February 22, 2010

EYKING OUTLINES RURAL PRIORITIES

MONCTON NB – Sydney-Victoria MP Mark Eyking hosted a Liberal Caucus roundtable discussion entitled Challenges and Opportunities facing Rural Atlantic Canada today in Moncton New Brunswick. The roundtable is part of a series of roundtables held by the Atlantic Liberal Caucus at the Hotel Beausejour on Atlantic Canadian issues.

Other roundtable discussions held today include The Future Economy of Atlantic Canada; the Future of Skill Sets Required for Atlantic Canada’s Future; and Emerging Industries in Atlantic Canada.

“Liberals are working hard on these issues,” said Eyking “And Atlantic Canada will play an integral part in developing these priorities. This is why the road to future prosperity for rural Canada begins with innovation and creativity.”

Eyking moderates a roundtable discussion which features

- Christian Brun, Executive Director, Maritime Fishermen’s Union - Tim Seeber, Assistant Manager, PEI Federation of Agriculture - Diana Blenkhorn, President and CEO, Maritime Lumber Bureau - Peter Oram, President, Mining Association of Nova Scotia

Liberal Rural Caucus Chair Mark Eyking says this roundtable specifically related to Atlantic Canada builds on a number of national roundtables including the one he recently opened in Guelph Ontario.

The Atlantic Caucus has four main priorities for a more prosperous Atlantic Canada.

First, access to medical care; we know that in rural communities, the doctor shortage continues to be a problem. There is a lack of specialists, mental health services, pediatrics and care for the elderly. The federal government has a clear job to do here – we need to work with the provinces and territories, and rural communities to strengthen rural and remote health care.

Second, a National Food Policy is a must. Canadian farmers produce the highest quality of food in the world; we are proud of that and our role is to do more to link the Canadian farmer with the Canadian consumer, because farmers feed cities. Canada, and Atlantic Canada in particular, can be a world leader in the production, development and promotion of healthy and environmentally sustainable foods; however, to achieve this, we need a national food policy built from the ground up, and we are committed to this.

Third, we have an immense infrastructure deficit in Atlantic Canada and in rural communities across the country – every region needs to have modernized infrastructure. For this to be achievable, communities need the resources to get it done. This is not only a question about roads and bridges – this is the physical foundation of our communities. We can’t afford not to maintain them.

Fourth, we need to focus on the renewable and clean energy economy. We have laid out our plan to quadruple the proportion of our energy that comes from renewable resources by the time we celebrate Canada’s 150th in 2017. However, we will not get there without rural Canada and the potential of the rural economy.

February 1, 2009

Proroguing Parliament Means Proroguing Crime Agenda

I read with great interest that Justice Minister Rod Nicholson wants to once again strengthen the way the justice system deals with young offenders. This comes after Prime Minister Harper recently talked about opposition parties blocking crime legislation in Truro.

Our leader and our caucus support measures to crack down on violent and repeat offenders. We have supported many crime measures that have recently died because Parliament was prorogued. We have yet to see the proposed youth crime bill so it’s hard to judge whether it has any merit.

After four years of Conservative rule they are proving once again that they talk a big game on crime, but have shown very little serious follow-through. If they were really serious, they wouldn’t have just killed eleven of their own crime bills by Proroguing Parliament. If this Youth Justice Bill even makes it to the House of Commons it will have to line up behind eleven other bills and it will have to go through committees that won’t be effectively restarted until April.

December 10,2009

Eyking calls for Restoring Postal Services in rural Canada

Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff joined National Liberal Rural Caucus Chair Mark Eyking to announce measures that would restore rural mail services cut under the Conservative government.

“Regardless of where Canadians live, they have a right to high-quality, reliable mail service within their communities,” said Mr. Ignatieff. “By calling for the creation of a charter that guarantees the protection of mail service, we want the government to take steps to ensure rural Canadians have access to the postal services that will serve and strengthen their local economies.”

Liberal Rural Caucus Chair Mark Eyking has introduced on a motion in the House of Commons and will soon bring forward legislation to create a Rural Canadian Postal Charter, including a moratorium on future closures of rural post offices and restore rural mail services that have been cut since September 2005.

“The Conservative government has presided over the closure of 55,000 roadside rural mailboxes and 42 rural post offices,” said Mr. Eyking, MP for Sydney-Victoria. “We’ve heard loud and clear from rural Canadians that they want this to stop, which is why we’re standing up for them and protecting our universal postal service for all Canadians.”

Nov 4, 2009

EYKING MAKES STATEMENT HONOURING CAPE BRETON HIGHLANDERS

(Ottawa) Today in the House of Commons MP Mark Eyking made a statement honouring Cape Breton Highlanders. The statement is as follows:

Mr Speaker. When it comes to defending Canada and our democracy Cape Bretoners have always been ready to step up and do their duty. Cape Bretoners served in every service and in every major conflict in the last 100 years.

Cape Bretoners take pride in their home grown unit. . .the2nd Battalion Nova Scotia Highlanders. The Cape Breton Highlanders have been known by many names since their founding as the 94th Victoria Regiment “Argyll Highlanders based in Baddeck in 1871.

Known as the 85th Battalion in late World War 1 it distinguished itself at the Battle of Vimy Ridge, with the capture of Hill 145, considered a pivotal enemy stronghold. During World War Two the Cape Breton contingent took part in the Italian campaign including the breaching of the Hitler Line which opened the road to Rome and the Gothic Line which included the Cape Breton Highlanders taking Coriano Ridge.

Later redeployed to Northern Europe the Highlanders fought hard in helping to liberate Holland with their last action the capture of the port of Delfzijl, Holland where 19 of the unit paid the ultimate sacrifice.

Today Cape Breton Reservists have voluntarily served in Afghanistan with distinction. Mr Speaker I call upon the House to commend the Cape Breton Highlanders for their selfless defence of this country and remember those who died in defence of our freedom.

GOOD NEWS FOR MARINE ATLANTIC $9.5 Million Expansion

Mark was on hand for the announcement that Marine Atlantic would be adding a second level dock to the Marine Atlantic facility in North Sydney. Mark has been calling on the Government to provide money for this project as highlighted in a pre-budget submission to the Finance Minister in January. Mark will continue to advocate for more investment for Marine Atlantic and urges the federal government to speed up plans for new ferries.

JULY 5, 2009

CONGRATULATIONS NORTH HIGHLANDS MUSEUM ON ITS THIRTIETH ANNIVERSIARY

Mark was on hand as the North Highlands Museum celebrated its anniversary, on Sunday, July 5. Museum Board Member Heather Morrison delivered an informative, poignant retrospective on the Museum's first 30 years. The Museum's new Artisans and Crafters Gallery launched its first exhibition, "Needle, Hook and Shuttle," to an enthusiastic audience.

Meanwhile, blacksmithing and net mending demonstrations attracted numbers of visitors. The party continued with a number of local musicians playing and singing from the hay barrack in the Museum's Heritage Garden, to the delight of listeners who enjoyed birthday cake and other refreshments, and basked in the most welcome sun

April 16, 2009

CONGRATULATIONS TO RESIDENTS OF THE NORTHSIDE

Thanks to the efforts of The Northside civic Centre Society and community fundraising the Northside will finally see their Civic centre built. The centre will have a walking track, multipurpose room, office, and kitchen facilities. But the focal piece is an 800-seat, NHL-sized ice rink. Total project costs are estimated to be $12 million from all three levels of government and $1.5 million has been raised by the community in support and pledges.

its great news for the Northside and for Cape Breton,” said Sydney-Victoria MP Mark Eyking. “To see the three levels of government involved and community on board with fundraising shows a great spirit of co-operation. It will be good to see construction begin this year. I congratulate Civic Centre Society President Leo Steele and the entire community for their patience and hard work.”

News Release

March 5, 2009

EYKING MAKES CALL TO PROTECT CBC CAPE BRETON RADIO

(Ottawa) MP for Sydney Victoria Mark Eyking is calling on the Harper government and CBC Radio to ensure CBC Cape Breton Radio remains intact.

Eyking is making the call in light of recent reports from CBC President Hubert Lacroix that indicated CBC could see downgrading parts of its TV/radio services and consolidating local stations.

“Cape Breton needs the local CBC station,’’ said Eyking. “CBC radio in Cape Breton is a vital part of Cape Breton’s culture. It provides a unique voice for Cape Bretoners and it is vital to open discourse and democracy. Instead of downgrading or elimination this service, it should be enhanced.”

Eyking has written to Heritage Minister James Moore and CBC President Hubert Lacroix urging them to keep CBC radio service in Cape Breton as an independent station untouched by any proposed cost saving measures.

“CBC Cape Breton is outstanding,” added Eyking. “They have a dedicated staff of professionals who live, work and volunteer in our community. They provide a voice for Cape Breton as a unique cultural presence in Canada. Local CBC radio is a vital piece of Cape Breton culture, heritage and democracy. It provides the island with a town square where people of all walks of life gather daily to share news, culture, and their ideas. To lose it would be a severe blow to the island with repercussions well beyond the initial loss of service and jobs.”

-30- January 26, 2009

EYKING OUTLINES PRE-BUDGET SUBMISSION

(Ottawa) – MP for Sydney Victoria Mark Eyking is highlighting a number of priorities for Tuesday’s federal budget. The priorities and suggestions are based on submissions to his office from individuals, businesses, and community groups.

Eyking submitted these priorities to federal Finance Minister Jim Flaherty on January 9, 2009.

“Based on a request from Finance Minister Jim Flaherty, I sought the views of my constituents on the upcoming federal budget and made a pre-budget submission based on those views,” said Eyking. “I hope that this submission will be seriously considered given the desire on the part of my constituents that the government become more attentive to the current economic crisis.”

Eyking highlighted the need to approve existing infrastructure applications like the Northside Civic Centre and improvements to Sydney Harbour. Other infrastructure priorities include improvements to the infrastructure program for sewer and water projects so municipalities can meet federal guidelines. The submission included various specific suggestions from Sydney –Victoria, some of which may be outside the scope of the federal budget document but directly related to the need for federal government investment and stimulus.

Among the submissions there are a number of cross government initiatives and tax measures. In addition there has been a wish expressed by many for a greater federal presence on Cape Breton Island with the expansion of various government departments and the provision of stable funding for operations that currently exist here including Citizenship and Immigration and Service Canada.

“I have had numerous submissions from individuals, community groups and business,” said Eyking. The overwhelming number of submissions focused on accelerated and new infrastructure projects. While the current infrastructure agreement with our Province was signed in 2007 there has been very little in the way of funded projects.”

Highlights Sydney-Victoria pre-budget submission:

• A number of proposals should be fast tracked for example the Northside Civic Centre.

• Atlantic Gateway Improvements to Sydney Harbour including harbour dredging, a second cruise ship berth and Marine Atlantic docks, and the establishment of a Coast Guard Icebreaker and berth

• Improvements to transportation including, our highway link, secondary roads, rail, and masterpieces like the Cabot Trail.

• Establishment of Stable Funding for Citizenship and Immigration and the expansion of the centre to deal with the federal skilled worker program

• Assisting small municipalities with infrastructure by adjusting the requirement for 1/3rd funding

• Invest in small craft harbours

• Enhanced Skills development training

• Ensuring EI changes don’t hurt areas of high unemployment

• More resources for the processing of EI claims and ending the waiting period

• Re establishing the Community Employment Innovation Project (CEIP) as a permanent program-

• Increased funding for Canada Summer Jobs (currently funded at $700,000)

• Funding for universities for research including a proposal for a $20 million environmental research facility at Cape Breton University (Centre of Excellence).

• Reduce the burden of High student debt loads after graduation

• Make university more accessible to lower and middle income Canadians

• Expansion of the Canadian Coast Guard College.

• Restore funding to Prom Art and Trade Routes Program for arts and culture

• Improvements to our national parks and funding for the Silver Dart Legacy project

• Allow the use of RRSPs for home renovations and home energy efficiency

• Making mortgage interest tax deductible

• Maintenance of funding for first nations post secondary education and improvements to infrastructure in First nations communities.

Eyking says the federal government has an historic opportunity to invest in the natural strengths of Cape Breton especially when it comes to infrastructure. Investments in harbour development compliment our historic strength as a trading centre. Investments in tourism infrastructure will help grow this vital and productive part of the economy. A greater commitment to our education assets will help drive research and innovation.

Added Eyking, “This is a challenge to the federal government not for frivolous spending or make work projects; but rather it’s a chance to live up to its duty as a national government by providing all regions and individuals with an opportunity to compete and succeed.”

BUDGET PRIORITIES 2009

Submitted By Hon. Mark Eyking MP

January 09, 2009

Infrastructure Municipalities like the Cape Breton Regional Municipality require additional infrastructure spending especially sewer and water so they can meet federal environment guidelines. I urge the federal government to invest accordingly and accelerate the current infrastructure program

Government should also change funding criteria where required as in the case for secondary highways like the Cabot Trail, Highway 223 and Iona peninsula.

A number of proposals should be fast tracked including:

• The Northside Civic Centre Project.

• Atlantic Gateway Improvements to Sydney Harbour including harbour dredging, a second cruise ship berth, Marine Atlantic docks, and the establishment of a Coast Guard Icebreaker and berth.

• Improvements to transportation including, our highway link, secondary roads, rail, and masterpieces like the Cabot Trail.

Smaller rural municipalities like Victoria County in Cape Breton generally cannot take advantage of most infrastructure money because of the1/3 requirement for funding. These municipalities require additional federal help so they can take full advantage of programs.

Harbours and Fishery. The federal government should invest in small craft harbour infrastructure and renew a commitment to our fishing industry by ensuring that Cape Breton fishers receive more equitable share of quota.

Human Resources

Skills Development Training. Recent announced shutdowns at two Cape Breton auto parts plants highlight the need to increase funding and change rules so that more unemployed workers can access funding.

EI reform- Over the coming months there could be more and more workers applying for benefits in the short term. There will be a high volume of claims not seen in some time across the country. There must be adequate resources available for processing.

Given these uncertain times there is also a case to be made that the two week waiting period for EI be eliminated. Many constituents have expressed the need to protect the EI system but not at the expense of seasonal workers or regions of high unemployment. Despite improvements, our local unemployment rate remains above the national average. While the best way to improve the situation is to help provide the conditions to create jobs, government must demonstrate that it understands regional concerns.

CEIP

The Community Employment Innovation Project (CEIP) is a research demonstration project that tested a new approach to the income security system for individuals on Employment Insurance (EI) or Income Assistance (IA) This program has proved very effective in Sydney - Victoria and I urge that this program be reinstated as a permanent program

Canada Summer Jobs

Funding for this program is inadequate for the riding of Sydney Victoria. Providing students with a local job will provide significant local stimulus and helps our community groups, non profit organizations and local business. The federal government should increase the allotment which currently stands at $700,315.

Citizenship and Immigration

Budget 2008 indicated $22 million would be invested over the next two years, rising to $37 million per year by 2012–13, to modernize the immigration system.

In September 2008 Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) announced a pilot project that will centralize the receipt of new Federal Skilled Worker applications at the Case Processing Centre in Sydney, Nova Scotia with the goal of reducing wait times of prospective Canadian Immigrants through quicker processing of applications. More than 30 new employees were supposed to be hired under an 18 month pilot.

I strongly urge that the pilot be evaluated sooner with the goal of making Cape Breton the permanent central location for Federal Skilled Worker Program and that the centre be increased in size accordingly. Regardless of current economic conditions across Canada we need more skilled workers. A new centre will provide stable employment for my riding and benefit the nation as a whole. Given that there is already money in the budget I believe that this would be an easy measure to implement sooner rather than later at no additional cost to the taxpayer.

I also encourage long term stable funding for the current CIC. In addition there is also a backlog of applications for Permanent Resident cards. Given the large pool of qualified workers I believe the resources should be put in place to clear up the backlog by investing in the current operation in Cape Breton.

Research and Innovation @ CBU

Boosting Research and Innovation funding at Canadian Universities including Cape Breton University. For example there is a proposal for a $20 million environmental research facility at Cape Breton University (Centre of Excellence). This facility would be a great benefit to building on the expertise gained by the tar ponds clean up in Sydney and various mine site remediation.

Post Secondary Education

Two major issues have been highlighted with respect to post secondary education for residents in Sydney-Victoria. The first is high debt loads that are hurting students but it is also slowing down our economy. Students with high debts don’t buy large items like homes and cars and they delay starting families. This is having long term and short term economic effects. The federal government should assist in reducing these burdens.

Access to post secondary education is also a major problem. Post secondary education is becoming more unattainable due to high costs. Without this education, individuals, and our country will have a more difficult time succeeding

Canadian Coast Guard College

The Canadian Coast Guard College in Point Edward Cape Breton has seen more activity over the last number of years but that has put strain on College infrastructure. The Coast Guard College has trained students from throughout the world. I believe that they can expand their offering to other countries. This will require improvements and perhaps expansion of the current facility. This is a great way to help our local economy while adding to peace and stability in the world.

Arts and Culture

Arts and Culture are near and dear to the people of Cape Breton. We have produced world class musicians, artists and other performers. Arts and culture for Cape Breton is an industry that generates a great deal of economic activity. Developing new talent however requires support. I strongly suggest that the federal government restore funding to Prom Art and Trade Routes Program. Both of these programs are far from frivolous they help support the talent that generates income, creates jobs and provides citizens with a rich cultural experience.

Tourism and Marketing

Tourism too is a large economic driver for Cape Breton. We have several National parks and historic sites that require upgrades and improvements most notably the Cabot Trail, Alexander Graham Bell Museum and the Fortress of Louisbourg. This would be money well spent and money that enhances our national treasures and also enhances the balance sheet for many businesses in our communities.

With respect to the Bell museum, 2009 represents the 100th anniversary of flight in Canada and the Commonwealth with the Flight of the Silver Dart on Baddeck Bay. While some federal resources are being put into the celebration I believe more can be done. In addition there are plans for a long term legacy addition to the museum. I strongly urge that investments be made in Cape Breton for the celebration and the long term legacy project.

The CB Highlands national park and the RCMP had planned to build a new building in Ingonish. This project has been cancelled for now and is long overdue and I recommend that the project be revived ASAP and the funding provided.

Taxation

Many people in my riding have expressed a need to use the tax system to help stimulate the economy. Some suggestions include using RRSPs for not only home ownership but also home renovation, home green energy upgrades and enhanced education opportunities. Along a similar vein it’s been suggested that tax incentives be provided for home renovations.

Another suggestion to help stimulate the housing and finance markets is to make mortgage interest tax deductible keeping in mind the need to maintain government revenues.

Health Care

Universal heath care must be maintained and the federal government must renew its commitment to the care of our citizens. Many constituents from Sydney Victoria also feel that something has to be done to improve access to vital medications.

The wellness of our citizens must be a priority of government through stable funding to the provinces and increased commitment to fitness and recreation.

From an economic perspective universal health care is a significant benefit for companies who invest in Canada especially those dealing with the high costs of coverage in the United States. Universal health care should not be seen as a burden but rather a stimulus for the economy in itself driving investment and innovation.

First Nations Communities

My riding is home to a large aboriginal population including Eskasoni First Nation (largest in Atlantic Canada) Membertou, and Wagmatcook.

There is a great need for infrastructure in all these communities. Many members of these communities also attend local post secondary institutions like CBU. Not only is education a benefit to the individual it also benefits local first nation communities, the university, and the community at large. It is important that opportunities for native youth remain open.

Conclusion

While it is recognized that the federal government or a federal budget cannot solve all the economic challenges facing Cape Breton and other regions of the country, there is a need for action to deal with the current economic situation. Investing in infrastructure has its critics as to its effectiveness in stimulating the economy but the long term benefits of infrastructure must be taken into account, especially when it comes to economic recovery and expansion. For Cape Breton we have had our fair share of economic hardship. While other areas of the country have gone through boom times we still face the challenges of high unemployment, out migration, and a neglected infrastructure. There has been progress since the loss of our coal and steel industries and our unemployment rate has gone down but it is still higher than the national average. Cape Breton must not be allowed to slip backwards as a result of the current global economic crisis.

Your government has an historic opportunity to invest in the natural strengths of Cape Breton especially when it comes to infrastructure. Investments in harbour development compliment our historic strength as a trading centre. Investments in tourism infrastructure will help grow this vital and productive part of the economy. A greater commitment to our education assets will help drive research and innovation.

This is a challenge to the federal government not for frivolous largesse or make, work projects; but rather it’s a chance to live up to its duty as a national government by providing all regions and individuals with an opportunity to compete and succeed.

Sample suggestions for Budget 09 from the constituency of Sydney Victoria

“There is presently a vast amount of money invested by individuals in this country representing an untapped reservoir of wealth . I am referring to Registered Retirement Saving Plans. They appear to mainly benefit the investment institutions that hold them on behalf of Canadians. I am suggesting that some of this money be utilized by allowing a tax free withdrawal of ten , fifteen thousand dollars or more over the next two years to be used for specific purposes- home renovation , energy conservation , education etc . The Government would not incur any loss of tax revenue over that period and when it would normally occur down the road Canada’s economy and financial situation will likely have improved. The Government may choose to suspend contributions and the resulting tax breaks by individuals as an offset during the years of withdrawal.”

Constituent Sydney-Victoria

“One problem I see in the Sydney area is the lack of secure funding for the CIC office in downtown Sydney. I am a term employee with the Citizenship side of the department and I do not know if I will have a job after the end of March 2009. It seems there is chronic underfunding of this section of the department. We are working with about half the amount of staff that we need in order to process the requests for citizenship. Due to confidentiality I cannot speak to the exact numbers but there is a large backlog of work. It would certainly help the local economy if there was more secure funding for permanent positions at Citizenship. This would benefit not only the employees but also the surrounding businesses as people would have more money to spend. It would also cut down on the need for people to move away in order to support themselves and their families. It would also benefit the department as the work would be done in a more timely manner.”

Constituent Sydney-Victoria

“My suggestion for a priority is funding in order to build a state of the art Performing Arts Centre, to be located in Ingonish Beach. This would serve as a regional Art Centre from St. Ann's Bay to the top of Cape Breton Island. This would be a perfect compliment to the Arts Centres in Strathsey Place and the Place Des Arts in Cheticamp.Thus creating critical mass for the very important Arts and Culture scene in Cape Breton. As we know, Cultural Tourism plays an important economic role in the financial health of Cape Breton.”

Constituent Sydney-Victoria

“If we are going to embrace a green future it would seem that this (windmill production) is a growth industry, whereas automobile manufacturing may be a dying industry. If there is money for the conversion of factories; this may be a better place to put our scarce capital for a growth rather than a declining industry”

Constituent Sydney-Victoria

“The Chamber recognizes the importance and efficiency of good rail service. The chamber is calling upon all levels of government to invest in the development of high-speed passenger rail service between Sydney and Halifax as well as more efficient freight service”

Sydney and Area Chamber of Commerce

“Please remind Mr Flaherty to keep the funding to the CBC, including the appropriation from the treasury board for programming. In tight times the ability of Canadians to talk to each other in the media is critical.”

Constituent Sydney-Victoria

“In the upcoming stimulus package I feel it would be wise to extend the parental leave time from one year to 18 months. It is almost impossible to find a daycare that will take a child at 12 months, the only one in Sydney that takes children younger then 18 months has a waiting list so long that even if you place your child on it while you are pregnant they are still unable to take the child at 12 months. Lots of young families face this situation regularly and the grandparents (boomers) would also likely be in favor of this.”

Constituent Sydney-Victoria

“. . .For several years now fishermen have been tightening their belts, reducing family spending, forgoing new investment and drawing down the capital that should be set aside to replace depreciating assets. This strategy can’t be sustained any longer especially if the economic horizon offers no hope. . .Among the issues and options we would like to see examined are:

Measures to ease access to capital and credit to support individual enterprises and licence transfers;

The reactivation and expansion of provincial loan boards;

• The establishment of a special federal fisheries fund to help finance fleet rationalization programs i.e. licence retirement (in partnership with fleet organizations and provinces) for those fleets and areas in serious difficulty;

A national agency to promote seafood marketing and support Ocean to Plate initiatives;

Early retirement programs for plant workers and harvesters;

Reductions in the burden of fees and other fish management costs;

• Fisheries research and development funds. . .”

Area 19 Crab Association SW Gulf of Saint Lawrence

“Sydney Harbour improvements should include a berth for an Ice Breaker attached to the Coast Guard College”

Constituent Sydney-Victoria

“. . .Build new Coast Guard Ship for Maritime Region for Search and Rescue (SAR), Bouy-tending and Ice Breaking. We have only 4 ships now and the youngest are about 25 years old, Earl Grey, Cornwallis and Alexander, the oldest is 40 yrs old Hudson and it can't ice-break. . .”

Constituent Sydney-Victoria

“One project that comes to mind is the establishment of a permanent “Live Fire Training Facility”. This type of facility would not only benefit the 800 volunteers and 67 career firefighters in the region it would also take in firefighters from all of Cape Breton Island and North Eastern mainland Nova Scotia. A great deal of research has been completed on this type of facility”

CBRM Fire & Emergency Service

“We have been trying to convince all levels of Government to put sidewalk and sewers on the Johnson rd , As you are probably aware there are 3 different subdivisions running off the Johnson Rd and none of them have sidewalks or sewers , We had a petition signed by 400 or more people in the surrounding area 3 years ago requesting the Johnson rd be resurfaced and sidewalks put in , we got the resurfacing completed , but no sidewalk.”

Constituent Sydney-Victoria

“We need more suitable, affordable housing (apartments) on the Northside.”

Constituent Sydney-Victoria

“The priorities uppermost in our minds are: 1. (a) Twinning the Highway from New Glasgow to Sydney: we have the second largest metro population in the province, and just look at the highway from east of New Glasgow to Sydney when driving from Halifax; it's just so sad, so incredible; (b) the twinning of Highway 125: What a farce; I think the trees have grown in four times since this was promised almost 10 years ago; (c) Trucks are destroying our highways and urban roads; they are also a big danger to the other motorists--many windshields are being broken by flying rocks from some of these trucks. . . . WE SHOULD BE DEVELOPING OUR RAILROADS, NOT DISPOSING OF THEM. It's a well know fact that trains are much less polluting than trucks and automobiles; this fact used to be touted 20 years ago. 2. the dredging of Sydney Harbour; 3. the Northside CIVIC CENTRE; 4. the FOSSIL CENTRE; this should be expanded as the Sydney Coalfields comprise the largest collection of fossils in the world;. . .”

Constituent Sydney-Victoria

“1. Provide sufficient funding for C@P society. They provide efficient means for knowledge transfer between generations and throughout our Island. 2. Bail out package for Lobster fishers. They are being forced to hard times, where they always survived off the lobster landings. 3. Provide more permanency to the current local Federal Departments, allowing them to clear back logs of files, gain new citizens, and begin to contribute real dollars back into investment and spending. These are things I would require in the Conservative budget if they want my support.”

Constituent Sydney-Victoria

“You were looking for suggestions on where to spend money? How about some money for Autism Services, and also covering Hearing Aids for Kids under 18. I have 2 hearing impaired kids and have to pay 1800.00 for each set, approx every 3 years. There is no coverage whatsoever for hearing aids for kids. I know that is probably provincial, but the Federal Government could make an amendment to the Child Disability Benefit so that kids with hearing loss to the point where they where hearing aids, can collect this benefit. Then, those funds can be put toward, covering the costs of hearing aids.”

Constituent Sydney-Victoria

“The Cabot Trail was opened as an economic generator 76 years ago, it has helped to connect local communities and also provided a breath-taking experience for millions of visitors. It is world famous as a scenic drive for motorists and has catered to a growing motorcycle clientele, as well it is also recognized as one of the best places for cycling in North America. Cape Breton Highlands National Park is also a key attraction on the Cabot Trail.

However, given its “World Class” and “World Famous” status, the Cabot Trail itself has not been kept up to a standard that visitors expect. Given the decreasing numbers of visitors and the increasing competition from other destinations, the Cabot Trail needs a major boost, to its road surface, its look offs, its shoulders and its general overall upkeep.”

Cabot Trail Working Association.

“We are writing on behalf of the Northern Victoria Community Centre in Cape North. It has been twenty-five years since our Centre was first started. This is the only facility of its kind in our area and provides a lot to surrounding communities. With a lot of hard work on the part of volunteers, we’ve been able to have a functioning rink with natural ice for approximately four to six weeks of every year. We would like to finish our building and install an artificial ice plant. This would extend our skating season and offer much more to our communities.

Over the years we have seen many other rinks completely finished and renovated and our building remains unfinished. We do not begrudge other such facilities but they have had their mandates completed while our mandate remains incomplete. The people of our area believe it is time for the completion of this facility. A rural community like ours deserves to have the same opportunities as other communities.

We are seeking money from a few different sources along with providing our own monies from fund raising. As part of our budget for completion of this project we would need $700 000 from federal government funds”

Northern Victoria Community Centre Cape North




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