On January 6, Cape Breton-Canso MP Mike Kelloway expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for his years of public service to Canada.

“It is easy to lead in good times, but it takes true strength to lead when times are tough,” Kelloway said in a Facebook post. “That strength is what we have seen from the Prime Minister throughout his tenure — including a global pandemic and its unprecedented economic ramifications. Through all of this, Canadians have shown their resilience and strength. Now, the time for change has come. I am grateful for the Prime Minister’s accomplishments and optimistic as we write a new chapter for our party and our country.”

Business Leader Honored

Joe Shannon, a prominent businessman from Port Hawkesbury, has been named a recipient of the 2024 Order of Nova Scotia. Shannon was recognized for his contributions to business, commerce, and philanthropic efforts.

The Office of the Lieutenant Governor highlighted Shannon’s commitment to community development, noting that his entrepreneurial and philanthropic work has benefitted numerous people and organizations across Nova Scotia. Shannon has also served as a mentor to aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders, helping guide many toward success, with a focus on regional development.

A key supporter of Cape Breton University (CBU), Shannon has chaired several fundraising campaigns, contributing to the development of initiatives like the Purdy Crawford Chair in Aboriginal Business Studies and the Aboriginal Youth Mentorship Program at the Shannon School of Business. His philanthropic efforts extend to the Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation, the QEII Health Science Centre, the Gaelic College, and the Port Hawkesbury Civic Centre.

Nova Scotia’s Lieutenant Governor Mike Savage announced the new Order of Nova Scotia members on December 23. An investiture ceremony will be held in the spring at Government House, where recipients will receive their insignia and appointment scrolls.

Expanded Off-Highway Vehicle Access

On January 7, the Department of Public Works released a new list of approved Road Trail sites for Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) riders, expanding trail connectivity and access to amenities.

The ATV Association of Nova Scotia (ATVANS) noted that the approved sites include 500 metres on Rogers Road, 150 metres on Highway 206, and 7.7 kilometres on Highway 320, connecting trails on Isle Madame to the rail trail leading to River Tillard.

Big Pond Fire Hall Upgrades

The Big Pond Volunteer Fire Department will receive $120,000 in non-repayable federal funding to upgrade its fire hall into a fully equipped community comfort centre.

The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) stated that the upgrades include a new furnace, electrical panel improvements, 35 solar panels, and Electric Vehicle charging stations, making the facility energy-efficient and self-sustaining.

Serving Big Pond, Irish Vale, Ben Eoin, and surrounding areas, the fire hall will offer shelter, internet access, and device charging during storms, while also functioning as a year-round community hub. The funding comes from the Hurricane Fiona Recovery Fund.

Provincial Fiscal Update

On December 20, Finance and Treasury Board Minister John Lohr provided a fiscal update, forecasting a deficit of $247.5 million for 2024-25 — a $219.9-million improvement from the $467.4-million deficit projected in September.

The province’s revenue is expected to rise to $16.5 billion, an increase of $642.0 million from earlier estimates, driven by higher provincial tax revenues, investment income, and recoveries. Meanwhile, expenses are projected at $17.0 billion, up $440.6 million from the budget estimate, with $253 million in additional appropriations needed for 10 departments.

Port Hawkesbury Updates

At the January 7 Port Hawkesbury Town Council meeting, the Tamarac Education Centre Playground Committee requested council support for a Recreation Facilities Grant application to the Province of Nova Scotia.

Port Hawkesbury CAO Terry Doyle also outlined the town’s recent Strategic Visioning Session held in December, followed by a Strategic Planning Session on January 9 to establish priorities for the current council term.

Additionally, Doyle announced a January 15 meeting to review the town’s bylaws, after which Mayor Brenda Chisholm Beaton discussed potential bylaw enforcement strategies.