**Episode 11 of *The Record*: Cape Breton-Canso MP Announces Community Funding Initiatives**

Episode 11 of *The Record* focuses on three significant funding announcements made by Cape Breton-Canso MP Mike Kelloway.

On July 16 in Port Hastings, Kelloway announced $2.2 million in non-repayable funding through the Canada Coal Transition Initiative – Infrastructure Fund to the Town of Port Hawkesbury. The funds are allocated for critical upgrades to the Allan J. MacEachen Regional Airport runway.

According to the federal government, the project will involve the removal and replacement of the runway's middle section to meet new Transport Canada standards and accommodate increased air traffic. This investment is expected to strengthen the community’s infrastructure as the region advances green hydrogen, onshore and offshore wind industries, and niche, high-value tourism opportunities.

Port Hawkesbury Mayor Brenda Chisholm-Beaton emphasized the airport's importance, describing it as a vital transportation link for the Strait region. The Allan J. MacEachen Airport, operating since 1974 and run by Celtic Air Services, is overseen by the Airport Advisory Committee, which includes elected representatives from the Town of Port Hawkesbury, the Municipality of the County of Inverness, and the Municipality of the County of Richmond.

Later that day, Kelloway announced $27,750 in funding for two community-based projects in Richmond County. The Arichat Community Development Association received support to construct an accessible walking track, promoting regular physical activity in a safe environment. Additionally, the Richmond River Roots Market Garden Society was granted funding to participate in Memory Café events, aimed at reducing social isolation for seniors with dementia.

This funding was provided through the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP), which supports community-based projects that benefit seniors. Seamus O’Regan Jr., Minister of Labour and Seniors, highlighted the importance of these initiatives, noting that seniors want to remain active and engaged in their communities. Kelloway added that the goal is to make Cape Breton-Canso a place where seniors can age comfortably and enjoyably within their local area.

On July 17, Kelloway announced $354,375 in funding over three years for La Picasse Cultural Community Centre. The centre will receive $118,125 annually to support its operations and programming.

Rochelle Heudes, President of La Picasse, called the funding a “significant contribution” to the local Acadian community. La Picasse, a non-profit organization, serves the Acadian and Francophone communities on Isle Madame. The centre offers residents a welcoming place to socialize and access a wide range of French programs, strengthening the cultural fabric of the region.

The federal government emphasized that this investment would enhance the vitality of the community by supporting more social, educational, and cultural activities in French. Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages, noted that the funding would enable La Picasse to continue its mission of promoting the French language and Acadian culture.

La Picasse's work aligns with the Community Life component of the Development of Official Language Communities program, which aims to support and preserve the cultural heritage of minority language communities across Canada.

Kelloway commended La Picasse for its community involvement and dedication to the vitality of the French language, emphasizing the organization's role in fostering cultural exchange and connection within the Acadian community.