Energy and action plan needed for CBRM
Now more than ever before is the time to start our own Cape Breton Regional Municipality (CBRM) High-Focus Energy & Action Plan with emphasis only on the following areas: CBRM, health care, doctor shortage, youth mental care, child poverty, homelessness.
The economy is moving forward. Consider the following:
1. The Cape Breton Island tourism industry has been recognized for outstanding achievements by the Canadian Tourism Awards and Nova Scotia’s Crystal Tourism Awards of Excellence
2. The Sydney Port team is gaining momentum
3. The relocation of the Nova Scotia Community College Marconi Campus to the Sydney downtown core is a game-changer. Is there also room for a new library?
4. The multi-million-dollar investment in the New Dawn Centre for Social Innovation, the Savoy Theatre, the Louisbourg Playhouse and the HAT Theatre should reinvigorate the arts and culture community
5. The IT sector seems to be moving forward with new start-ups and more established companies including Larch Wood Canada, Advanced Glazing’s Ltd., Copol International Ltd., VMP Group (virtual media), and Vibe Creative Group (marketing and communications), just to name a few
6. The fishery and mining sectors are working together on Donkin Mine’s future
7. The BayPlex has a second chance since its takeover by CBRM
8. Louisbourg is the site of a new Oceans’ Office for tracking whales and sea turtles, and the proliferation of plastics in the marine environment. The Oceans’ Office also will host Virtual Visualization of the marine environment for multiparty use including educators
9. A Trade Seminar and Trade Office for Cape Breton is being planned with a view to increasing the export and branding of Cape Breton exports thanks to the Cape Breton Partnership and others
10. Ocean science and research is booming. Think of (1) Canada First Research Excellence Fund ($200 million); (2) the Pan-Canadian Artificial Intelligence Fund ($125 million); (3) the Atlantic Fisheries Fund ($325 million); (4) the Innovation Super Cluster Initiative ($950 million over five years); and (5) the Accelerated Growth Service. We must work to get in on the action and grow our tourism, food, industry certification, education, IT and research and development sectors
A progressive social economy is the foundation of a CBRM High Focus Energy & Action Plan, following a second mission to Vietnam earlier this month by the Cape Breton Partnership and the Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities and Cities of Vietnam. So, let’s do as Senator Dan Christmas urges by acting cooperatively to build our own strategy for action on urgent issues focused on health care, doctor shortages, youth mental health care, child poverty, and homelessness. We now have new accessibility funding for small business to help disabled lets keep going.
On a lighter note, congratulations to the organizers of the Glace Bay and Sydney Santa Claus parades and other areas. The number of floats, participants and bystanders lining the parade routes was a testament to the hard work of the organizers and the support from their respective communities’ volunteers. Let’s take that positive attitude and apply ourselves to the bigger issues for the less fortunate with confidence that together we are stronger than apart.
Merry Christmas to you all!
Dannie Hanson Mira