Strait Talk Ep. 47

In the second installment of a series of interviews designed to foster discussions on key issues affecting the people, communities, businesses, and organizations of Richmond County, Warden Lois Landry sat down with Civic Journalist Jake Boudrot to address a range of topics.

Landry also responded to questions from Petit-de-Grat resident Robbie Fougere regarding these issues.

Currently, the Municipal Policy Committee is reviewing three key revisions. The first concerns the grant policy, incorporating changes requested by community groups. The second focuses on streamlining the travel policy to simplify expense tracking. The third involves aligning the hospitality policy with government regulations regarding budget reporting and allocations.

Fougere raised several questions regarding these policy revisions. He pointed out that the grant policy states that funding should align with the council’s stated goals and priorities. He asked whether these goals have been clearly identified and communicated to community groups and if council consistently considers them when approving or rejecting grant requests.

Fougere also inquired about the distinction between regional and district budgets for grants. He noted that past practices suggest the district portion may not be subject to the same level of oversight or adherence to guidelines as the regional budget. He asked whether this is the case and, if so, whether it should continue.

Regarding the travel policy, Fougere questioned whether municipal travel and meal per diems align with provincial rates. If they do not, he asked for an explanation.

Fougere also addressed the temporary closure and pending sale of the former Clearwater Seafoods lobster holding facility in Cap Auguet, asking what support is available for displaced workers and whether the issue will be discussed in upcoming council meetings.

On the topic of health care, particularly Emergency Department closures in the region, Fougere asked whether the Cape Breton South Recruiting for Health group has seen positive results. He also questioned whether specific recruitment targets have been established for doctors, nurses, and Nurse Practitioners in Richmond County.

Boudrot mentioned his discussions with officials from Port Hawkesbury Paper regarding the potential impact of a 25 percent tariff on their exports to the United States. The company, which exports 93 percent of its Point Tupper production to the U.S., has expressed significant concerns over these tariffs.

Fougere asked whether council or municipal officials have met with Port Hawkesbury Paper’s management and whether the municipality is reconsidering any purchases from U.S. suppliers in response to these tariffs.

During its February regular meeting, Richmond Municipal Council reviewed correspondence from the provincial government about its plans to explore additional resource extraction, among other proposals. The warden was asked whether there were any updates regarding this correspondence.

Finally, in light of the high estimated repair costs for the Richmond Arena, Landry was asked whether this suggests that a new facility is needed and whether planning should begin immediately.