The slate of candidates has been confirmed for the newly formed federal riding of Cape Breton–Canso–Antigonish.

Running for the Liberal Party is former Sydney–Victoria MP Jaime Battiste. Representing the NDP is Joanna Clark, a former candidate for Inverness in the last two provincial elections. Allan MacMaster, former Nova Scotia Deputy Premier, Minister of Finance, and Inverness MLA, will run for the Conservatives. The Green Party has nominated Bill Matheson, while Ryan Smyth will carry the banner for the People’s Party of Canada. Rebecca Wall is also in the race as an independent candidate.

The newly established riding includes areas of the Cape Breton Regional Municipality, Richmond County, the Town of Port Hawkesbury, Inverness County, Victoria County, Guysborough County, and Antigonish town and county.

Advance voting will take place on Friday, April 18; Saturday, April 19; Sunday, April 20; and Monday, April 21, with polls open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Voters can also cast their ballots early by visiting Elections Canada offices at the Town Centre in Port Hawkesbury, the Marina in Guysborough, or Ross Street in Baddeck, open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. Voting at these offices closes on April 22 at 6 p.m.

Election Day is set for April 28, with polls open from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. across communities in the riding.

Meanwhile, Claudia Chender, Leader of Nova Scotia’s Official Opposition and the Nova Scotia NDP, recently spoke with Civic Journalist Jake Boudrot about the winter sitting of the Nova Scotia Legislature.

Premier Tim Houston wrapped up the session highlighting legislation focused on internal trade and resource development, which he said lays a foundation for a stronger, more resilient, and self-reliant province.

At its regular monthly meeting on March 25 in Arichat, Richmond Municipal Council revisited a request for funding a Strait of Canso Clean Fuels Domestic Use Strategy, echoing earlier discussions during a committee-of-the-whole meeting.

Looking ahead, venues and host communities have been revealed for Celtic Colours 2025. The festival will kick off in Port Hawkesbury on Friday, October 10 at the Port Hawkesbury Civic Centre, and will wrap up the following Saturday.

Over its nine-day run, concerts and events will be held in communities such as Big Pond, Christmas Island, D’Escousse, Glendale, Iron Mines, Judique, L’Ardoise, Lower River Inhabitants, Petit de Grat, and St. Peter’s.

Patty Charlton, Manager of the School of Technology and Environment at Nova Scotia Community College, spoke with Jake Boudrot about a new Wind Turbine Technician program launching at the Strait Area Campus.

In other local news, Rochelle Heudes, a resident of Isle Madame and dedicated community volunteer, was named a recipient of the King Charles III Coronation Medal—one of 10 individuals recognized by the Office of the Lieutenant Governor for outstanding contributions to the country.

Finally, on April 1, Port Hawkesbury Town Council held its monthly public meeting. Afterward, Mayor Brenda Chisholm-Beaton and Deputy Mayor Iaian Langley took questions from the media.