’ve been part of negotiating six collective agreements, and that will really provide a solid foundation for me when working with the industries coming into the area,” Aucoin explained. “Understanding both sides of the playing field is one of my strengths.”

Aucoin believes his industrial experience will be a significant asset when dealing with proposed green energy projects in Point Tupper. He added, “It gives me a fresh and outsider’s perspective because I’ve seen what goes on in other parts of Canada with industry.”

Aucoin, a father of three, first won election to Port Hawkesbury Town Council in 2020. He recalled the 2020 election, where he was considered an underdog. “When I announced four years ago that I was running for council, I didn’t have the advantage of being a familiar face in politics, but I’ve proven over the last four years that I’m willing to roll up my sleeves and work hard,” he said.

During his term, Aucoin pushed for the Commercial Development District designation, which he believes is starting to bear fruit. “Already, we’re seeing some interest in land purchases for commercial development,” he noted. “The Town of Port Hawkesbury has been trying to get a hotel for over 20 years, and we’re very close to announcing an agreement that could finally make that happen.”

Aucoin emphasized securing a hotel for the town’s economic development. “Without another hotel, we’re missing out on opportunities to host conferences and tournaments. We need more rooms,” he stated.

In response to why he’s decided to run for mayor instead of seeking another term on the council, Aucoin explained that he feels ready to take on the additional responsibilities of leading the town. He also addressed the main challenges facing Port Hawkesbury and outlined his strategies to address them, though he noted that he remains focused on attracting new industries and improving the town’s infrastructure.

One of the key issues Aucoin hopes to tackle as mayor is the upcoming all-electronic election, a first for the town, which will also include a plebiscite on resident opinions for the alignment of Reeves Street. Aucoin expressed confidence that the election process would run smoothly, adding that he’s eager to see how the town’s residents respond to the referendum.