Carney 'in hiding' since Canada slipped into recession, Poilievre says
- June 2
- News
- Duration 1:29
- Minutes after Prime Minister Mark Carney spoke to reporters about Canada's economy, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre said the prime minister has been dodging the media since the 'devastating news' that Canada slipped into recession. 'When he does finally appear, he can't even answer a basic yes-or-no question,' Poilievre said.
Is a technical recession technically a problem for Mark Carney?
The political significance of 2 consecutive quarters of bad GDP data
Pierre Poilievre popped up before reporters who were waiting outside a cabinet meeting on Tuesday and in the span of 10 minutes the Conservative leader managed to use the word "recession" more than two dozen times.
"Mr. Trump's policies are affecting all G7 countries, and none of them are in recession. Mexico shares a border with the United States. Mexico is not in recession. Only Canada, under Mark Carney's Liberal policies, is in a recession," Poilievre responded when one reporter asked whether voters might blame Donald Trump for the recent weakness in Canada's GDP.
"France is not in a recession. The U.K. is not in a recession. Germany is not in recession. Italy is not in a recession. Japan's not in a recession. Only Canada among G7 countries is in a recession. And only Canada among North American countries is in a recession. So it seems that the other countries, despite Mr. Trump's unfair tariffs, have been able to craft policies to avoid recession. It's only here, under Mark Carney's policies, that we find ourselves in a recession."
If this had been a drinking game, everyone within earshot would have been unfit to drive.
Technically, it is still only a "technical recession," the term of art applied when the economy clears the technical definition of what constitutes a recession: two consecutive quarters of negative economic growth. Canada's GDP fell by one per cent in the fourth quarter of 2025 and is now estimated to have fallen by 0.1 per cent in the first quarter of 2026.
By the narrowest definition of a recession, that is a recession. But the greater significance of the moment is a matter of both economics and politics.
The technical recession of 2015 that maybe wasn't
Poilievre has been around long enough to know this is not the first time the technical definition of a recession has become a political matter.
After falling by 0.8 in the first quarter of 2015, Canada's GDP fell by 0.5 per cent in the second quarter. That news fell in the middle of a federal election campaign and put Stephen Harper's government on the defensive. Harper, an economist, declined to use the word "recession," while a former Conservative cabinet minister ventured that Canada was only experiencing a "discrete sectoral downturn."
The Liberals and New Democrats were less forgiving, framing the downturn as a repudiation of Harper's economic agenda — and Harper's fiscal policies would later be said to have "unduly sacrificed economic growth" in pursuit of a balanced budget.
Government building 'foundations' of a stronger economy, Carney says to PoilievreBut an expert panel convened by the C.D. Howe Institute would ultimately decide in 2018 that the technical recession did not qualify as a real recession because the impact was not broad enough.
The technical recession of 2026 is similarly debatable. And as Douglas Porter, chief economist at the Bank of Montreal, suggested last week, a future revision to Statistics Canada's estimate could ultimately wipe away that 0.1 per cent decline in the second quarter — thus eliminating the basis for even a technical recession.
What's behind the weakness?
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Carney suggested that some of the "weakness" in Canada's economic data could be attributed to reductions in government spending and the federal government's moves to curtail immigration. Those two explanations have the benefit of being policy directions that Poilievre broadly supports, but suffice it to say the Conservative leader does not believe fiscal restraint and immigration policy are to blame.
"The recession was caused by taxes, anti-development laws, government red tape and the doubling of the deficit," Poilievre told the House of Commons on Tuesday.
At question period on Wednesday, Poilievre asked if the only G20 leader facing a recession would please stand up. When the Speaker ruled that out of order, Poilievre stood and asked the prime minister to clarify whether Canada was experiencing a "recession" or a "technical recession."
"This government is putting in place the foundations of an economy that will be stronger, more resilient, more independent," Carney responded, broadly ignoring the Opposition leader's demand.
Carney defends economic record despite technical recessionThe Conservative leader persisted in asking what kind of recession Canada was in. The prime minister persisted in ignoring Poilievre's terms. Eventually, Poilievre tried asking Carney what he would say to specific Canadians who were experiencing hardship, but by then Carney had turned questions over to other members of the government.
Poilievre is no doubt eager to tarnish Carney's economic credentials and at least begin to chip away at the public support the prime minister has accumulated over the past year — according to a recent poll by Abacus Data, 47 per cent of Canadians think the country is headed in the right direction and 59 per cent approve of the Carney government's performance.
"Our read of this data is that Canadians increasingly see inflationary pressure and economic uncertainty as being driven externally, particularly by instability emanating from the United States and decisions made by Donald Trump, rather than by domestic policy failures from Ottawa," David Coletto of Abacus Data wrote in an analysis published before the latest GDP numbers were released.
Making the case that Carney, not Trump, is primarily to blame is a challenge for Poilievre. So is the fact the Carney government is moving to do some of the things, such as regulatory reform, that Poilievre is calling for. (Harper's experience with a technical recession in 2015 might also suggest that simply cutting taxes, spending and regulation are not quite the economic magic they are sometimes made out to be.)
Don't undersell the softness
But even if this recession proves to only be technical in nature — or even, after a revision to the data, turns out not to have occurred — there is still obvious cause here for the Carney government to be concerned. The technical recession of 2026 feels like a warning sign that responding to the "rupture" might not be perfectly easy.
"Time will ultimately tell, but data on the ground don't have the markings of a true recession in Canada," Robert Kavcic, a senior economist at the Bank of Montreal, wrote in a note last week. "Let's not undersell this softness though — there are legitimate headwinds and structural adjustments dragging down both potential and realized growth in Canada as we head into the summer."
As much as Canadians might view Trump as the primary source of trouble, Carney can't take for granted that the support for his government will hold up if economic hardship persists — or if he seems not to understand what some Canadians are experiencing. The foundations that Carney says he's building will presumably need to become more visible at some point.
But Carney might at least have the benefit of time.
The technical recession of 2015 hit during Harper's 10th year in office, undercutting his claim to have been a steady manager of the national economy. Poilievre would insist that this technical recession is coming after more than a decade of Liberal government, but it is also coming just a year into Carney's time as prime minister.
And with the benefit of a handful of floor-crossers from the Conservative side, it might technically be another three years before Carney has to put his economic record before voters for judgment.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Too soon to declare a recession, says Canada's unofficial authority on calling them
Council of economists says weakness is not widespread or persistent enough to warrant the label
The unofficial authority on recession calls in Canada says it's too soon to use that word to describe the sluggish economy.
Debate has raged on Parliament Hill over whether the country is in a recession since Statistics Canada reported last week that the economy shrank for two quarters in a row.
The C.D. Howe Institute's Business Cycle Council is traditionally viewed as the arbiter for calling a recession in Canada.
Two quarters of GDP decline in a row is a rule of thumb that some economists use to point to a technical recession. But the council said in a bulletin on Friday that it does not accept that definition as the true measure, and urges caution over reading too much into the recent data.
What's a technical recession — and is Canada in one?Earlier this week, panel member of the Business Cycle Council Steven Ambler told CBC News the group measures three "Ps" to determine if economic activity decline is pronounced, persistent and pervasive enough to declare a recession.
The group of economists argues that weakness in Canada's economy is not yet widespread or persistent enough to warrant the recession label, and the marginal decline in the first quarter of the year will be subject to revisions in the months ahead.
The recent GDP decline is also not as pronounced as when C.D. Howe has declared a recession in the past, according to the council.
In order to actually declare a recession, the council says it would need to see a significant decline in economic activity for at least one quarter and weakness in other recent quarters, plus a "pervasive decline" in many sectors of the economy.
Over the past week, the Conservatives have laid the blame for a "full-blown recession" at the feet of the Liberal government, while Prime Minister Mark Carney argues growth will be uneven as the government tries to pivot the economy away from reliance on the United States.
Statistics Canada also announced on Friday that the country's unemployment rate fell to 6.6 per cent in May, from 6.9 per cent a month before.
The agency's latest jobs report showed the first significant employment gain since November.
With files from CBC News
CBC News: The National | Canada sees surprise job surge
CBC News: The National CBC Embarrass Themselves Defending Liberals on Canada’s Recession!
The National Telegraph - Wyatt Claypool From: Roger Langille <rglangille@gmail.com>
Date: Mon, Apr 28, 2025 at 1:26 PM
Subject: Re: I trust that Feds knew why I was studying many ridings not just the newly created one on Cape Breton Island
To: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>
Cc: pm <pm@pm.gc.ca>, PREMIER <PREMIER@gov.ns.ca>, <contact@jaimeybattiste.com>, <info@capebretoncanso.ca>, <joanna.clark@ndp.ca>, <feedback@nsndp.ca>, <ryan.smyth@teamppc.ca>, <ripplefx1111@gmail.com>, <mscott@cumberlandcounty.ns.ca>, mla <mla@esmithmccrossinmla.com>, <info@votekelloway.ca>, <ns@cpcml.ca>, <leadermlpc@cpcml.ca>, <communications@libertarian.ca>, <joewardpr@gmail.com>, <anna@annamanley.ca>, <jeff.evely@teamppc.ca>, <chrisgallantformp@gmail.com>, <kimberly.losier@ndp.ca>, Jeff <jeff@veterans4freedom.ca>, prontoman1 <prontoman1@protonmail.com>, waynenarvey <waynenarvey@hotmail.com>, ragingdissident <ragingdissident@protonmail.com>, <ryan.macdonald2@bellmedia.ca>, <Steve.Sutherland@cbc.ca>, <oran@ns.aliantzinc.ca>, David.Akin <David.Akin@globalnews.ca>, djtjr <djtjr@trumporg.com>, premier <premier@gov.yk.ca>, leader <leader@greenparty.ca>, info <Info@gg.ca>, <mattdagley@gmail.com>, <michelle@votemichellelindsay.ca>, <keith.morrison@ndp.ca>, <rana.zaman@greenparty.ca>, Nathalie.G.Drouin <Nathalie.G.Drouin@pco-bcp.gc.ca>, Michael.Duheme <Michael.Duheme@rcmp-grc.gc.ca>, washington field <washington.field@ic.fbi.gov>, Greta.Bossenmaier <Greta.Bossenmaier@hq.nato.int>
All I
know is Atlantic Canada has a lot to gain with a new Prime Minister and
will only continue to sink with the same policies continued.
Roger Langille
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Fraser, Sean - M.P. <Sean.Fraser@parl.gc.ca>
Date: Wed, Jul 13, 2022 at 10:14 AM
Subject: Automatic reply: Methinks you must enjoy the news today about Higgy's plan with the EUB as much as I do N'esy Pas René Legacy?
To: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com> Thank you for your message. This is an automated reply.
Facebook: facebook.com/SeanFraserMP
Twitter: @SeanFraserMP
Instagram: SeanFraserMPToll free: 1-844-641-5886
Please be advised that this account is for matters related to Central Nova. If you live outside of Central Nova and your issue pertains to immigration, please contact Minister@cic.gc.ca
I am currently receiving an extremely high number of emails.
If you are inquiring about Canada’s commitment to welcome vulnerable Afghan refugees, you can find more information on Canada’s response to the situation in Afghanistan here.
The Government of Canada remains firm in its commitment to welcome Afghan refugees to Canada, and will be working to increase the number of eligible refugees to 40,000. This will be done through 2 programs:
1. A special immigration program for Afghan nationals, and their families, who assisted the Government of Canada.
You don’t need to currently be in Afghanistan or return to Afghanistan to be eligible or to have your application processed once you’re able to apply.
Find out more about this special immigration program
2. A special humanitarian program focused on resettling Afghan nationals who
· are outside of Afghanistan
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/////
Veuillez noter que je reçois actuellement un nombre extrêmement élevé de courriels.
Si vous vous renseignez sur l'engagement du Canada à accueillir les réfugiés afghans vulnérables, vous pouvez trouver plus d'information sur la réponse du Canada à la situation en Afghanistan ici.
Le gouvernement du Canada reste ferme dans son engagement à accueillir des réfugiés afghans au Canada, et s'efforcera d'augmenter le nombre de réfugiés admissibles à 40 000. Cela se fera par le biais de deux programmes :
Un programme d'immigration spécial pour les ressortissants afghans, et leurs familles, qui ont aidé le gouvernement du Canada.
Vous n'avez pas besoin d'être actuellement en Afghanistan ou d'y retourner pour être admissible ou pour que votre demande soit traitée, une fois que vous serez en mesure de présenter une demande.
Pour en savoir plus sur ce programme d'immigration spécial
2. Un programme humanitaire spécial axé sur la réinstallation des ressortissants afghans qui
· se trouvent à l'extérieur de l'Afghanistan
· n’ont pas de solution durable dans un pays tiers
· font partie de l'un des groupes suivants :
· femmes leaders,
· défenseurs des droits de la personne,
· minorités religieuses ou ethniques persécutées,
· personnes LGBTI,
· journalistes et personnes ayant aidé des journalistes canadiens.
Comment nous joindre
Veuillez communiquer avec nous en utilisant notre formulaire Web. Veuillez ne pas envoyer de photos ou d'autres pièces jointes jusqu'à ce que nous vous le demandions.
Par téléphone au +1-613-321-4243.
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Si vous ou un de vos proches êtes un citoyen canadien ou un RP actuellement en Afghanistan, communiquez dès que possible avec le Centre de veille et d'intervention d'urgence 24/7 d'Affaires mondiales Canada par téléphone (+1-613-996-8885), par courriel (sos@international.gc.ca) ou par texto (+1-613-686-3658).
Si vous souhaitez immigrer au Canada, veuillez cliquer ici pour en savoir plus.
Pour vous renseigner sur l'état d'un dossier d'immigration, cliquez ici. Vous pouvez également contacter votre député local pour obtenir une assistance supplémentaire. Si vous ne savez pas qui est votre député, vous pouvez le découvrir ici, https://www.noscommunes.ca/
members/fr. Si vous avez été victime d'une fraude ou si vous voulez signaler une activité frauduleuse, veuillez appeler la ligne d'assistance téléphonique de l'Agence des services frontaliers du Canada au 1-888-502-9060.
Pour d'autres questions générales sur l'immigration canadienne, cliquez ici.
Merci.
On Sun, Apr 27, 2025 at 9:26 PM David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com> wrote: ---------- Original message ---------
From: Drouin, Nathalie G <h>
Date: Thu, Apr 17, 2025 at 8:32 PM
Subject: Automatic reply: The Great Canadian Gong Show Round Two
To: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com> Good day,
Please note that I am currently away from the office until Tuesday, April 22, 2025.
During my absence Ted Gallivan will be acting on my behalf.
For any assistance, please contact my office at (613) 957-5056.
Thank you
********************
Bonjour,
Veuillez noter que je suis présentement absente du bureau jusqu'à mardi le 22 avril 2025.
Pendant mon absence Ted Gallivan assumera l'intérim.
Pour toute assistance, veuillez communiquer avec mon bureau au (613) 957-5056.
Merci
Newly created Cape Breton riding may be one to watch in upcoming federal election
Published: April 17, 2025 at 3:53PM EDT
RESERVE MINES, N.S. — The highway in Reserve Mines, N.S., – located between Glace Bay and Sydney – appears to have an equal amount of red and blue election signs lining the roadway.
This may mean there’s an engaged voter base in the newly-created riding of Sydney-Glace Bay, with a variety of issues that are top-of-mind for voters.
“(I’m) probably looking at housing,” said one voter at Sydney’s Mayflower Mall. “The cost-of-living crisis is pretty unsubstantial right now.”
“Oh, health care, big time,” answered another voter when asked about top election priorities.
Cape Breton University political scientist Tom Urbaniak agreed that voter interest seems high both in Sydney-Glace Bay and in Cape Breton-Canso-Antigonish.
“This has the feeling of being a generational election, that the results of this election will sort of set a path or set a course,” Urbaniak said on Thursday.
Urbaniak said, while there isn’t any hard polling data, the race in Sydney-Glace Bay appears to be a fairly close one.
Election signs are seen in the riding of Sydney-Glace Bay in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. (CTV Atlantic/Ryan MacDonald)
However, he feels Liberal incumbent Mike Kelloway is still the favourite to win.
“So, I don’t think that the national Liberal headquarters right now are worried about this riding,” Urbaniak said. “If they are, then we might see the Liberal leader in Cape Breton next week.”
Along with the Conservatives Anna Manley, candidates are also on the ballot for the NDP (Kim Losier), the Peoples Party of Canada (Jeff Evely), the Marxist-Leninist Party of Canada (Nik Boisvert), the Canadian Future Party (Chris Gallant), the Libertarians (Michael Pittman), along with one Independent (Joe Ward).
The Green candidates in both ridings that include Cape Breton have withdrawn.
Urbaniak said while there are multiple strong campaigns on the ground, he doesn’t envision a scenario where the Liberals win a majority and lose Sydney-Glace Bay.
“If we’re watching election coverage and once the polls close we see Sydney-Glace Bay tilting towards the Conservatives, this is going to tell me that something is brewing nationally,” he predicted.
Meanwhile, with national pride currently a hot topic, voters were happy to weigh in on Thursday with what they want out of their next government.
“Just (someone who) cares the most about the everyday Canadian being able to afford to live in Canada,” one voter said.
“I don’t actually know who I’m going to vote for until I actually get to the voter booth,” added another.
Advance polling starts on Friday, ahead of the April 28 federal election date.
Election signs are seen in the riding of Sydney-Glace Bay in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. (CTV Atlantic/Ryan MacDonald)
Ryan MacDonald
Journalist, CTVNewsAtlantic.ca
Cape Breton--Canso--Antigonish (Nova Scotia)
General Election (Monday, April 28, 2025)This list of confirmed candidates was issued on Wednesday, April 9, 2025.
Candidates in your electoral district Candidate name Status Party name Office phone number Candidate's website * Name of official agent Name of auditor Jaime Battiste Confirmed Liberal Party of Canada Aleem Khan Harry Mortimer Joanna Clark Confirmed New Democratic Party Karen Hobden Allan MacMaster Confirmed Conservative Party of Canada Diane Chisholm Graham Sweett Ryan Smyth Confirmed People's Party of Canada Yen Ngoc Nguyen Rebecca Wall Confirmed Independent Mary Gould ---------- Original message ---------
From: Battiste, Jaime - M.P. <Jaime.Battiste@parl.gc.ca>
Date: Fri, Mar 21, 2025 at 1:58 PM
Subject: Automatic reply: Chandra Arya and Mark Carney's Chief of Staff Marco Mendicino should check their email
To: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com> Thank you for contacting the office of Jaime Battiste, Member of Parliament for Sydney-Victoria.
This inbox receives an extremely high volume of incoming correspondence, and we will respond as soon as we can. Priority will always be given to constituents in Sydney-Victoria.
To help us address your concerns more quickly, please include in your email:
· Your full name;
· Address and/or postal code;
· Telephone number (if necessary); and
· The best time of day to reach you.
Thank you for reaching out.
Sincerely,
Office of Jaime Battiste
Member of Parliament for Sydney-Victoria
---------- Original message ---------
From: Roger Langille <rglangille@gmail.com>
Date: Wed, Mar 16, 2022 at 4:58 PM
Subject: Re: Cumberland North MLA Update March 14th, 2022 (Case Ref: ES3077)
To: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>
Cc: <mla@esmithmccrossinmla.com>, PREMIER <PREMIER@gov.ns.ca>, <mscott@cumberlandcounty.ns.ca>, motomaniac333 <motomaniac333@gmail.com>, blaine.higgs <blaine.higgs@gnb.ca>, premier <premier@ontario.ca>, premier <premier@gov.ab.ca>, sheilagunnreid <sheilagunnreid@gmail.com>, Christopher Scott <chris.scott@ whistlestoptruckstop.ca>, kingpatrick278 <kingpatrick278@gmail.com>, freedomreport.ca <freedomreport.ca@gmail.com> that was hoogavans bankthey are part of the Dutch Steel company their engineering branch Burlington Ontario hired by Russell McClellanthese are the guys that got upset because I was paying $10 million for the steel plant and they didn't want to pay anything for it and wanted to continue to operate it under the existing contract where they're making nothing but moneyRoger LangilleOn Tue, Mar 15, 2022, 13:25 David Amos, <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com> wrote: Perhaps you people should put your heads together and figure out what
Roger Langille and I are up to lately
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/economic-development- minister-won-t-talk-to- prospective-sysco-buyer-1. 192879
Economic development minister won't talk to prospective Sysco buyer
CBC News · Posted: Oct 19, 1999 5:19 AM ET
Nova Scotia's economic development minister says he won't get involved
in a Vancouver businessman's attempt to buy Sydney Steel.
Roger Langille is a British Columbia businessman who wants to buy
Sydney Steel. He says he has $100 million in financial backing and
some top people from the industry working for him.
But Langille says neither the bank nor the province will return any of
his calls.
Gordon Balser says political interference has been a problem with
Sysco all along. And he won't contact the bank hired to sell the steel
mill.
"What we've been doing consistently is directing any contact to the
deputy minister responsible and then from him to ABN Amro, because we
don't want to have this process be contaminated by politics," said
Balser.
Langille is now backing out of his plan to put a bid in on Sysco.
CBC's Journalistic Standards and Practices
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Roger Langille <rglangille@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, 22 Feb 2022 20:30:01 -0800
Subject: freedom convoy
To: david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com
my name is Roger Langille
I'm the one the one on the live broadcast and pitched for the freedom
convoy to be formed and for us to go to Ottawa and stay there until all the
restrictions were lifted
the people that are in jail we're not involved in any of this until after I
pitched the plan.
can you please call me
1 778 710 0111 cel
1 604 566 4544 office
Roger Langille
Mayor
Murray Scott
Term: OCT 2020 TO OCT 2024
Phone: 902-664-9881
Send an email to Murray Scott
mscott@cumberlandcounty.ns.ca
Murray Scott was elected in October 2020 as the first Mayor of the
Municipality of Cumberland following a shift away from the Warden
system of governance. Mayor Scott was born and grew up in Springhill,
NS. This is also where he and wife Linda raised their two children. He
was a member of the Moncton City Police Force and returned to
Springhill in 1983 to join the Springhill Police Service.
Mayor Scott served 12 years as MLA for Cumberland South. During his
provincial political career, he was Speaker of the Nova Scotia
Legislature, and held several cabinet portfolios, including Minister
of Justice, Attorney General, Minister of Transportation and
Infrastructure Renewal and Minister of Economic Development. He met
regularly with people and community groups in each area to address
their concerns and to work on solutions. Mayor Scott looks forward to
continuing this practice as mayor of the Municipality of Cumberland in
a full-time capacity.
On 3/15/22, mla@esmithmccrossinmla.com <mla@esmithmccrossinmla.com> wrote:
>
>
> Dear David Amos
>
>
>
> MLA Weekly Update
>
> Date Monday, March 14th, 2022
>
> My Mission as MLA for Cumberland North
>
> Now is ReBuilding Cumberland North Together with you
>
> Building on a Foundation of -
> Truth and Justice
> Determination and Dedication
> Servant Leadership
> Honesty
> Empowering All People
>
> We will Build On the Pillars of -
> Health Care
> Poverty Reduction
> Caring for our Earth
> Entrepreneurship
>
> Last week in Politics was a busy and productive week.
>
> Globally
>
> The invasion into Ukraine by the Russian army has been devastating. Many
> people are feeling helpless as they watch the news.
> The federal government have placed sanctions on Russia however many people
> are feeling more needs to be done to stop the deadly attacks.
> Several local people including Dr. Carolyn Hollis and Dr Tena Frizzle have
> gathered supplies to have shipped over to aid in the medical and refugee
> care such as medical supplies, baby formula and other basic needs. My son
> Thomas came up with an idea for a local fundraiser to sell stickers of the
> Ukraine flag so local people can show their support and also raise some
> funds. The funds we raise will be donated to Rotary International and used
> in the disaster relief. If you would like to purchase a sticker/flag please
> contact my office 902-661-2288. Funds can be donated and e-transferred
> to cumberlandnorthbenefitsociety@ gmail.com
>
> National
>
> The Federal Conservative party is in a Leadership race. Peter MacKay
> announced on the weekend that he will not be seeking the Leadership of the
> Party.
>
> Parliament resumes next Monday, March 21st.
>
> Provincial
>
> The Nova Scotia Legislature resumes next week, March 24th. Energy prices of
> oil, gas and diesel, future costs of electricity, along with the continued
> lack of housing and lack of accessible health care will likely be topics of
> discussion and debate. The new government will be tabling their first budget
> as well this spring.
>
> Cumberland North
>
> In addition to assisting many constituents with personal and family issues,
> I attended several meetings on behalf of the people I represent. The first
> meeting on Monday, was of great important at the Chignecto Isthmus.
>
> Rising sea levels have placed risk to critical infrastructure for
> transportation for CN Rail and the TransCanada Highway and utilities on the
> Atlantic Gateway, our Chignecto Isthmus. It's Time for Action.
> Thankful to our MP Stephen Ellis and his colleagues MP Melissa Lantsman, MP
> Rick Perkins and MP Scott Aitchison for taking time to learn about the
> importance of the consultant study being released and work getting
> done!
>
>
> Health Care and Kidney Dialysis
> Cumberland County, NS and Westmoreland, NB have shared clinical health
> services for a lifetime. For some reason, which has not been made known
> publicly, some Cumberland County patients that receive dialysis 3 times a
> week at the George Dumont Hospital in Moncton were told by staff there that
> their services at the NB hospital was going to end abruptly in 2 weeks.
> After several phone calls and a letter to both Premiers, our province have
> given assurance to me and patients that this disruption in life saving care
> will not happen.
> The Department of Health and Cumberland Regional Health Centre does have
> planning underway for an expansion of the Emergency Department as well as
> plans for a 12 unit dialysis unit. This was first announced in December
> 2020. I have also been pushing for a cancer care unit to be built at the
> same time to better service our people.
> https://www.saltwire.com/nova-scotia/news/cumberland- regional-hospital-in-line-for- expanded-er-new-dialysis-unit- 526779/
>
> I will continue to advocate for the needs of our people. Below is a link to
> a recent article written by Darrell Cole with quotes from patients Rob
> Campbell and Michelle LeBlanc.
>
> https://www.saltwire.com/atlantic-canada/news/i-want- to-know-whats-going-on-ns- kidney-dialysis-patients-want- answers-100705102/?fbclid= IwAR2SP7MHhsT12WN0JauaqFJZgFeM qiRGUKmHQa0ezfesOvOXm3sQJWjzPe M
>
>
>
> Meeting with Minister of Justice
> Last week I meet with the Minister to discuss the concerning culture of
> misogyny in the justice system. I have had several victims over the past 4
> years come to me due to violence (both physical and sexual) being ignored,
> dismissed by law enforcement and/or Crown Prosecutors. Recently during the
> pandemic, cases of sexual assault have even been dropped and the reason
> given was due to the length of time waiting to go to trial. This is very
> upsetting to victims and law enforcement and must change. We must find the
> underlying causes and then make changes to ensure improvements are
> made.
>
>
> Meeting with NS Power
> Last week I met with the COO and VP of Nova Scotia Power to discuss
> electricity in Nova Scotia. The needs of our local area was discussed and I
> was briefed on the future goals of energy with respect to reducing
> greenhouse gas emissions and the plan of getting off coal as a source of
> energy to produce electricity. Cumberland County plays a valuable role in
> energy for the province and will continue to do so.
>
> New name for Pugwash Hospital
> Nova Scotia Health announced a new name for the new Pugwash Hospital last
> week. The name of the new facility will be the North Cumberland Health Care
> Centre.
>
> New Additional MLA Office
> I am pleased to announce a second location for MLA work here in Cumberland
> North. Kait Saxton is Director of Legislative Affairs and Communications and
> will be working part time in Pugwash office and part time in the Amherst
> office. The new office in Pugwash will open next week at the Village Hall on
> Water Street. Once the Spring Legislative Session is complete I will also be
> available to meet with local people at this new office in Pugwash. Thank you
> to the Village Commissioners and Clerk Lisa Betts for renting this space for
> more MLA work.
>
> Dan Gould continues to fill the role of Director of Casework and currently
> Quentin Knock is working part-time as an assistant. We have an excellent
> team and together we are working to achieve the goals set out by the people
> of Cumberland North.
>
> Please contact my office anytime to receive assistance. 902-661-2288.
>
> We recently added a volunteer to our team who is working to compile all the
> services available to Seniors in Cumberland North. Once this information is
> gathered we will share actively with everyone.
>
>
> Gas, Diesel and Oil Prices
> Temporary measures are required now to alleviate the pain at the gas pumps.
> Allan MacMaster, a Cabinet Minister under the Tim Houston government has
> spoken about these challenges and we are looking forward to seeing some
> urgent changes made to help the people.
> The price of gas, diesel and oil are crippling the budgets of both families
> and businesses. In Cumberland County, people have to drive great distances
> to work, to the grocery store and to medical appointments. They cannot take
> transit or hop on a bicycle. It is time for the provincial and federal
> governments to make immediate tax changes. The changes can be temporary
> during this current crisis. Currently HST (15% in NS) is taxed on the
> commodity price as well as the federal excise tax, the provincial motive tax
> and the carbon tax. Citizens should not be paying tax on tax. The fact is
> the higher prices of oil, diesel and gas creates a windfall for governments
> due to the HST.
> Government should be taxing less and allow people to keep more of their own
> money; stop creating the need for more reliance on the government. One
> option available to governments involves the lowering or removal of the HST
> on gas, diesel and oil by both Federal and Provincial
> governments. Also the Province should only apply tax to the
> commodity price- as is done for natural gas and temporarily reduce or remove
> the provincial motive gas tax.
> Increased gas and diesel prices affect the price of everything including
> necessities like food. Some people are contacting me because they cannot
> afford to heat their homes or have hot water due to the increasing price of
> oil.
>
> Roads and Spring Conditions
> Potholes are exceptionally bad this season.
> Please call the Public Works contact number if you see any roads that need
> repair. You can also contact my office and I will share with the Area
> Managers. 1-844-696-7737
> For the Roads within the Town of Amherst please call the Town
> directly.
>
>
>
> Congratulations to Donna Gogan for opening of her Jamaican Restaurant in
> Amherst. It is located at
> 12 Prince Arthur Street in the former location of Bambino’s
> Pizzeria.
> https://www.facebook.com/Portlanderjamaicanrestaurantno vascotia/
>
>
> Birthday’s
> Wishing everyone celebrating a birthday or anniversary a special day; this
> week some of the people celebrating include:
>
> 14th Monday - Dale Davis and Matt Haylock
> 15th Tuesday - Brian Goldrich and Nancy Walsh
> 16th Wednesday - Randy Breau
> 17th Thursday - Patricia Gould
> 18th Friday - Stacey Gilroy, Cindy LeBlanc and Sue Reid
> 19th Saturday - Peter Chapman and Cheryl MacIntosh
>
>
> Obituary’s
> Please accept my sympathies to anyone who has lost a loved one recently,
> including the friends and families of:
>
> Meredith McCartney (daughter of the late Heather Wilkes)
>
> https://wallacefuneralhome.com/tribute/details/3939/ Meredith-McCartney/obituary. html#tribute-start
>
>
> Gloria Audrey Tutkaluk
>
> https://www.arbormemorial.ca/campbells/obituaries/gloria- audrey-tutkaluk/80345
>
>
> Cpl Roy Elbert Tower, CD
>
> https://www.arbormemorial.ca/campbells/obituaries/cpl-roy- elbert-tower-cd/80222
>
>
> John Fitzgerald Farrow
>
>
> https://www.arbormemorial.ca/campbells/obituaries/john- fitzgerald-farrow/80216
>
>
> Eleanor Mae Fromm
>
> https://www.arbormemorial.ca/campbells/obituaries/eleanor- mae-fromm/80088
>
>
> Janet Pauley
>
> https://www.mmcfunerals.com/obituary/janet-pauley
>
>
> Final words
>
> Keep the Faith
> Don’t give up
> Set your goals and create a plan to achieve them
> Build a strong support team, it doesn’t have to be large, it can be
> small but mighty
> When you come upon hurdles and closed doors, reevaluate, refocus and
> continue forward.
> It is the only direction to go
>
> Have a great week, Take care of yourself and take care of others,
>
> Elizabeth
>
>
> If you wish to unsubscribe please contact us at Daniel.Gould@novascotia.ca
>
>
> Elizabeth Smith-McCrossin MBA, BScN
> Cumberland North MLA
>
> Live everyday to the fullest and love as much as humanly possible.
>
>
>
Ryan Smyth takes another run and public office, Running for the People’s Party in Cape Breton-Canso-Antigonish
Apr 16, 2025 | Local News
Ryan Smyth is returning to the political arena, this time as a People`s party of Canada candidate for Cape Breton-Canso-Antigonish in the upcoming federal election.
Smyth, originally from Ontario and now living in the Antigonish area since 2016, works in computer software. He ran twice provincially for the Atlantic Party and once federally for the Rhino Party. He said he wanted to run in the election because it`s important that the idea of freedom leading to prosperity gets out there.
As for the major issues in the upcoming to the election, Smyth said they all come down to the economy.
Audio Player00:00Smyth encourages people to vote their conscience, look into the different platforms, and vote for what will make Canada better.
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Apr 15, 2025
9 Comments
I bet Allan MacMaster regrets quitting his fancy provincial positionIMHO Jaime Battiste dropped out of leadership after he and Carney made a deal I have no doubt he would love be the next Cabinet Minister for Indigenous AffairsI’m confused by what exactly Ms. Wall plans to do. I wanted to vote independent, I planned to, but listening to this, she hasn’t even talked about what she plans to actually do. I’m going to have to reconsider my vote because I don’t have faith in independent now.After 21 very long years Its rough for this independent have faith in the electorate https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ERN3OrEBWU&t=16s I heard nothing from Rebecca Wall that impressed me. No policy talk just a lot of self praise@Tracy-zi7dq my thoughts exactly@lezbesimmin Me Too
Apr 8, 2025Candidates in the new riding of Cape Breton-Canso-Antigonish say local issues are being overshadowed by the United States in this federal election campaign. One political scientist says Cape Bretoners usually vote for the candidate, but this election may be different. The CBC's Tom Ayers reports.Top Story
Cape Breton-Canso-Antigonish all-candidates debate
Last Thursday evening at the Bear Head Room, at Port Hawkesbury's Civic Centre, five candidates took to the podium for a debate for the riding of Cape Breton-Canso-Antigonish. From the left are: Joanna Clark (NDP), Ryan Smyth (PPC), Rebecca Wall (Independent), Allan MacMaster (Conservative), Jaime Battiste (Liberal).
April 16, 2025
-by April MacDonald
All five candidates put their names in the running for the federal election in the riding of Cape Breton-Canso-Antigonish.
There were five candidates that took to the podium at the Port Hawkesbury Civic Centre’s Bear Head Room and debated last Thursday evening.
The event was hosted by CBC Cape Breton and moderated by Steve Sutherland, host of CBC Radio’s Information Morning Cape Breton.
The debate was live-streamed on the CBC News Nova Scotia YouTube channel.
The all-candidates debate for the Cape Breton-Canso-Antigonish riding featured representatives from five political parties: Allan MacMaster (Conservative), Rebecca Wall (Independent), Jaime Battiste (Liberal), Joanna Clark (NDP), and Ryan Smyth (PPC).
Candidates discussed their varying approaches to key issues affecting Cape Breton-Canso-Antigonish.
Debates of this nature give voters an opportunity to learn a candidate’s stance on a variety of topics, including healthcare, education, economic development, environmental concerns, as well as local infrastructure.
Candidates responded to questions from moderator Steve Sutherland. There were no questions permitted from the audience, nor were those in attendance allowed to hold banners of support or show where their political affiliations lie.
Voters were there to gauge each candidate’s positions, as well as to get a sense of each of their personalities.
What kept coming up, time and time again, was the trade war with the United States, especially the tariffs imposed by the Trump administration.
While local issues were also discussed, candidates and voters were focused on who would be best suited to face the U.S. president.
Although there were five candidates on stage, the sparring and the tone made it clear that the race will likely boil down to the Liberal candidate, Jaime Battiste, and Conservative candidate, Allan MacMaster.
Key points discussed during the debate were:
Economic recovery and job creation: Candidates discussed the importance of economic recovery post-pandemic, emphasizing job creation in key sectors such as tourism, fisheries, and natural resources. Allan MacMaster focused on fiscal responsibility and supporting small businesses. Jaime Battiste highlighted investments in infrastructure and technology.
Access to healthcare was a significant topic, with candidates debating how to alleviate pressures on the healthcare system.
Joanna Clark called for increased funding for public healthcare and mental health services, while Ryan Smyth argued for a more market-driven approach to healthcare.
With regards to education, candidates spoke to funding and curriculum improvements.
Rebecca Wall emphasized the need for better support for students with disabilities. Jaime Battiste spoke about addressing teacher shortages and curriculum modernization.
Jaime Battiste asked MacMaster five times whether or not he believed in climate change, pointing out that the Conservative Leader, Pierre Pollieve, did not in fact believe in climate change. Eventually, MacMaster replied that “climate does change.”
With regards to climate change and environmental policies, candidates discussed on how to ensure sustainable development in the region, with Joanna Clark pushing for robust climate action plans. Ryan Smyth somewhat acknowledged climate concerns but showed much skepticism regarding any government intervention.
Local issues discussed were infrastructure needs, increasing services for rural areas, and supporting our Indigenous communities through reconciliation.
Candidates continued to remind the audience of their commitment to engaging with and listening to their constituents.
Candidate Platforms
Allan MacMaster (Conservative):
– Advocated for fiscal responsibility, small business support, and economic development.
– Promised to lower taxes and reduce government spending.
Rebecca Wall (Independent):
– Focused on grassroots issues, community engagement, and independent decision-making.
– Prioritized inclusive policies and support for marginalized communities.
Jaime Battiste (Liberal):
– Emphasized progressive social policies, healthcare funding, and local infrastructure investment.
– Championed diversity and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.
Joanna Clark (NDP):
– Committed to social justice, environmental sustainability, and equitable access to services.
– Advocated for universal healthcare, pharmacare, childcare, and affordable housing.
Ryan Smyth (PPC):
– Promoted individual freedoms, reducing government size, and a more market-oriented approach to various sectors.
– Critiqued current government policies on taxation and regulation.
Smyth received a roomful of booing and angered most of the people in attendance when he seemed to support Trump’s assertion that Canada would be better off as a 51st State.
Interactions between candidates, including challenges and rebuttals, were signs indicative of their readiness to engage in political discourse and handle criticism.
These debates are crucial as they provide voters with the opportunity to hear directly from candidates about their policies, views, and plans if elected.
Although there are many local issues facing the area, candidates said that what they are hearing door-to-door is the lack of affordability, the rising cost of food, and of course, the fear of the Trump administration and the threat of tariffs.
Candidates said, especially the Liberal and NDP, that the voters are very concerned with Canada’s broken relationship with the United States.
Battiste said, time and time again, that what he is hearing from voters is that this election will ultimately come down to Liberal Leader Mark Carney or Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, and who is the best leader to take on Trump.
Those wh
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