Rants & Raves

We discuss generosity, accountability, smart kids, not-so-smart drivers and more

RAVE: For $858,360.72. That’s the amount of money that was raised on Thursday during this year’s RadioDay fundraiser. The funds will go towards cancer care and other programs at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital. Kudos to everyone who donated – your generosity will make a huge difference to those in need.

RANT: For a lack of accountability. Opposition MLAs staged a walk-out earlier this week in protest of the Liberals using their majority to limit the scope of the legislature’s Public Accounts Committee. Going forward, the committee’s agenda will only include matters that are subject to an audit by the auditor general. This means members will no longer be able to question departments and organizations unless they are audited. As opposition MLAs pointed out, this decision will make it much more difficult for Nova Scotians to hold government to account.

RAVE: For the importance of being smart and kind. Thursday’s front page story about Cape Breton’s Matthew Shimon was a heart-warming example of the high calibre of youth in our community. Matthew will be the only Cape Breton contender in this fall’s “Canada’s Smart Person Junior” — no matter how he fares on the show, it’s easy to see he has a strong future ahead of him. His positive outlook is inspiring.

RANT: For texting and driving. Membertou resident Shirley Christmas is doing a great service to the community by spearheading an educational campaign against distracted driving. It’s time everyone follows her lead takes a vow to put down the phone.

RAVE: For funding. Two and a half million dollars in federal money was announced this week to identify and fund key infrastructure projects in CBRM aimed at reducing the threat of flooding to prevent recurrences of the 2016 floods. Initial response from local residents present at the announcement was positive. Whether or not the funded projects will be able to live up to expectations and prevent future flooding remains to be seen.

RANT: For political polarization. Many Canadians have lost hours, if not days, of their lives following the perplexing rhetoric surrounding the USMCA deal and the Kavanaugh debacle. While these are just the latest examples of the Trump reality, they serve as yet another stark reminder to all living north of the 49th parallel that Canada must not follow the lead of the U.S. There’s nothing wrong with passionate and engaging debate, but let’s keep our Canadian politics and commentary both intelligent and respectful.