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Recently posted by Robert Doublett

The Mall of Science

Geoffrey Lee Dadswell & Dianne van Rooyen

Posted by Robert Doublett

....and now for a little science and innovation of our own!

The third annual Mall of Science event being held on Saturday, May 25 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Mayflower Mall.
 
This interactive event is open to the public, with a purpose of promoting science awareness to youth and showing how science affects our daily lives.

The Mall of Science showcases fun and interesting demonstrations in the fields of biology, chemistry, physics, geology, math and health, and today we have a sample of what you are going to see and hear at the Mall this weekend.

Geoffrey Lee Dadswell is a physicist and Dianne van Rooyen is a geologist.

Listen audio (runs 11:50)

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Gabarus Seawall update

Tim Menk: Friends of Gabarus Society

Posted by Robert Doublett

There may be new hope for replacement of the Gabarus seawall.

The aging structure has been severaly damaged by storms, with the most recent just happening in April.

Emergency Measures Officials are going to hold a meeting in Gabarus next month to put a plan in place if the seawall is breached in the next storm.

A community group lobbying for its' repair and replacement has just been approached by a Vancouver company with a new idea ..build a natural barrier instead of a wooden seawall.

CBC reporter George Mortimer was at the Seawall today, he spoke with Tim Menk from the Friends of Gabarus Society about the concept and the need for an emergency plan.

Listen audio (runs 5:35)

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No Charges in Sudden Death

Ron MacDonald: Independent and Civilian Director of SIRT.

Posted by Robert Doublett

The province's Serious Incident Response Team has concluded that no charges should be laid against any officer of the Cape Breton Regional Police Service in relation to a sudden death last year.

A man died while in police custody last December.

Ron MacDonald is the independent and civilian director of SIRT.

He spoke to reporter Yvonne LeBlanc-Smith about the investigation and its conclusions.

His full report can be found on the website; http://sirt.novascotia.ca under recent publications.

Listen audio (runs 2:55)

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AWOL over sick day - UPDATE

Posted by Robert Doublett

All charges against a Nova Scotia woman in the Royal Canadian Navy who is fighting cancer, and who was charged with being absent without leave and facing a court martial have been dropped, the woman and her lawyer say.

"I feel vindicated," Able Seaman Carol Anne Deyoung said.

Both Deyoung and her lawyer, Maj. Sarah Collins, said the charges were dropped Friday afternoon.

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Adventurous Eaters: Clam Linguine

Tim, Jackie and Kathy of Rising Tide Expeditions

Posted by Robert Doublett

Cooking in the great outdoors can be more than beans, wieners and s'mores.

So on a cool spring day Erin Ashley trekked down to Gabarus and met up with Tim, Jackie and Kathy of Rising Tide Expeditions for some Clam Linguine.

To make Tim's Clam Linguine you'll need . . .

1 Box dried linguine
1/4 cup Olive Oil
1 Red Pepper chopped
1 Clove Garlic (per person)
12oz fresh clams or 1 can clams
2 Handfuls spinach, torn
Lemon juice (fresh squeezed is always best)
Parmesan cheese and salt and pepper to taste

Listen audio (runs 8:04)

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AWOL over sick day

Able Seaman Carol Anne Deyoung

Posted by Robert Doublett

When navy seaman Carol Anne DeYoung joined the navy three and a half years ago, she was fulfilling a dream. All her life, the 41-year old woman has wanted to serve her country. 

She never expected her country would court martial her, but that's what happened a year ago last June. 

DeYoung was feeling ill and had discovered a worrying lump in her breast. She called in sick. The next day, she wasn't feeling any better and called in sick again.

Her commanding officer at first agreed, but then said she had to report to the Stadacona base's sickbay. 

DeYoung went to sickbay, but took two hours to get there. 

Eventually, she was charged with being AWOL for the two hours of time she took to get from her home to sickbay. 

DeYoung later found out the lump in her breast was cancerous. She's now being treated with chemotherapy. While she prepares to be court martialled. She told her story to the CBC's Rob Gordon.

Listen audio (runs 4:04)

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Online Selling Safety

Internet Safety Expert: Perry Aftab

Posted by Robert Doublett

An Ontario man who was missing for nine long days was found dead yesterday.

Tim Bosma disappeared after two men came to test drive a pickup truck he'd posted for sale online.

And his now-confirmed death raises questions about the safety of buyers and sellers who use online marketplaces like Kijiji and Craigslist.

Parry Aftab is an internet safety expert, internet privacy and security lawyer, and managing director of Wired Trust.

Listen audio (runs 5:47)

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Seeking Council - May 13th, 2013

Council, Charlie Keagan

Posted by Robert Doublett

This week on Seeking Council, Charlie Keagan is in and representing the entire North Side because Councillor Prince is dealing with some health issues and unable to attend.

Normally Clarence Prince represents District 1 and Charlie Keagan, District 2.

Listen audio (runs 9:49)

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CB Roller Derby

The Tar City Rollers

Posted by Robert Doublett

It's been called an expression of the third wave of feminism, an independent, do it yourself alternative sport that celebrates woman of all ages and abilities and it has take root right here in cape Breton.

Yes, we're talking about Roller Derby.

Trash Talking, bumping, bruising, and fun.

This weekend they're having an open house at the Centennial Area in Sydney to look for new members and volunteers to help with events.

We dropped by the arena last night for one of their practices and a look at this collective of 30 women and the culture of roller derby.

Listen audio (runs 4:31)

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PierScape 2013 Art Show

Posey MacKinnon

Posted by Robert Doublett

Whitney Pier Society for the Arts is celebrating the 15th Anniversary of PierScape, its annual arts festival.

It's multicultural community based event that showcases Cape Breton Visual Artists Musicians and Writers.

Listen audio (runs 5:24)

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CBU Nursing Grads

Barb Jamieson

Posted by Robert Doublett

The big day is coming for 630-students at Cape Breton University. 

The gowns are being pressed and the hats getting fitted for Saturday. 

About 60 of the graduating students are from the Nursing program and they all have jobs to go to already!

Listen audio (runs 10:20)

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The Reporter and the Rock Star

Jack Columbus

Posted by Robert Doublett

An interview with John Lennon back in 1969 has inspired an art exhibit at an elementary school in New Waterford.

A long lost tape of a report by broadcaster and New Waterford native, Jack Columbus was found and given to the art teacher at Mount Carmel school.  Diane Lewis used the audio to educate her students about the peace movement of the sixties.

Here is the news report that was the inspiration.

Listen audio (runs 1:18)

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Seeking Council - May 06th, 2013

Darren Bruckschwaiger and Lowell Cormier

Posted by Robert Doublett

On Seeking Council we're talking about the issues on the minds of people in the CBRM.

It's a chance for us to touch base with representative from around the Cape Breton Regional Municipality, and find out what's making news in their district.

his weeks edition of Seeking Council bring us conversations with Darren Bruckschwaiger and Lowell Cormier.

Darren Bruckschwaiger is councillor of District 10 and Lowell Cormier represents District 11.


Listen audio (runs 16:00)

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Royal Cape Breton Yacht Club Fire

Tom Urbaniak

Posted by Robert Doublett

The destruction of the Royal Cape Breton Yacht Club is a hard blow to the people who've been working in recent months to save the heritage building.

Tom Urbaniak is a volunteer with the Sydney Architectural Conservation Society, and a professor at CBU.

Listen audio (runs 8:04)

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Royal Cape Breton Yacht Club Fire

Mayor Cecil Clarke

Posted by Robert Doublett

Sadly, it's official, the 112 year old Royal Cape Breton Yacht Club has been destroyed by fire.

Early reports have people claiming to have heard a loud bang, felt a rush of heat and turned to notice smoke billowing from the bottom of the building soon to be followed by flaming licking out of the windows.

We're reached CBRM Mayor, Cecil Clarke for an update, he's been in touch with CBRM Police Chief Peter McIsaac and Fire Services Chief Bernie MacKinnon.

Listen audio (runs 7:29)

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Royal Cape Breton Yacht Club Fire

Christopher Borgal

Posted by Robert Doublett

Depending on where you were you may have seen the smoke billowing from across the harbour, or if you were downtown you may have heard the bang yourself.

Fire has taken hold of the Royal Cape Breton Yacht Club building.

Heritage and conservation groups were recently interested in preserving the building, which  was owned by Royal Cape Breton Yacht Club, however the charted had recently been transferred to another place.

The building was being looked at as a National Historic Site.

The person that got those wheels rolling is Christopher Borgal, he was sent by Heritage Canada on the invitation of local groups. Borgal is the principal of Architectural Practices in Heritage and Restorations in Christopher Borgal Architects Inc. and specializes in the restoration of historical buildings.

He was recently here to assess and deliver a report to the community groups. We reached him just after the fire started and informed him of the situation.


Listen audio (runs 7:17)

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The CBRM Ukulele Group

Suzanne Doane

Posted by Robert Doublett

The Ukulele can be a beautiful instrument and it's a wonderful learning instrument as well.

That's why people in Cape Breton Regional Municipality are gravitating toward it once again with a special group project and we invited many of the members into the studio this afternoon.

Listen audio (runs 8:54)

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Cape Breton Gaels Jam

Amber Buchanan, Shay MacMullin, Shipa Jain, & Tad Hargrave

Posted by Robert Doublett

Through the month of May, for the past ten years, we have talked about the state of the Gaelic in our community.

It was ten years ago that Michael Kennedy's document (Gaelic Nova Scotia: An Economic, Cultural, and Social Impact Study) was released to the public and in that time a lot has happened.

However if you had said, ten years ago, that there would be an event on the North Shore that involved exclusively people under thirty-five, we'd have thought it'd never happen.....but it did.

It's called Cape Breton Gaels Jam: Creating Space for Young Gaels Across Nova Scotia.

Listen audio (runs 13:43)

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And the nominee is.........

Pam Eyking

Posted by Robert Doublett

She's not been a politician, but Pam Eyking is no stranger to politics.

The Liberals nominated the 50-yearold mother of four to represent the party in the next provincial election.

Her riding, Victoria the Lakes, overlaps the federal riding of Sydney - Victoria, which is held by her husband; Mark Eyking.

Pam Eyking spoke to reporter Yvonne LeBlanc-Smith about her decision to venture into provincial politics.

Listen audio (runs 4:19)

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The New Moderator

The Rev. Doctor David Sutherland

Posted by Robert Doublett

A Cape Bretoner will occupy the highest position in the Presbyterian Church of Canada and will accompany a few others who have been the moderator over the past few years. The Rev. Doctor David Sutherland grew up in Sydney and attended Bethel Presbyterian.

Listen audio (runs 8:52)

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The Cyber-Safety Act.

Minister of Justice: Ross Landry

Posted by Robert Doublett

Nearly three weeks after the death of Rehtaeh Parsons, the Nova Scotia government has introduced legislation to create Canada's first cyber-bullying investigative unit.

The legislation will allow victims and their families to get protection orders from a court if they are being harassed online.

The proposed Cyber-Safety Act will allow the the unit to investigate complaints and issue prevention orders forbidding someone from communicating online. The legislation would also allow victims of cyber-bullying and their families to seek a court protection order that could result in someone having their computer or phone confiscated.

Members of the investigative unit may visit perpetrators' homes and offenders could face a $5,000 fine or six months in jail, even for a first-time offence.

Parents could also be liable for the damages.

Nova Scotia Justice Minister Ross Landry said the goal is to close the gaps in the law.

Listen audio (runs 12:07)

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A Not for Profit network

Lisa MacNeil & Brad Jacobs

Posted by Robert Doublett

It is often called the third pillar of the economy, the not for profit sector, of the volunteer sector

In Canada it contributes more than 10% to the GDP, but sometimes people who work in that sector sometimes feel isolated, and a little like they are re-inventing the wheel every time they undertake a major project.

Here in Cape Breton the not for profit sector is trying to network and trying to exchange some ideas. There are now efforts to set up a group much like the Chamber of Commerce.

Lisa MacNeil, from the Northside Guest Home Foundation, and Brad Jacobs is from the Cape Breton Hospital Foundation.

Listen audio (runs 6:18)

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Seeking Council - April 22nd, 2013

Ivan Doncaster and Mae Rowe

Posted by Robert Doublett

This weeks edition of Seeking Council bring us conversations with Ivan Doncaster and Mae Rowe.

Ivan Doncaster is councilor of District 7 and Mae Rowe represents District 3.

Listen audio (runs 16:42)

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Big Pond church packed for Rita MacNeil.

Posted by Robert Doublett

A funeral service was held Monday afternoon for acclaimed Cape Breton singer-songwriter Rita MacNeil at a church in her Nova Scotia hometown of Big Pond.

Rewatch the live stream of the funeral here.

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Cash for Trash

Posted by Robert Doublett

For most people, heavy garbage season, is a chance to send some old junk to the dump.
But for some it's an opportunity to make a few dollars.

Hashem's Scrap Yard in Sydney is going full out these days trying to keep up with the pickup trucks delivering scrap metal.

Their drivers have checked out all the stuff that's left at the curb... and collected some valuable materials.

Joan Weeks stopped by Hashem's earlier today to see who's getting cash for your trash.

Listen audio (runs 3:37)

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Seeking Council - April 15th, 2013

Claire Detheridge and Eldon MacDonald

Posted by Robert Doublett

Time again for our weekly chat about Cape Breton Regional politics.

Every Monday, we're inviting two regional councilors into the studio for a chat about what's making news in their districts.

Today, it's Claire Detheridge representing District 4 and Eldon MacDonald of District 5.

Listen audio (runs 14:52)

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Is There Enough Help?

Helen Morrison - Executive Director of Transition House

Posted by Robert Doublett

The Rehtaeh Parsons case has many people wondering if enough help is available for rape victims. Parsons committed suicide and her family says she was raped two years ago by four boys.

Charges were never laid because police say there was not enough evidence.

Helen Morrison has some insight into those issues in the Cape Breton Regional Municipality. She is Executive Director of Transition House and co-chair of the Cape Breton Inter-agency on Family Violence.

Morrison spoke with CBC's Joan Weeks about the challenges facing rape victims in this area.

Listen audio (runs 8:15)

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Back to School

Darlene Close and Carolyn Toomey

Posted by Robert Doublett

There is no doubt Darlene Close had an interesting career trajectory, she worked in retail for years, owned her own scuba shop for a while. She wanted to try something new....but she didn't have her high school credits, so her options were limited.

That's where The Nova Scotia Adult Learners Network comes in and today, Darlene is actively pursuing her goals for her dream career.

She dropped into studio to share her story and Carolyn Toomey is in studio with us as well, she is the academic chair of the program that is run from Marconi Campus.

Listen audio (runs 13:46)

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Seeking Council - April 08th, 2013

Ray Paruch and Jim MacLeod

Posted by Robert Doublett

On Seeking Council we're talking about the issues on the minds of people in the CBRM.

It's a chance for us to touch base with representative from around the Cape Breton Regional Municipality, and find out what's making news in their district.

Today, we're joined by Ray Paruch and Jim MacLeod.

Ray is councillor for District 6.  That encompasses part of Sydney, including the downtown south end, Ashby, and part of Grand Lake Rd.

And Jim MacLeod represents District 12, which includes part of Sydney, Whitney Pier, South Bar, Victoria Mines, Lingan Rd. and Grand Lake Rd.

Listen audio (runs 18:03)

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Royal Cape Breton Yacht Club Update

Tom Urbaniak

Posted by Robert Doublett

The report is in....and to save the Architectural Integrity of the Royal Cape Breton Yacht Club it would indeed, cost a fraction of the 2 million dollar plus price a local consultant put on the project.

Internationally renowned heritage architect Christ Borgal says the project would cost  at most about three hundred thousand dollars.

Borgal is regarded as the nation's leading expert on heritage building restoration, and has worked on many  of the federal government's National Historic Site designation projects. Work which has earned him an order of Canada.

Tom Urbaniak is a memeber of the community group who invited him to look at the Royal Cape Breton Yacht club building, the Sydney Architectural Conservation Society.

Listen audio (runs 8:34)

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Recruiting for the IB Program

Janet Beaton, Kevin Deveaux & Susan Kelly

Posted by Robert Doublett

After the program was very nearly cancelled last year, the International Baccalaureate program is encouraging students and parents to look and see if there is something there for them.

The program is looking for students.

Partly to bolster class sizes and mostly because the program provides benefits for students who are committed to study.

Kevin Deveaux is the principal of Sydney Academy, Janet Beaton heads the IB program there and Susan Kelly is the director of programs at the Cape Breton Victoria School Board. They joined us in studio for an update.

Listen audio (runs 11:35)

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Anniversary Line Up

Anna MacDonald - Director of Marketing

Posted by Robert Doublett

A small crowd gathered this morning at the St. Ann's Gaelic College of Celtic Arts and Crafts to kick off the 75th Anniversary Celebrations for the college which run June 30th thru July 6th.

An exciting week of music, and activities are planned.

The line-up was announced today and we were there.

Listen audio (runs 5:42)

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Les Miserables Update

Woodford, Campbell & Leader

Posted by Robert Doublett

'Les Miserables' is in rehearsal at the Savoy Theatre, it's a big production for the Savoy with over 100 cast and crew members.

Performances are coming along and we checked in for an update with Greg Woodford, Matt Campbell and Pam Leader.

Listen audio (runs 10:31)

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Englishtown Ferry Update

Linda Halliday & Hank Hengeveld

Posted by Robert Doublett

Police have removed the body of a Nova Scotia senior from a submerged car near where an automobile drove off the Englishtown ferry into the icy waters of St. Anns Bay in Cape Breton last week.

Police confirmed the body of Jerry Hengeveld, 81, was recovered from a Toyota Camry.
Divers attached a cable to the car, and a tow truck pulled it toward the shore before the body was removed around 2 p.m. The car was then pulled out of the water.

Police do not suspect foul play in the case, but the cause is under investigation.

Hengeveld's son and daughter had shared their fears with CBC's Phonse Jessome this morning that their father was in the car.

Listen audio (runs 4:05)

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Seeking Council - March 25th, 2013

Kevin Saccary and George MacDonald

Posted by Robert Doublett

On Seeking Council we're talking about the issues on the minds of people in the Cape Breton Regional Municipality.

It's a chance for the municipal councilors to tell us what they're hearing at the local coffee shop, or at the latest pancake breakfast, and to discuss what's making news in their district.

To kick things off, I'm joined this afternoon by Kevin Saccary and George MacDonald.

Kevin represents District 8, which includes part of Glace Bay, Donkin, Port Morien, Mira Gut, Albert Bridge and Louisbourg.

And George represents District 9.  It covers part of Glace Bay, Tompkinsville and most of Reserve Mines.

Listen audio (runs 16:29)

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One Woman's Story

Patrick Doyle

Posted by Robert Doublett

Patrick Doyle tells stories through the lens of a video camera

You've probably seen his latest work, it involves a woman named Arlene MacIntyre and her power rates. She spends most days confined to one room, lives on a fixed income and can't keep warm.

The video has over eight-thousand hits on YouTube.

Patrick brought us the story and spoke with us today.

You can see the original video here.

Listen audio (runs 11:13)

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The 300 million dollar capital plan to fix CBRM.

Nova Scotia Premiere Darrell Dexter

Posted by Robert Doublett

As you've been hearing in the news today, the Cape Breton regional municipality says it's facing a financial crisis. The municipality says the money coming in to the municipality is less than the money going out for expenses.

Mayor Cecil Clarke says without help from the provincial and federal governments, the situation is dire.

the mayor is outlining a new path forward refers to a 300 million dollar capital plan, and asking the province and Ottawa to contribute.

The money would pay for basic repairs and maintenance to roads, water and sewer and municipal halls and arenas.

The provincial share would be 75 million over 5 years.

Mayor Clarke met with premier Darrell Dexter yesterday to outline the request, and today, the CBC's Wendy Martin asked the premier for his response.

Listen audio (runs 4:00)

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The feasibility of Iron Ore in Sydney

Dr. Peter Warrian

Posted by Robert Doublett

Yesterday, the government announced plans to study the feasibility of establishing an iron ore pelletization plant in Sydney.

The former Sydney Steel site is one of the locations a Russian steel company OAO Severstal is considering.

It's facility would convert iron ore into metallic iron pellets used in steel production.

Dr. Peter Warrian is with the University of Toronto. He's a steel specialist.

Joan Weeks reached him to ask about the company and the technology it's proposing.

Listen audio (runs 6:25)

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The Mayor's Volunteer Task Force

Keith Brown

Posted by Robert Doublett

As part of his platform, CBRM Mayor Cecil Clarke made several promises.

One, was to get public input on the budget - Ten of the planned 12 community consultations have now taken place.

Another promise was to put together a task force to look into the organization of the municipality. We speak with Task Force Chair, Keith Brown.

Listen audio (runs 9:32)

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The Freedom to Read

Faye MacDougall

Posted by Robert Doublett

As part of Canada's Freedom to Read Week, the McConnell Library will host the Freedom to Read Cafe on Friday night. 

The goal of the evening is to generate discussion about censorship and our freedom to read. 

Freedom to Read Week is an annual event that encourages Canadians to think about and reaffirm their commitment to intellectual freedom, which is guaranteed to them under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. 

We spoke with the library's Faye MacDougall.


Listen audio (runs 10:29)

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Yacht Club Historical Value

Chris Borgal

Posted by Robert Doublett

The The Sydney Architectural Conservation Society invited restoration architect Chris Borgal to do an assessment of the Royal Yacht club.

The offer to look at the building's heritage value by an expert was made after it was revealed that the yacht club planned to move its main operations out of the historical building in downtown Sydney, leaving the building to a local government agency.

ECBC has no plans for the site, which is why it may be worthwhile to look at the building's heritage value and soundness at this time Not a problem unique to Cape Breton all over Canada the same issue is being discussed and debated.

Old churches, old city hall, old libraries, building that mean something to people and a harder to part with.



Listen audio (runs 16:43)

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2013 Divorce Expo

Gwen Atkinson: Legal Information Society of Nova Scotia

Posted by Robert Doublett

Divorce is univesrally understood to be a terrible process.....not only is there emotional upheaval, there's business.

Who stays in the house,? How will the kids have access to both parents? What about the pensions...the list of details is endless and confusing.

This is where a divorce expo comes in.  There have been two in Atlantic Canada so far, this Friday and Saturday at Membertou will mark the third.

Gwen Atkinson from the Legal Information Society of Nova Scotia, she's the organizer.

Listen audio (runs 8:47)

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Frankie MacDonald on KISS 92.5 FM

Roz Weston

Posted by Robert Doublett

Sydney Resident Frankie MacDonald recently presented his weather forecast on the website for Toronto radio station. Kiss 92.5 FM.


Frankie became a bit of celebrity, and his family thought, the butt of jokes on the KISS Morning presentation, the Roz and Mocha Show.

The radio station has cretaed a webpage featuring Frankie's videos and has included some of the exchanges between the two hosts about the Cape Bretoner.

Roz Weston is one of the hosts of the show. We called him because some family members, and people in the community took exception to what they heard on the site.

He did return our call and explained that when his show introduced frankie as a character he hadn't actually seen the video, he had only heard the audio, but when he saw the video, his developed an affection for the young man from Whitney Pier.



Listen audio (runs 7:36)

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More Beds, Sooner

Dr. Rex Dunn

Posted by Robert Doublett

The Cape Breton District Health Authority's vice president of medicine says a shortage of acute care beds has lead to an increase in the cancellation of surgeries.

Dr. Rex Dunn says they I've developed a new system for discharging patients in the hopes of freeing up more beds, sooner.

Under the new system, patients will receive a discharge planning booklet when they are admitted so they can better plan for their post-hospital care.

Included with that will be an estimated day of discharge, along with the set check-out time of 11:00 am.

Dunn says they won't be doing anything new, but it will be more organized.

Listen audio (runs 7:54)

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Container Terminal - Discussion & Q&A

George Malec, VP Business Development & Operators, Port of Halifax

Posted by Robert Doublett

In the Group B Break-out session, Councillor Claire Detheridge, introduced us to George Malec, VP Business Development & Operators, Port of Halifax.

Mr Malec began by addressing the group to begin the interactive process of this session by outlining the following key points:

- Macro economics

- Market research and analysis and the market relating to container terminals

- Imports  / exports  and the 4th trade lane

- A multi-purpose container terminal

- South East Asia being a demographic for growth

- Bilateral Trade Agreement with India

- Arterial connections - road and rail

- Effects of expansion of Montreal port

Listen audio (runs 22:08)

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Bulk Commodities - Discussion & Q&A

Facilitator: Bruce Wood - Hamilton Port Authority

Posted by Robert Doublett

CBRM Councillor Jim MacLeod introduced guest speaker Bruce Wood, Hamilton Port Authority who started his break-out session by sharing his experiences running the port in Hamilton and what the expectations could be like should a bulk commodities terminal be put in place.

Session talking points:

- Problems with dust suppression and complaints from people who live near there?

- Is new business coming in simply the work of the port or was government involved in financing and job creation?

- Would the opportunity have come your way without the investment in the infrastructure. Where did all the funding come from?

Listen audio (runs 24:12)

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Cruise Opportunities - Discussion & Q&A

Facilitator: Bernadette MacNeil, Sydney Ports Corporation

Posted by Robert Doublett

CBRM Councillor MacDonald introduced guest speaker Bernadette MacNeil, Manager of Cruise and Marketing Development for Sydney Port Authority who started off the break-out session with a discussion on global statistics and where we are today.

Session talking points include:

- Why is Port of Sydney successful? (In between two key ports, Halifax and Quebec. Sydney has always exceeded expectations for Cruise Lines.)

- The Cruise Lines have deemed Sydney to be a very successful port. Holland America describes Sydney as sizzling. Holland America puts a lot of value and importance on the port of Sydney.

- It is expensive to anchor off of Sydney. Busing issue is also something that needs to be dealt with. (Infrastructure has to be improved. Cruise ships are selling more seats than bus seats are available.)

- Sydney has 275ft of dock frontage. Most ships are over 300ft. There is potential to go further to accommodate the larger berthing capacities.

- A port is considered successful if it's ISPS certified & Safety.

- Sydney is recognized for the deep water marine access, destination appeal and the best cruise pavilion on the eastern seaboard.

- Recommendations to improve the current port includes continued work with the stake holders. It is for growth and sustaining the current business.

Listen audio (runs 23:37)

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2013 CBRM Port Summit - Consultants Report

Edward Zimny & Gordon Forsyth IV

Posted by Robert Doublett

A two day Port Summit in Sydney is tackling the big questions around port development in CBRM: who will run the port, and who will get any money that's generated from it.

Marine consultants, industry experts along with federal and provincial government officials attended the summit at the Joan Harris Cruise Pavilion.
In this 52min summit opening, presenters Edward Zimny & Gordon Forsyth IV review the findings on the Consultants Report on Container Marketplace and take a few questions from the audience.


Listen audio (runs 52.25)

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The Exit Interview

Bob Rae

Posted by Robert Doublett

The Honorable Bob Rae has served as an elected official since 1978. He has served in the House of Commons, he has served in a provincial legislature, he was the Premiere in Ontario in the early 1990's, and has been the interim leader of the Liberal Party in the House of Commons for the last several months.

He joined us in studio to talk about how political leadership has changed and how citizenship has changed in the thirty-five years he's been in public life.

Listen audio (runs 20:15)

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More ECBC Questions

Posted by Robert Doublett

A Calgary developer is raising more questions about the way in which Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation awards funding.

Dennis Dowling is behind a plan to build townhouses and retail space next to Cape Breton University. He says he asked for money from ECBC to get the residential development started.

He was turned down - and then, he was surprised to hear that ECBC is spending money of its own, on a subdivision at Ben Eoin.

The CBC's Wendy Martin spoke with Dennis Dowling.

We asked ECBC for reaction to Dowling's comments, and received an email from their director of communications, DA Landry.

     With regard to ECBC's involvement in subdivision development, it is important to distinguish between developments on privately-owned land and those on ECBC-owned lands.

· Private sector subdivisions are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

· The Grand Lake Rd. multi-purpose commercial/residential centre was rejected because the proponent was unable to identify the financing necessary to complete the project or provide evidence of how the business targets could be met.


· The applicant also requested 100% of the phase 1 development costs without confirming how phase 2 or 3 would proceed.

   
ECBC goes on to say, it has developed four subdivisions, 3 on unused Devco land in the Glace Bay area, and the one in Ben Eoin. It says it pays for the infrastructure, on a cost recovery basis. 

It says the lots that it sells, pays ECBC's costs and help stimulate new construction and increased tax revenue for the CBRM.

Listen audio (runs 8:03)

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Senior Snow Removal

Bernie LaRusic

Posted by Robert Doublett

This week a quick thaw, followed by freezing temperatures, has made clearing the hard packed snow difficult.

Many CBRM residents do not shovel their sidewalks but wait for municipal plows to do the job and now a Cape Breton seniors organization is encouraging the municipality to help elderly residents with their snow clearing.

Bernie LaRusic, is vice-president of the Cape Breton Council of Seniors and Pensioners. It's proposing the municipality subsidize a service organization to arrange snow clearing for needy seniors.

Listen audio (runs 7:03)

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Stuff We Wrote As Kids

Mike hunter

Posted by Robert Doublett

As we all know we have great talent here on the island in everything from music to visiaul arts, and to writing as well. for example, one of the greatest Canadian novelists of all time came from Glace Bay.

Coming up nest week at the Govenors Book Pub they're looking for the stuff you wrote as a kid. Whether you've become a national writing superstar, or have just hung on to those old journals, they want to hear from you.

Mike Hunter is the MC and joined us for a chat this afternoon with a call for the "Stuff We Wrote As Kids".

Listen audio (runs 5:52)

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The Resignation of Pope Benedict XVI

Charles MacDonald

Posted by Robert Doublett

Roman Catholics around the world were shocked today to hear the Pope will resign later this month. Pope Benedict XVI says he's no longer able to carry out his duties because of his health.

Many years ago, in the 1960's, before he became Pope, Joseph Ratzinger was a professor in Germany.  One of his students was Charles MacDonald now of Point Edward.

MacDonald is a former priest and professor of theology at Cape Breton University and earlier today he spoke to CBC reporter George Mortimer about the news.

Listen audio (runs 7:43)

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New Kids Gaelic CD

Reporter Norma Jean MacPhee

Posted by Robert Doublett

Sixty-six students from four Cape Breton schools got together this afternoon at Cape Breton University to record some Gaelic songs.

Each school learned an entire song along with the chorus' of the other school's selections.

Reporter Norma-Jean MacPhee popped in to see how things were going.

Listen audio (runs 5:23)

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Ice Crash

Stephen Tobin

Posted by Robert Doublett

Steven Tobin Windshield.jpgTaking that extra time to clean off your car really can make a difference.

A Sydney man driving from Halifax back to Cape Breton encountered a hunk of ice flying through the air.

The piece of ice was larger than the windshield of his car when it struck.

Miraculously, Stephen Tobin survived the accident.  He spoke with reporter Norma Jean MacPhee earlier today.


Listen audio (runs 6:02)

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The New Anne of Green Gables

Beth Cavert & You

Posted by Robert Doublett

Thumbnail image for the new Anne.jpgWe've all seen this in Hollywood, a movie trailer is released for a new version of a movie we've all come to know and love. Think of the remakes of "Clash of the Titans", "Father of the Bride",  or "Hairspray".

The powers that be decide to give a Canadian classic a fresh new look for and re-imagining for a new generation.

Anne of Green Gables is the latest to get a makeover. These days, she's blonde, and has a certain glint in her eye.

 -- at least that's the way she's portrayed on the cover of a new edition of the Lucy Maud Montgomery classic, put together on the self-publishing site CreateSpace.

Beth Cavert is with the Lucy Maud Montgomery Literary Society. Here's what she told Carol Off last night on As It Happens.

Listen audio (runs 5:12)

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Searchlight Kickoff!

Grant Lawrence

Posted by Robert Doublett

Whether you rock the mic... or are king of the banjo... listen up! Today, we're launching a new music contest in cooperation with CC Music.

It's called "Searchlight: the hunt for Canada's best new artist."

The competition begins with a regional round hosted by Mainstreet.
CBC Music's Grant Lawrence is here to tell us more.

Check out the site here.

Listen audio (runs 5:04)

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Billdidit - NAMM Exhibition Floor.

Joe Menchefski

Posted by Robert Doublett

NAMM (the National Association of Music Merchants) is the worlds biggest trade show for musical instruments, gear, accessories, you name it. Its like the Oscars for gear heads.

This year it was in Anaheim California and this year and there was a Cape Breton company on the exhibition floor.  Billdidit created the Coady Clutch and other equipment used in modern drumming.  

Joe Menchefski was there and he is here.

Listen audio (runs 10:03)

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RCMP Respond to Criticism.

Posted by Robert Doublett

The RCMP says its officers did nothing wrong, in the case of Nicole Ryan Doucet.

As you'll remember, the Supreme Court of Canada stayed charges against her last month, for trying to hire a hit man to kill her husband.

In doing so, the court criticized the RCMP for setting up a sting to catch her, rather than taking steps to end her husband's abusive "reign of terror."

Assistant Commissioner Alphonse MacNeil is the commanding officer for the RCMP in Nova Scotia.

He says his investigation shows that officers did the right thing when dealing with Nicole Ryan.

He wasn't available to speak to us. But the CBC's Jerry West taped this interview with him yesterday.

Listen audio (runs 6:02)

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Police News Conference

Reporter Norma Jean MacPhee

Posted by Robert Doublett

As you've been hearing in the news Cape Breton Regional Police have arrested and charged Thomas Barrett in the murders of two young women.

Laura Jessome and Brett McKinnon. They were both 21 when they died.

Jessome's body was found in a hockey bag in the Mira River last May.

Brett McKinnon went missing in 2006 and her remains were found 2 years later.

After a six year investigation police are satisfied they have the killer.

Cape Breton Regional Police Chief Peter MacIsaac held a press conference this morning, he along with Deputy Commissioner Scott Todd of Ontario Provincial Police spoke to reporters.

Listen audio (runs 8:50)

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Cowl Bowl Pennies

Cheryl Donovan: Life Enhancement Coordinator

Posted by Robert Doublett

Yesterday on the show we had some Coal Bowl tickets to giveaway and we asked you 'what are you going to do with all your pennies?'. We decided the best story would win the tickets and we had some great responses.

For a winner we picked the Horizon Achievement Center. Cheryl Donovan is the Life Enhancement Coordinator and she popped into studio to share her story.

Listen audio (runs 2:47)

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How Much to Serve?

Blair Rhodes

Posted by Robert Doublett

It was dueling experts in the provincial court on Spring Garden Road this afternoon, as the sentencing of confessed Russian spy Jeffrey Delisle got under way. 

The Crown and defence are trying to determine how much time he should spend in prison. 

CBC's Blair Rhodes was in court for today's hearing and he joined us with the details.


Listen audio (runs 5:19)

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The Tom Miller Human Rights Award

Barry Waldman

Posted by Robert Doublett

A man from the Northside has won the Cape Breton Regional Municipality's Tom Miller Human Rights Award.

Barry Waldman started a program called EPIC 16 years ago. EPIC stands for Educational Program Innovations Charity.

Each year it provides over 70 young people at risk with one-on-one education through peer mentoring. It also provides educational support for the parents and guardians of those children.

Waldman has volunteered his time coordinating EPIC's many projects since 1996. He says he didn't expect the award.

Listen audio (runs 10:54)

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ECBC Speaks

Marlene Usher: Executive Director of Advocacy and Development

Posted by Robert Doublett

As you've been hearing in the headlines, Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation held a news conference this afternoon. It was prompted by the many questions swirling around the community recently.

Questions about ECBC's decision to purchase the Royal Cape Breton Yacht Club in Sydney, and about the rationale behind its investment in the Ben Eoin Marina.

ECBC head John Lynn is currently on sick leave, so Executive Director of Advocacy and Development Marlene Usher spoke in his place. Here's some of what she had to say to reporters today.......

Listen audio (runs 7:02)

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The 2012 Aviva Community Fund Winners!

Pastor Dave Sawlor

Posted by Robert Doublett

Kids in Glace Bay will soon be enjoying some major improvements to their youth center thanks to an online contest.

The Undercurrent Youth Center has won $130,000.00 in a contest sponsored by the Aviva Canada.

Pastor Dave Sawlor runs the center and we reached him while traveling a little earlier today.

Listen audio (runs 5:53)

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This Was Not Preordained.

Robert Sampson

Posted by Robert Doublett

The chair of the Ben Eoin Marina is speaking out today.

The marina has been the focus of some scrutiny over the past few weeks in its connections with the Royal Cape Breton Yacht Club and Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation.

The Yacht Club is folding - and merging with the Ben Eoin Marina.

ECBC is buying the yacht club's property in downtown Sydney it's also helping fund the Ben Eoin Marina, to the tune of 4 million dollars.

There's been some speculation that the merger was preordained to help the Ben Eoin Marina succeed. Chair Robert Sampson says that's not the case.

Sampson says he's been working to establish the marina in Ben Eoin for more than a decade. He says it's a worthwhile project.

He says the marina's only involvement with the Royal Cape Breton Yacht Club, was an offer of help last fall.

Listen audio (runs 14:18)

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2/11

Nicole MacDougall & Michelle Lahey

Posted by Robert Doublett

If you happened to be at CBU you may have seen a few sky blue posters being held by professors, students and people who just stopped in for a cup of coffee.

The posters had large numbers across the top "2/11"

To find out more we reached Nicole MacDougall, she runs the Women's Center and Michelle Lahey who is the CBU Student President.

5:57 audio

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EI for Multiple Births

Gail Moore

Posted by Robert Doublett

A federal court has ruled that parents of multiples are not entitled to any extra parental leave.

The case was brought by an Ottawa couple who'd asked for twice the parental leave, after the birth of their twin girls.

Now, they say it's on to the Supreme Court!

Gail Moore is Past Chair of Multiple Births Canada and the mother of twins.

Listen audio (runs 5:44)

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Call for Review

Kelly Regan

Posted by Robert Doublett

Women's critic Kelly Regan says justice minister Ross Landry needs to launch a review and investigation of the RCMP given the evidence presented during the Nicole Ryan case.

In the decision late last week, the Supreme court of Canada commented on the RCMP's  actions: "There is also the disquieting fact that, on the record before us, it seems that the authorities were much quicker to intervene to protect Mr. Ryan than they had been to respond to her request for help in dealing with his reign of terror over her."

Liberal women's critic Kelly Regan says Landry has an obligation to find out why the RCMP behaved in such a manner.

Listen audio (runs 6:51)

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Between a Wreck and a Hard Place.

Sean Howard

Posted by Robert Doublett

As you may have heard in the news, the Main-A-Dieu Community Development Association is calling on the province to step up and take action on the MV Miner.

The group had planned to host a summit this evening to come up with a new plan for removing the vessel from Scatarie Island.

The intent was to bring together government officials and companies interested in doing the salvage work.

The summit was cancelled last week after the group learned the provincial minister of Natural Resources wouldn't be there.

Instead, it held a news conference this afternoon.

Sean Howard is a member of the community development association.

Listen audio (runs 10:48)

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The First Address

Mayor Cecil Clarke

Posted by Robert Doublett

This afternoon Mayor Cecil Clarke made his first major address since his election.

Close to 170 people from the business community gathered for a lunch and to hear him speak.

Clarke outlined his plans for the CBRM and the need for everyone to work together.

Listen audio (runs 21:44)

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Hemorrhaging Faith

Rick Heimstra

Posted by Robert Doublett

Over the weekend the Diocese of Antigonish announced that seven more churches will close in the CBRM area, many other congregation and parishes are despairing the falling attendants.

That's the subject of a workshop that's taking place at Lighthouse Church in Glace Bay, it's called 'Future Church: Where are the Youth and Young Adults in the Church Today?' . It's a day long event where people of all Churches and Congregations are invited to come in and look at the subject and figure out what to do.

One of the documents being used in the workshop is a cross-Canada multi-denominational  sweeping survey of young people who are in the church, maybe grew up in the church, who've left the church and it looks at some of the reason people stay with the church and others leave.

The full document is about one-hundred and thirty pages and can be made available to you on February 02nd. Until then, we wanted to ask some of the foundational questions behind the report, so we contacted Rick Heimstra, he is with the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada and one of the researchers behind the document.

Listen audio (runs 11:15)

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Preserving The Yacht Club

Ken Donovan: President of the Old Sydney Society

Posted by Robert Doublett

As you may have heard, the Old Sydney Society, and the Sydney Architectural Society want to find ways to save, or at least preserve, the Royal Cape Breton Yacht Club Building.

The societies are committed to vibrant, thriving waterfonts but they really want to talk about the cultural heritage impact before that building is torn down.

That was part of the release issued today. Ken Donovan is the President of the Old Sydney Society and joined us to explain more.

Listen audio (runs 15:26)

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The Trouble with Transferable Credits

Jonathan Williams, Executive Director of Students Nova Scotia

Posted by Robert Doublett

Has this happened to you or anybody you know?

You start first year university at (just say) Dalhousie and then decide for your second year that you really would like to go to St. FX, so you transfer over only to find out too late they won't accept your english or french credit.

This has been both confusing and the way things have worked for the last thirty-five years and students have had enough.

The Maritime Provinces Higher Education Commission (MPHEC) released a report on today, Portable Learning: University Students Granted Credit for Prior Post-Secondary Education which addresses this problem.

We contacted Jonathan Williams, Executive Director of Students Nova Scotia for reaction.

Listen audio (runs 6:42)

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ECMA Noms

Dawn Beaton: Board Member with the East Coast Music Association

Posted by Robert Doublett

Everything you wanted to know about ECMA Nominations but were afraid to ask.

Dawn Beaton a Cape Breton board member with the East Coast Music Association. She joins us to explain how nom's work and talk about the artists involved this year.

Listen audio (runs 24:59)

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Skeete Sentencing

Norma Jean MacPhee

Posted by Robert Doublett

This morning Cape Breton teenager, Melvin Skeete was found guilty of second-degree murder for stabbing his girlfriend more than 100 times has been sentenced as an adult to life in prison for the second degree murder of Brittany Green.

Green was first knocked out, then stabbed over 100 times.

The crime happened in December, 2010. Melvin Skeete Jr., who was 16 years old at the time of the incident, was sentenced today in Nova Scotia Youth Court to life in prison with no chance of parole until Dec. 3, 2017.

That will mark seven years since Skeete Jr. killed Brittany Green, a 17-year-old from Glace Bay, on Dec. 3, 2010.

The identities of both parties were previously protected by the Youth Criminal Justice Act, however, Green's family had requested that her name be made public.

Reporter Norma Jean MacPhee joined us with the details.

Listen audio (runs 7:36)

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Remembering Peter Jack and Joseph Peter MacLean

Rodney Chiasson

Posted by Robert Doublett

Joe.jpgA double shot of sad news from the world of traditional music on Cape Breton Island.

Both Joe Peter and Peter Jack MacLean passed away today.

They were both raised in the Christmas Island / Boisdale area.

They were both wonderfully self-assured men. Both very rural and both with a never ceasing interest in gaelic song and gaelic fiddle music.

To talk about their legacy and what a loss it is to the gale talk of Cape Breton we've reached Rodney Chiasson. He runs the Highland Village in Iona.

Listen audio (runs 6:35)

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Yacht Club Sale Questioned

John Camilleri & Tom Urbaniak

Posted by Robert Doublett

It's been a few days since the sale of the Royal Cape Breton Yacht Club to Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation, and questions remain about the deal.

ECBC paid 280-thousand dollars for the Sydney waterfront property. It says it has no plans for the century-old clubhouse. The club's commodor says it's his understanding the building will be demolished to make way for future development while the club's royal charter will be extended to include the new Ben Eoin Marina.

ECBC contributed 4-million dollars toward the 4.8-million dollar cost of the project.

It all doesn't sit right with John Camilleri.

He's a concerned citizen who wrote a letter to the editor in the Cape Breton Post this morning.

The CBC's Holly Conners spoke with Mr. Camilleri outside the yacht club earlier today.   

ECBC has not made anyone available for an interview on this issue.

Holly did put out a call to political scientist Tom Urbaniak to get his thoughts. He works with Cape Breton University's Community Economic Development program, and he's involved in heritage conservation.

John Camilleri audio (runs 3:09)

Tom Urbaniak audio (runs 3:41)

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Virtual Drop-in Center

Dr Linda Courey

Posted by Robert Doublett

A virtual drop in center might be one of the solutions to helping young people in CBRM who are at risk and are dealing with mental health issues.  That is one of the recommendations in a sweeping report released today called  "the youth at risk feasibility study".

It examines some of the best practices of other places in supporting young people at risk, it looks at the asset and at the gaps in service here in CBRM and it makes recommendations.

Dr. Linda Courey is the head of the addiction and mental health service branch at the regional health authority, she says this document called for a community wide response, but it is an good compass for the next steps the community should take...here is our conversation.

Listen audio (runs 14:11)

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Les Miserables Casting

Robin Cathcart and Pam Leader

Posted by Robert Doublett

Friday, Saturday and Sunday, had you been anywhere near the Savoy Theatre you would have heard angelic voices, evil people and everything in between roaming around.

That's because there's casting on the go for their presentation of Les Miserables. They're casting for the entire show, and they're just about done.

Pam Leader is the show's producer and Robin Cathcart is the Director.

Listen audio (runs 11:13)

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History of the Royal Cape Breton Yacht Club.

Neil Libbey

Posted by Robert Doublett

Its official....the old  royal yacht building is coming down.   ECBC exchanged the property for a promise of $280, 000...a figure which will pay the private club's debts.

The "Royal Charter"  will move to another facility..and the century old building will be but a memory. Some expressions of disappointment front he broader community, but others opinions, some in the Cape Breton Post comments section...and others in social media are not quite as sentimental about the space.... and that may have something to do with the history of the club.

Neil Libbey has written a history of the Royal Yacht club..he joins us now.

Listen audio (runs 11:07)

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ECBC buying Royal Cape Breton Yacht Club

Commodore Darryl Cormier

Posted by Robert Doublett

The Royal Cape Breton Yacht Club is selling its five-acre property on the Esplanade in Sydney for $280,000.00 to Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation.

The century old private club has shrunk to 61 members and will be moving the operations end of the facility to another club.

The marina will remain, as will the boat house.

We spoke with the acting Commodore Darryl Cormier at the Yacht club earlier today...here is our conversation.

Listen audio (runs 9:45)

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Municipal Issues

Eldon MacDonald and George MacDonald

Posted by Robert Doublett

For many of us, this is the first official day of the new year.....a fresh start...time to take on new projects.

Today on Mainstreet we start a new series is municipal councilors, periodically we will be inviting councilors in from CBRM, Victoria, Richmond and Inverness counties to give us the inside scoop on what is happening, and what important decisions and public discussion points are coming up.

Today, from CBRM we have Councillors Eldon MacDonald and George MacDonald (no relation).

Listen audio (runs 12:41)

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Idle No More

Eskasoni Chief Leroy Denny

Posted by Robert Doublett

Native leader Theresa Spence is no longer asking  for a face-to-face meeting with the Prime Minister before she ends her hunger strike. In December the Chief of Attawapiskat First Nation became a key figure at the center of a movement aimed at changing the relationship between the Canadian government and Aboriginal Canadians. It is  called "Idle No More"

Like Occupy Wall Street..Idle No More started small.  It was the brainchild of four Saskatchewan women who wanted to draw attention to the issues of housing, the environment and resource management in aboriginal communities. It became a hashtag, a social media mechanism that allowed the idea to travel internationally.

Last week, here on Cape Breton Island, community members in Eskasoni went on a fast in support of Chief Spence. To find out what happens next we have reached.

Listen audio (runs 11:31)

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Call for Submissions!

Laura Schenider

Posted by Robert Doublett

Thumbnail image for Thumbnail image for art-gallery-CBUAG prol call 13.jpgWe've just started another year and still deadlines loom....get ready to show us your artistic chops!

This one is for an exhibition of "people's art" at CBU Gallery called Proletari-ART.

Laura Schenider joined us to share the details.

Listen audio (runs 7:07)

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Light Up A Life - 2012 Skating Party

Posted by Robert Doublett


Wrapping up our 6th Light Up A Life campaign, with your help, we've raised an amazing 66,710.32 and what a better way to celebrate than with a skating party.

We thought you might like to enjoy some of the photos from out Up A Life Skating Party wrap.

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St. Anthony Daniels Senior Parish Choir

Rosemary McGhee

Posted by Robert Doublett

At St Anthony Daniel Parish the folks have been in rehearsal for weeks for a very special performance.

This special performance is their last, as their church is amalgamating with some other local churches.

Conductor Rosemary McGhee and 13 Choir members joined us in studio for a chat and a tune before their big show.

Listen audio (runs 11:09)

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Hear Me Out

Nick Beaton

Posted by Robert Doublett

Nick Beaton is 29 years old and is originally from Sydney and started out as a musician.

After playing the scene for a few years, he pretty quickly figured out that the spoken word was where his career would go so he took off to Toronto to try his hand at stand up comedy.

Since then he's done packed clubs, television shows, and recently returned from a year long trip to the UK. He'll be at the Capri this week, but stopped in the studio for a chat.

Listen audio (runs 10:28)

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Murder Arrests

Dan MacRury

Posted by Robert Doublett

Two men arrested over the weekend in connection with a murder last spring have been formally charged.

Brian Augustine Deruelle and Robert Edwin Matheson appeared in Sydney provincial court by video link from the Correctional Centre.

They stand accused of being accessories after the murder of 21-year-old Laura Jessome.

Dan MacRury is Crown Attorney on the case.

Listen audio (runs 4:21)

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Salvation Army Efforts

Major Kent Hepditch

Posted by Robert Doublett

The Salvation Army in the Sydney and North Sydney area has been working overtime to try and help families in need for Christmas.

Major Kent Hepditch is with the Salvation Army for the Sydney community area.

He's on the line to tell us how the Army's efforts are going.

Listen audio (runs 6:37)

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Disabled Housing Shortage

Brian Walker & Sandy Ferguson

Posted by Robert Doublett

The families of people who have developmental disabilities are calling attention to a housing shortage.

They say some people have been waiting several years for a suitable place to live.

They demonstrated yesterday in front of the Provincial Building.

The families say the province needs to take action and provide more housing for people with developmental disabilities.

Listen audio (runs 13:10)

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State of the Province

Nova Scotia Premiere Darrell Dexter

Posted by Robert Doublett

Successive premiers have delivered "State of the Province" addresses and used those luncheon speeches to slap themselves on the back or to lay out their vision of the future.

Today Darrell Dexter used his opportunity to make a partisan pitch for not just a second mandate but another majority government.    

He told a business audience in Halifax the province is now on the right track but his government's gains are not guaranteed.

Listen audio (runs 2:10)

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Amish Family Christmas

Dollie Fowler

Posted by Robert Doublett

The celebration of Christmas takes on different forms in various cultures. One group that embraces a simplistic meaning is the Amish.

"Amish Family Christmas" is a play written by a woman who spent her life in living in an Amish Community.

Dollie Fowler runs a small theatre company in Pensilvania. This play is one ina  series of five that she has written looking at the life of the Amish people.

Listen audio (runs 13:05)

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Aviva Community Fund

Pastor Dave Sawlor

Posted by Robert Doublett

The clock is ticking.

Undercurrent Youth Center could win a hundred and fifty thousand dollars but it only has between now and December 12th to get the momentum to do that.

Pastor Dave Sawlor joined us to explain more.

Listen audio (runs 4:41)

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Lower Churchill Loan Agreement

Nova Scotia Premiere Darrell Dexter

Posted by Robert Doublett

Early today a historic loan agreement was signed between Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia and the Government of Canda.

This agreement significantly decreases the cost of the Lower Churchill Project. Which is of course a project intended to bring us cleaner energy and more stable prices for power.

This agreement is supposed to save about one-hundred million dollars for Nova Scotia tax payers. we spoke to Nova Scotia Premiere Darrell Dexter about the deal.

Listen audio (runs 7:55)

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the Robert J. Morgan Grant

Catherine Arseneau

Posted by Robert Doublett

The late Dr. Bob Morgan dedicated much of his life to Cape Breton, teh heritage and the university.

CBU is going to make and announcement about a gift from Dr Morgan.

The Beaton Institute is going to establish an endowment to fund the Robert J. Morgan Grant.

They will make this announcement officially make this announcement tomorrow (Thursday, November 28th).

To talk about his legacy we have Catherine Arseneau in studio, she is the Manager of the Beaton Institute. A position Bob Morgan held for many many years.

Listen audio (runs 11:45)

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Feed Nova Scotia

Dianne Swinemar

Posted by Robert Doublett

In our previous post we talked about some of the more powerful solutions to meeting the challenge of hunger in our communities.

Feed Nova Scotia feeds thousands of nova Scotians every year, sending food and support out to towns and communities all across the province weekly.

Dianne Swinemar in the executive director.

Listen audio (runs 7:12)

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Broughton: A Return to Cape Breton's Ghost Town

Eleanor Anderson

Posted by Robert Doublett

Coming up on Thursday (November 29th) a new book from Eleanor Anderson will be releasing her new book which should be very intriguing to people who like to hike, and people who like to find things. Exploring foundations, families, and where the road used to go.

We're talking about Broughton, Cape Breton's Ghost Town, and Eleanor stopped by the studio to talk with us about her new book.

Listen audio (runs 16:19)

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Shaping Our Future in the Cape Breton Regional Municipality

Mayor Cecil Clarke

Posted by Robert Doublett

This evening Mayor Cecil Clarke is presenting to CBRM Council a document called "Shaping Our Future in the Cape Breton Regional Municipality".

It looks at a number of areas including youth, immigration, and infrastructure. The document presents short, medium and long term goals.  

Mayor Clarke joined us to tell us more about the future of CBRM.

"Shaping Our Future in the Cape Breton Regional Municipality". is available online here.

Listen audio (runs 16:14)

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The Hunger Count

Catherine Schmidt

Posted by Robert Doublett

Depending on the months, Feed Nova Scotia might find itself helping 30 thousand Nova Scotians all across the province with their daily nutritional requirements.

They do this through partnerships with local food banks.

We will talk about how Feed Nova Scotia stabilizes the Food Bank system in this province, but for a look at the national picture.

We have reached Catherine Schmidt, the Executive Director of Food Banks Canada.

This organization gathers an annual hunger count and makes public the most current figures and recommendations for solving the problem nation wide.

Listen audio (runs 5:33)

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The Hunger Count

Catherine Schmidt

Posted by Robert Doublett

Depending on the months, Feed Nova Scotia might find itself helping 30 thousand Nova Scotians all across the province with their daily nutritional requirements.

They do this through partnerships with local food banks.

We will talk about how Feed Nova Scotia stabilizes the Food Bank system in this province,  but for a look at the national picture.

We have reached Catherine Schmidt, the Executive Director of Food Banks Canada.

This organization gathers an annual hunger count and makes public the most current figures and recommendations for solving the problem nation wide.

Listen audio (runs 5:33)

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CBRM Bravery Award

The Hines Family

Posted by Robert Doublett

Fourteen year-old Johnathan Hines was awarded a certificate of  bravery at a CBRM Council meeting last night for rescuing his little brother. 

To find out more about the story behind the award, Stan Kennedy met with the family earlier today in Sydney.

Listen audio (runs 5:51)

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Cruel and Unusual

Steve MacDougall

Posted by Robert Doublett

Cruel and Unusual is the name of the new CD from Cape Bretoner, Steven MacDougall.

Steve dropped into studio to tell us all about the new album.

Listen audio (runs 14:18)

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TeleFilm's Success Index

Michael Melski

Posted by Robert Doublett

TeleFilm Canada helps filmmakers make movies by giving them funding.

In the last decade or so, Cape Breton in particular and the east coast of Canada in general has been very good and getting to access to those dollars to create films like Rhonda's Party, made by Cape Bretoner's Ashley McKenzie and Nelson MacDonald

But we might see the last of that kind of film made here..or anywhere in Canada for that matter.

TeleFilm has changed the way it funds..and some producers thing it favours the big boys in Toronto

The problem is the agency's new Success Index.

Michael Melski is an award-winning director and producer.

Listen audio (runs 9:58)

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This ship has sailed.......again.

Premier Darrell Dexter & Abe Shah

Posted by Robert Doublett

The on-again, off-again relationship between the Bennington Group and the MV Miner salvage operation appears to be off again -- for good.

Bennington's Chief Operation Officer Abe Shah says he's walking away from the project.

CBC reporter Holly Conners reached him on his cell phone this afternoon in Halifax.

For the province's reaction, CBC Halifax reporter Jean LaRoche spoke with Premier Darrell Dexter in the Legislature.

Abe Shah audio (runs 2:12)

Premier Darrell Dexter audio (runs 5:12)

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Steel Chef Cape Breton

Chefs Jared Wolf and Adam White

Posted by Robert Doublett

A small group of patrons will enjoy a feast tonight at a Sydney restaurant.

The 8 successful bidders will judge a food competition.

It was a prize at a YMCA auction to raise money for children's programs.

Chefs Jared Wolf and Adam White were busy preparing food in the kitchen when Yvonne LeBlanc-Smith dropped by earlier today.

Listen audio (runs 4:07)

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Women In The Church

Bishop Brian Joseph Dunn

Posted by Robert Doublett

As you may have heard by now the Bishop of the Diocese of Antigonish says he thinks women should be involved in the church, and women should be involved in at least two of the lay ministries that are open to men right now.

He was speaking in Rome, it was a gathering of many Bishops from around the world.

Bishop Dunn joined us in studio to share the story.

Listen audio (runs 12:39)

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Another Stop Work Order

Abe Shah

Posted by Robert Doublett

Bennington Group says no other demolition in Cape Breton is being held to the same standard as his company.

Abe Shaw is CEO of Bennington Group... the company trying to salvage the MV Miner.

The bulk carrier has been aground on Scaterie Island for more than a year now. Efforts to salvage it have been hampered by delays.

Shaw is accusing the provincial government of telling the media one thing... and his company another.

He says they have once again been told not to start work on the salvage. Joan Weeks reached Shaw this morning.

Listen audio (runs 8:24)

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SPCA Resignation

Mary Holland-Grist

Posted by Robert Doublett

The manager of the local SPCA has decided to leave the organization.

Mary Holland-Grist took over in the middle of a court battle between the former Cape Breton Humane Society and the provincial SPCA. She's been on the job just over six months. .

Holland-Grist says her resignation has nothing to do with the dispute... or how the organization is run.

She spoke with CBC's Joan Weeks about the challenges of running an animal shelter in Cape Breton.

Listen audio (runs 6:48)

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Unsolved Murders - Reward Offered

CBRM Police Chief Peter MacIsaac

Posted by Robert Doublett

The Cape Breton Regional Police have three unsolved murders on their hands.
Two of the murders go back to 2006.

The remains of Brett Elizabeth MacKinnon were found in 2008... but police say she diasappeared and was killed in June 2006. She was 21-years-old.

War veteran, Harold "Buster" Slaunwhite was killed in his Dominion home in 2006.

And, most recently, the remains of 21-year-old Laura Jessome were found in the Mira River last May.

Today, Police Chief Peter MacIsaac asked to meet with local reporters.

He revealed some of the information police have uncovered in their investigations.

And....once again.... the police are asking anyone with information to step forward.

Here is Chief Peter macIsaac speaking with reporters earlier today.

Listen audio (runs 6:02)

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Remembering Dave Harley

John Aylward

Posted by Robert Doublett

Cape Breton humourist Dave Harley, best known for his role as General John Cabot Trail of the Cape Breton Liberation Army, has died after a short battle with pancreatic cancer.

Harley brought his offbeat show to the stage as well as the screen and airwaves, entertaining radio and television audiences in a career spanning more than 25 years.

In the 1980's, Harley called for the separation of Cape Breton island from the rest of Nova Scotia. His rallying cry was "down with the causeway," referring to the only physical connection between the island and the mainland.

He performed with CBC's Royal Canadian Air Farce, has been featured on CBC Radio's Madly Off In All Directions, appeared at the Halifax Comedy Festival, and took the stage of many convention centres, banquet halls and taverns in the Maritimes.

Harley was from Sydney Mines, where he had lived in recent years. He was in his early 60's.

John Aylward was long time friends with Dave and joined us to share memories just after his passing.



Listen audio (runs 9:00)

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Farming Software

Chris Van Den Heuval

Posted by Robert Doublett

A dairy farmer in Port Hood is planning to launch a software package in the new year for milk-producers.

Chris Van Den Heuval says many people in the dairy industry use the latest technology in their barns.

But he says that's not the case when it comes to analyzing costs and efficiencies.

And as he tells CBC reporter Hal Higgins, that's where his software comes into the picture.

Listen audio (runs 5:29)

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International Baccalaureate program update.

Sydney Academy Students

Posted by Robert Doublett

Reports of its death.... have been greatly exaggerated:

Cape Breton's only International Baccalaureate program is alive and well - and looking for ways to expand.

The IB program offers advanced high school courses, that can lead to a diploma recognized in more than 150 countries.

13 high schools across Nova Scotia offer IB courses, including Sydney Academy.

Last year, the Cape Breton Victoria school board debated cancelling the program - but reinstated it, after a huge public outcry.

The CBC's Wendy Martin stopped by Sydney Academy this morning to talk to two students about what the program means to them.

Listen audio (runs 3:54)

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Health Spending

Dr. Michael Rachlis

Posted by Robert Doublett

Growth to health care spending in Canada has slowed substantially in recent years.

And health care spending as a percentage of overall GDP is actually declining in this country.

That's according the 16th edition of the Canadian Institute for Health Information's "National Health Expenditure Trends" report.

Released today, the report contradicts conventional wisdom about out of control, unsustainable spending on health care.

And according to my next guest, that's a misconception that needs to be cleared up.

Doctor Michael Rachlis is a health policy analyst and consultant.

Listen audio (runs 6:47)

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Detox Changes

Dr. Linda Courey, Murray MacNeil and Margaret Graham

Posted by Robert Doublett

People being laid off from Addiction Services are speaking out.

The District Health Authority has decided to lay off six people called Counsellor Attendants.

Four are in withdrawal management (or detox) at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital. One position is in Opiate Recovery (or the methadone program) and the other is in the Day program.

The Authority says the changes will enhance the quality and safety of addiction treatment.

The Health Authority says, the attendants don't have the training and credentials needed for the work they were doing. It says they will be replaced with workers more suited to the job requirements.

Dr. Linda Courey is head of Addiction Services and Mental Health, she spoke with CBC's Joan Weeks about the change.

Murray MacNeil and Margaret Graham are worried.... not just about their own futures... but about the quality of addiction treatment. MacNeil has 10 years experience in detox... Graham... 22 years.

Dr. Linda Courey audio (runs 6:20)

Murray MacNeil and Margaret Graham audio (runs 6:46)

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Heart Healthy Kids

Dr. Beth Abramson

Posted by Robert Doublett

There is some data now that shows us that increased physical activity in grades four, five and six's leads to better academic test scores and better cardiovascular fitness levels.

This research was funded by the Nova Scotia Research Foundation and support by a number of organizations including the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

Dr. Beth Abramson joins us to talk about Heart Healthy Kids.

Listen audio (runs 10:34)

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Jason Kenny Reaction

Rodney MacDonald

Posted by Robert Doublett

This morning Gaelic speakers in Nova Scotia awoke to a headline that caught their attention. The Federal Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, Jason Kenny, questioned the preservation of heritage languages, calling them Linguistic ghetto's.

Kenney has weighed in on the merits of the language and the government's role in preserving it. Kenney said federal government money should not be used to promote languages that are fighting for survival.


"I think we should focus on the common languages that unite us in our diversity, English and French," said Kenney. "I encourage communities to maintain their heritage languages, be they Gaelic or Punjabi or Mandarin, but that they do so with their own funds."

This comes one day before another Federal Minister, Peter MacKay, is scheduled to make a major funding announcement at St, Ann's Gaelic College.


Rodney MacDonald is the head of St, Ann's Gaelic College, and former Conservative Premiere of Nova Scotia.

Listen audio (runs 9:09)

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Stolen Goods Seizures

Staff Sergeant Mike Kennedy

Posted by Robert Doublett

Cape Breton regional police are trying to track down the owners of some stolen goods.

Overnight last night they seized a wide variety of items, from lawn tractors to electronics.

Wendy Martin spoke with Staff Sergeant Mike Kennedy of the major crime unit.

Listen audio (runs 2:33)

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Long Shots

Trevor J. Adams

Posted by Robert Doublett

This name used to mean something in Cape Breton.

If you talked about Cap MacDonald there would be an entire generation of people who would know exactly who you were talking about and why his name is important.

Today's guest is going to introduce him to a whole new generation of Cape Bretoners, Nova Scotians and Canadians.

Trevor J. Adams has written a book called "Longshots: The Curious Story of the Four Maritime Teams that Played for the Stanley Cup"

Among them, The Sydney Millionaires.

Listen audio (runs 9:12)

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M.V. Miner Update

Premier Daryl Dexter & Abe Shah

Posted by Robert Doublett

The New York Company that was hired to remove the M.V. Miner from Scatarie says it's walking away from the project today unless the Provincial government pulls a stop work order it issued last week .  

Bennington group was supposed to start the work several weeks ago however there have been several delays .

The Labour Department issued the stop work order which required Bennington to hire in independent engineer to complete an assessment on the structural integrity of the vessel .

Bennington says it's tired of the red tape.

Shah says he's provided them with a full report from an independent engineer. And if the province doesn't give him permission to proceed by day's end - he'll pull out of the project, and take legal action.

Premier Daryl Dexter is in Sydney today for a series of meetings. He spoke to reporters today about Bennington and the possible end of their involvement in the project.  Abe Shah spoke with reporters Gary Mansfield and Wendy Martin. 

Premier Daryl Dexter audio (runs 3:17)

Abe Shah: Bennington Group audio (runs 5:23)

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CBRM's New Councillor

Eldon MacDonald

Posted by Robert Doublett

Not much has changed for Cape Breton Regional Municipal Council.

Most of the last sessions councilors who put their names forward were re-elected.

Lowell Cormier was acclaimed and he'll be joining the only newly elected councilor, Eldon MacDonald.

MacDonald was the winner in the highly contested District 5, an area in Sydney that had no incumbent but several citizens putting their names forward.

He joined us in the studio.

Listen audio (runs 8:45)

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A Bumper Crop for Pumpkins!

Posted by Robert Doublett

It's been a bumper crop for pumpkins this year in Nova Scotia.

In the Annapolis Valley, a man grew a 733-kilogram pumpkin, breaking the record for the heaviest one grown in Atlantic Canada.

Then, a week later, Carl Graham of Donkin surpassed that with his pumpkin, weighing in at 18-hundred and 11 pounds; which is 821-kilograms..... the third biggest in the world.

It's also been a big year for the pumpkin yield.

Conrad Niesten runs Hank's Family Farm in Millville.

He spoke to Yvonne LeBlanc-Smith earlier today about the harvest.

Listen audio (runs 5:26)

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The Exit Interview

Cecil Clarke

Posted by Robert Doublett

In the final days of the municipal election campaign people are voting for school board, municipal councillors and we have five candidates running for mayor.

We spoke to the candidates in both the beginning and middle of the campaign and as we round the corner to the last day of voting we've invited the candidates back for one last chat to talk about the weeks that were.

Listen audio (runs 15:09)

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Warm Water Deaths

Osborne Burke

Posted by Robert Doublett

Many of us enjoyed this summer's warmer ocean waters but that increase in temperature was deadly for hundreds of thousands of lobsters.

They were being kept in boxes in the waters along the Cape Breton coast.

Lobster buyers were holding onto them while they tried to find someone to buy them at a fair price.

But that delay getting them to market proved costly for processors such as Osborne Burke.

He's the general manager of Victoria Co-op Fisheries and today he told this story to members of the Nova Scotia's legislature's standing Committee on Resources.

Listen audio (runs 2:30)

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Cape Breton Walk-in Clinic - Expanding Services

Barkaat Ahmad

Posted by Robert Doublett

As we all know, Monday to Friday the walk-in clinic is open on Kings Rd. here in Sydney to take your questions on cold and flu's.

Now they're adding Saturday hours. Barkaat Ahmad is the manager and owner of the clinic.

Listen audio (runs 5:48)

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The Exit Interview

Rankin MacSween

Posted by Robert Doublett

In the final days of the municipal election campaign people are voting for school board, municipal councillors and we have five candidates running for mayor.

We spoke to the candidates in both the beginning and middle of the campaign and as we round the corner to the last day of voting we've invited the candidates back for one last chat to talk about the weeks that were.

Listen audio (runs 13:17)

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The Exit Interview

Wilf Isaac

Posted by Robert Doublett

In the final days of the municipal election campaign people are voting for school board, municipal councillors and we have five candidates running for mayor.

We spoke to the candidates in both the beginning and middle of the campaign and as we round the corner to the last day of voting we've invited the candidates back for one last chat to talk about the weeks that were.

Listen audio (runs 10:36)

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The Exit Interview

Glenn Jessome

Posted by Robert Doublett

In the final days of the municipal election campaign people are voting for school board, municipal councillors and we have five candidates running for mayor.

We spoke to the candidates in both the beginning and middle of the campaign and as we round the corner to the last day of voting we've invited the candidates back for one last chat to talk about the weeks that were.

Listen audio (runs 8:36)

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No EI for Family Members

Darren Earn

Posted by Robert Doublett

Dozens of people in Bay St. Lawrence have found out, they won't be able to collect employment insurance this winter.

That's because the Canada Revenue Agency has determined, they were working for family members for a period of several years, and therefore were not entitled to benefits.

The president of a Manitoba company that helps family run businesses sort through the EI rules is weighing in on the issue. Darren Earn is the president of Grants International.

He says the rules that restrict family members from collecting EI benefits have been in place for many years - but very few Canadians know the rules, or understand them.

The CBC's Wendy Martin spoke with Darren Earn.

Listen audio (runs 8:58)

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Road Trip!

St. Ann's Bay

Posted by Robert Doublett

It's our chance to take Mainstreet out of our studio and into one of our Cape Breton communities, and to find out what makes that particular community unique.

On the show today, we're on a road trip to St. Ann's Bay! We'll chat about the area's history, we remember when Lt. Governor MayAnn Francis toured St. Ann's Bay, and presented the area with her annual Community Spirit Award. We check out the Community Health Centre, and meet tons of people from musicians, to homesteaders and artisans.

Listen audio (runs 88:40)

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Trapper Boy

Hugh R. MacDonald

Posted by Robert Doublett

The novel is called "Trapper Boy" and it's published Cape Breton University Press.

It's the second title in the catalog they're building up for younger readers.

The author, Hugh R. MacDonald joined us in studio to tell us about the book.

Listen audio (runs 10:54)

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On Location - Cabot Links

Posted by Robert Doublett

We're in Inverness! On today's show we're at Cabot Links looking at all the ways the golf course has change (and some would argue saved) that town of Inverness.

Listen audio (runs 93:37)

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Sydney Port Development

Candidates for mayor of the Cape Breton Regional Municipality

Posted by Robert Doublett

 At just about the mid-point of the elections for municipal councilors, warden's and Mayor's all across the province and people are talking about the issues that are important.

One issue we're particularly interested in is the port. Cape Bretoner's talk about the port almost constantly.

We wanted to have an opportunity to talk to the people who are running for mayor of CBRM about their feelings around port development.

Cecil Clarke audio (runs 15:30)

Rankin MacSween audio (runs 15:57)

Wilf Isaac audio (runs 13:15)

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Richmond Tax Decision

Mayor Billy Joe MacLean

Posted by Robert Doublett

The Supreme court of Nova Scotia has upheld a 10 year agreement between Richmond County  and the paper mill in Port Tupper.

Justice John Murphy ruled today,  the mill must pay about 2-point-six-million dollars a year in municipal taxes.

The prospective buyer of the mill, the Stern Group - wanted to pay  just over 400-thousand dollars a year.

Justice Murphy said, Richmond County  showed it would suffer real financial hardship if the company received the substantial tax break.

In his ruling, the judge  also said... Stern had not proven -it needs the tax cut to for the mill to be viable.

Chair of the Strait Area Mayors and Wardens, and Port Hawkesbury Mayor -Billy Joe MacLean has spoken out against a tax cut for the mill. Joan Weeks reached him for reaction to today's Supreme Court decision.

Listen audio (runs 4:11)

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"..it's supposed to look like that."

Jim Wooder

Posted by Robert Doublett

When the 4.2 million tonnes of gravel silt and sediment were dredged out of Sydney Harbour it had to go somewhere.

Almost from the beginning it was agreed that this material would be used for a land reclamation project all parties settled on a design.

Yesterday, a leading businessman questioned the design and structural soundness of the 175 acre confined disposal facility adjacent to the Greenfield site.  

The story yesterday said it could cost millions to fill the  ponds on the potential container terminal site.

Listen audio (runs 16:19)

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Canso Causeway Protest

Charles Junior Bernard

Posted by Robert Doublett

Mikmaq protestors started gathering near the Canso Causeway today, aAnd they look as though they migt be there for a while.

They've put up tents and flags on an empty lot in Auld's Cove. They won't say just what they have planned.

But they're raising concerns about an Ontario company;'s plans to drill for oil near Lake Ainslie this fall.

The CBC's Wendy Martin spoke with one of the protestors, Charles Junior Bernard of Waycobah.

3:07 audio

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Pepper Spray Attack

Christopher Whittle

Posted by Robert Doublett

A Halifax man who faces assault charges is speaking out about his part in the incident.   

Christopher Whittle has been charged in connection with a pepper spray attack on a teenage girl in a Halifax mall parking lot, earlier this month.  

In an interview with CBC's Elizabeth Chiu, he says he was upset with the girl because she had been bullying his gay partner.  

Just a warning, some people may find some of the language used in this interview offensive.

Listen audio (runs 6:06)

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Kin

Lesley Crewe

Posted by Robert Doublett

For fans of Lesley Crewe the wait is over. "Kin" hit stores earlier this month and Lesley popped into studio to talk with us about it.

Listen audio (runs 15:35)

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NewPage is Hiring

Marc Dube

Posted by Robert Doublett

The workforce at the former New Page paper mill in Point Tupper is getting ready to re-start production.

The Pacific West Corporation is in the process of buying the mill.

But there are still some hurdles.... including a tax decision by the Canadian Revenue Agency.

That hasn't stopped Pacific from recalling many of the former NewPage workers.

30 more of them started today... and the company plans to keep hiring.

Restructuring manager Marc Dube met with reporters inside the super calendered paper plant early this morning.


Listen audio (runs 4:10)

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Withdrawing from the Race

Owen Wilson & MLA Cecil Clarke

Posted by Robert Doublett

A surprise development today in the race for mayor in the CBRM.

Mayoral candidate Owen Fitzgerald at a news conference in Sydney this morning said his campaign just hadn't taken off the way he hoped. He's decided instead to throw his support behind former MLA Cecil Clarke.

Reporters spoke with Fitzgerald after his announcement.

Clarke was at Fitzgerald's announcement. Reporters asked him for his reaction.

Owen Wilson audio (runs 6:14)

Cecil Clarke audio (runs 5:05)

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CBRM Mayoral Candidate

Cecil Clarke

Posted by Robert Doublett

Earlier today former Provincial Cabinet Minister and Federal Candidate Cecil Clarke entered the race for mayor.

He joins local economic development professional Owen Fitzgerald, and community development leader Rankin MacSween.

After Mr. Clark made the announcement at Centre 200 he joined us at our CBC studio on George Street to tell us why he made the decision.

Listen audio (runs 11:01)

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Youth Speaks Up

Jack Yazer, Elizabeth DeMere & David Gabriel

Posted by Robert Doublett

The Youth Speaks Program was created here in Cape Breton, it's the brainchild of Cape Breton businessman Jack Yazer.

In the years that it ran, it was the most successful in Canada having an extraordinary track record. however in 2006 we said goodbye to the program but now some folks are hoping that it can be reinvigorated under new leadership.

Listen audio (runs 12:36)

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Funding Worries

Town House Executive Director , Susan Plath

Posted by Robert Doublett

A non profit organization in Glace Bay is trying to get it's funding restored for a job training program.

The Town House Glace Bay Citizens Service League teaches carpentry skills to people who are unemployed and looking to get back into the work place.

The funding  was once provided  by the Federal Government . It's now a provincial responsibility.

CBC reporter George Mortimer went to Glace Bay to speak with the groups Executive Director , Susan Plath about what it is and how they hope to get the funding restored.

Listen audio (runs 5:22)

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Guilty

Crown Prosecutors, Steve Drake and Dan McRury

Posted by Robert Doublett

A murder trial wrapped up in Sydney Provincial court today with a  guilt verdict .

An 18 year old man was charged with second degree murder in the death of a Glace Bay girl two years ago .
He was 16  she was 17 .

she was stabbed 104 times.

Their names can't be released because of their age at the time of the murder .

CBC reporter George Mortimer along with a number of other reporters spoke with the crown prosecutors in the case, Steve Drake and Dan McRury about the verdict and where things go with sentencing.

Listen audio (runs 6:06)

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"..the right thing to do."

Colleen & Murdock Smith

Posted by Robert Doublett

photo_2158879_resize.jpgIt's a terrible tragedy for any family.

But for a family in Sydney, their grief at the loss of their daughter has been assuaged to some degree by the knowledge that her death is helping others.

16-year-old Jillian Whelan died earlier this week following a car accident early Monday near Dalem Lake.

In hospital in Halifax, her family members made the decision to donate her organs for transplant.

The CBC's Holly Conners spoke with them about that decision today.

She met Jillian's mother and father, Colleen and Murdock Smith, and her aunt Kathleen Whelan, in the Smith's backyard.

The Right Thing To Do audio (runs 6:17)

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Kindermusik

Lorenda MacNeil-Loder

Posted by Robert Doublett

Parents in Glace Bay have a new place to bring their kids to learn about music.

Glace Bay native Lorenda MacNeil-Loder is offering 'kindermusik' classes for young children.

The CBC's Adam Burns dropped in on one of the classes this morning.

Listen audio (runs 5:27)

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Where's the Red Shoe?

Angie Smith

Posted by Robert Doublett

Red-Shoe.jpgWe all know of course the Red Shoe Pub is in Mabou Cape Breton...........however, we noticed on our last trip, the very famous Red Shoe was nowhere to be found.

To talk about why we reached the manager of the Red Shoe Pub, Angie Smith.

Listen audio (runs 4:20)

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CBRM Mayoral Candidate

Rankin MacSween

Posted by Robert Doublett

One of the key figures at the head of social economy development in Cape Breton has put his hat in the ring to become the Mayor of CBRM.

He been involved with the New Dawn organization for many years,  but Rankin MacSween was most recently in the public eye as  one of the galvanizing figures in the campaign to dredge Sydney harbour.

He has also been an outspoken advocate of community based development and a critic of government intervention.

........and now, he wants to be mayor.

Listen audio (runs 9:28)

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Talbot House Changes

Premiere Darrell Dexter

Posted by Robert Doublett

Premiere Darrell Dexter met with the board of Talbot House earlier today.

They have agreed that Talbot House will submit a proposal to provide addiction services to the community, as it has done for nearly half a century.

Premiere Darrell Dexter spoke with reports at the caucus office, Wendy was there.

A group of former residents of Talbot house were also on site. They held a demonstration. They went to the office of House speaker and Government MLA Gordie Gosse.

They then went to New Waterford to Deputy Premier Frank Corbett's office.

They want the NDP Government to reopen Talbot House.

CBC reporter George Mortimer spoke with Brian Miles. He led the protest today.

Premiere Darrell Dexter audio (runs 11:39)

Brian Miles audio (runs 2:53)

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Talbot House Reaction

Dr. John Gainer

Posted by Robert Doublett

After Premier Darryl Dexter's visit to Cape Breton regarding Talbot House, we spoke to Dr. John Gainer for his reaction.

Listen audio (runs 12:48)

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Calling It A Day.

CBRM Mayor John Morgan

Posted by Robert Doublett

After twelve years in office, Mayor John Morgan has decided to call it a day. He announced that he would not be seeking re-election this fall.

Morgan was relative unknown when he entered politics in 2000, but in the years since he has won municipal campaigns with over 80% of the popular vote.

"The Lawsuit" will forever be associated with is name, but he was also the poltician who was key in the development of Sydney Harbour

He joined us in studio.



Listen audio (runs 17:30)

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New Page Deal

Matthew Harris

Posted by Robert Doublett

Both classes of creditors in the bankruptcy of the NewPage paper mill in Port Hawkesbury have voted on an offer from a prospective buyer of the plant.

Matthew Harris is the monitor of the bankruptcy for receiver Ernst and Young.

He's in Port Hawkesbury today and spoke with reporters about the deal.

Here's some of their conversation.

Listen audio (runs 3:55)

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Wake-Up Call Breakfast

Jim Kehoe - Prostate Cancer Survivor

Posted by Robert Doublett

One in seven men in this country will develop prostate cancer during their lives.

But it's a subject that's often taboo.

On September 13th, people are invited to the first-ever Wake-Up Call Breakfast, at the Membertou Trade and Convention Centre.

The event will raise money for the fight against prostate cancer.

But it's also intended to get people talking.

And that's what Jim Kehoe is doing.

He's a prominent businessman in Sydney.

He's also a prostate cancer survivor - and this morning, as next month's breakfast was officially announced - he told his story.

Listen audio (runs 4:11)

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J.A. Douglas McCurdy Airport Improvements

Helen MacInnis

Posted by Robert Doublett

The Sydney Airport Authority has just awarded a close to two million dollar contract for improvements at the J.A. Douglas McCurdy Airport.

The work includes upgrades to the security area, entrance and washrooms.

Another 300 thousand dollars will be spent on improvement to the runway.

CBC Reporter George Mortimer met with the C.E.O. of the Sydney Airport Authority , Helen MacInnis to find out more.

Listen audio (runs 4:47)

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MV Miner Removal

Abe Shaw

Posted by Robert Doublett

The Company involved in the removal of a ship from the shores of Scatarie Island is planning to start the work next week.

The M.V. Miner broke free from it's tow line last September and ran aground on Scatarie which is near Main-a-Dieu.

Bennington Group was hired by the ship's owner to dismantle it but it's taking much longer than expected to start the work.

CBC reporter George Mortimer spoke with Abe Shaw . He's with Bennington group in New York City  to get the latest.

Listen audio (runs 5:34)

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A Better Methadone Program?

Linda Courey

Posted by Robert Doublett

Last fall...Cape Breton's methadone program stopped accepting new clients.

The Cape Breton Health Authority is trying to clear up a backlog of people waiting for opiate treatment.

At the same time, an internal hospital memo says... workers at the clinics have been overwhelmed by the size of their caseloads.

The program has a high turnover of staff and... vacant positions are hard to fill.

Now, Addiction Services and Mental Health is trying to find a better way to run the methadone program.

Department Director Doctor Linda Courey says a new approach is about to be implemented.
She spoke with CBC's Joan Weeks earlier today.

Joan asked her, why they decided to take the drastic step of turning away new methadone clients.....

Listen audio (runs 6:31)

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Take Back The Night

Helen Morrison, Wanda Erhart & Lynda Ceresne

Posted by Robert Doublett

It wasn't that many years ago that violence against women was a women's issue.  

However,  if the community interest and support that seems to be shaping up around the Take Back The Night March this weekend in Sydney is any indication, interest in fighting this social problem is now seen as a community issue that knows no gender, no age, no socioeconomic group.
 
We spoke with three organizers about why the issue is attracting public interest again
 
we spoke with Helen Morrison from the Transition House, Wanda Erhart from Every Women's Centre and Lynda Ceresne who is a local psychologist.

Listen audio (runs 22:25)

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2012 Wine Spectator Award

Chef Alexander Herbert

Posted by Robert Doublett

The Keltic Lodge, just over a year ago changed the menu at the Purple Thistle Dining Room, they changed it back to fine dining.

This turnaround has earned the restaurant the 2012 Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. This is a global competition.

Listen audio (runs 10:12)

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Road Repair Request

Monica Conohan and Lauren Cholock

Posted by Robert Doublett

Two ten year old girls have asked Cape Breton Regional Municipality to fix their street.

Monica Conohan and Lauren Cholock say Royal Avenue is used by many people and there are many potholes and other problems.

The girls wrote a letter to the paper talking about the problem and asking that someone from the municipality do something.

CBC reporter George Mortimer met with the girls today to find out why they are speaking out about the situation.

Listen audio (runs 3:57)

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Remembering Carol Kennedy

Carol Beaton

Posted by Robert Doublett

Today we remember with fondness, our friend, and visual artist Carol Kennedy.

Carol passed away this morning after a battle with cancer, but her life time of contributions will forever have an effect on Cape Breton Island.

Carol Beaton is with the Cape Breton Center for Craft and Design, they've been friends for many years.

Listen audio (runs 6:42)

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Calling it Quits

Cecil Clarke

Posted by Robert Doublett

Cecil Clarke is moving on. He will not be completing his three year consulting contract with the Cape Breton County Economic Development Authority . 

The former Provincial Cabinet Minister signed a three year deal the agency last September.

CBC reporter George Mortimer met with Clarke today to talk about why and what happens now.

Listen audio (runs 4:53)

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Residential Addictions Treatment CB?

Minister of Community Services: Denise Peterson Rafuse

Posted by Robert Doublett

The province will go ahead with a request for proposals for a new residential addictions treatment centre in Cape Breton.

Talbot House in Frenchvale had been providing the service until this past March.

The Board of Directors decided to discharge the patients at the facility following a government report that raised concerns about its operations.

The board took issue with many of the problems cited in the report.

In June the minister of Community Services met with the Board and postponed the request for proposals.

But this week the department changed course and confirmed it will go ahead with the request for proposals for a recovery center.

Yesterday reporters asked Community Services Minister Denise Peterson Rafuse about when the Department will issue the RFP and why.

Listen audio (runs 5:40)

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the 'Lone Star State' Container Terminal

CBRM Mayor John Morgan

Posted by Robert Doublett

Mayor John Morgan made a visit recently to the 'Lone Star State' to talk container terminal.

The Cape Breton Regional Municipality has served notice that it wants to commercialize Sydney harbour by establishing an international terminal.

A group of companies from the U.S. requested a meeting about a proposal it's developing for such a project.

The mayor talked with CBC reporter Hal Higgins about who he met down in Galveston, Texas.

Listen audio (runs 5:21)

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Nova Scotia wins Jazz jobs.

Premier Darrell Dexter

Posted by Robert Doublett

The Dexter Government just won a bidding war with Ontario over 150 aircraft maintenance jobs.

Jazz will shut down its London Ontario maintenance facility as it expands its operation at Halifax's Stanfield International Airport.

To make that happen, the Nova Scotia government is handing Jazz a 2 million dollar grant to recruit and train employees.

The province is also giving Jazz another 2.5 million dollar forgivable loan tied to the number of jobs created, and a 12 million dollar loan with interest.

Premier Dexter told reporters he has no qualms about bidding against other provinces for jobs.

Listen audio (runs 1:55)

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Blueberry Honey Coconut Cups

A Paleo Summer Treat

Posted by Robert Doublett

Blueberry Honey Coconut Cups large.jpgPrep time: 8 mins
Total time: 8 mins
Serves: 12

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Coconut Cream Concentrate or 1 cup homemade coconut butter
  • 1 cup blueberries
  • 1 cup coconut oil
  • 1/3 cup raw honey
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
  • 1/4 cup cashews, chopped (or other nut of choice)


Instructions


  1. Place a small saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Add your blueberries and honey. Mix to help break down the blueberries.
  3. Once your blueberries have esploded (that means exploded, but is just more fun to say that way), add your coconut oil and coconut cream concentrate.
  4. Mix thoroughly.
  5. Remove from heat and add your shredded coconut and cashews.
  6. Line your muffin tin with silicone liners or paper muffin liners, pour mixture into each cup to a height that you prefer, then place in freezer for 20 minutes.
  7. Consume.
  8. Store in freezer if you have self control.

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Fenwick MacIntosh victim

R.M.

Posted by Robert Doublett

Earlier today, The Supreme Court of Canada revealed it has agreed to hear an appeal in the case of accused pedophile Ernest Fenwick MacIntosh.

The Nova Scotia Court of Appeal had ACQUITTED MacIntosh on a series of sex abuse charges on the grounds the case took too long to come to trial. The allegations stem from the 1970s and did not go to trial until 2010.

Today, men who say MacIntosh abused them when they were boys... reacted with a mix of joy and relief.

R.M. is one of those men.

He spoke with CBC's Joan Weeks after the decision was announced.

Listen audio (runs 5:06)

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Cape Ann III Songwriting Contest

John Aylward

Posted by Robert Doublett

Cape Ann II for web.jpgFor the past couple years we have been following the story and the controversy of the Cape Ann III.

The 175-foot trawler had been partially submerged and rusting in Sydney harbour for more than five years until a Canadian-American military operation raised it as part of a training exercise.

John Aylward of the Cape Breton Artificial Reef Society thought it would be great to have a creative contest surrounding the story of the sunken ship.

Listen audio (runs 10:35)

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Disband the School Board

Matthew Sullivan

Posted by Robert Doublett

Matthew Sullivan was one of many people who objected to the Cape Breton Victoria School's Board's proposal to suspend the IB program at Sydney Academy.

He mobilized many former and current students through a  social media campaign and through speaking publically in the mainstream media.

Like many, he saw the value in the IB program, but like many more, he was disturbed by the inaccurate data the board used to make their recommendation to cancel.

It is for this reason that he has written to the Provincial Minister of Education, Ramona Jennex.

Listen audio (runs 6:27)

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The Archbishop's New Home

Archbishop Anthony Mancini

Posted by Robert Doublett

The Archbishop of Halifax and Yarmouth invited reporters into his newly renovated residence today.

The 19th century building on Barrington Street has had an extensive makeover.

Archbishop Anthony Mancini had to move out while the work was done. Now, he's back living in the residence, along with seven other priests.

Today, he was asked how the project was funded....

Listen audio (runs 6:03)

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Big Pond Beach: SOLD

Terry MacPherson

Posted by Robert Doublett

As we've been hearing in the news, people planning a trip to Big Pond Beach this summer will likely have to find a new place to park.

The Diocese of Antigonish has sold the old Parish Hall and the land around it to help pay a court settlement for victims of sexual abuse.

The land used to provide ample parking and public washrooms.

Now, all that's left is a 13 metre right-of-way that includes a narrow, gravel driveway.

Terry MacPherson is with the Big Pond Community Council, the group that owns the right-of-way.

Reporter Bobby Nock met him at Big Pond Beach and asked him who the new owners of the land around it are.

Listen audio (runs 4:44)

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The Beautiful Game

Stephen Puddicombe

Posted by Robert Doublett

Soccer, the beautiful game.

There is lots of it these days...the European Cup, youth leagues, and then there is street soccer.

It is a grassroots program whose aim is to connect with people often left on the side lines; everyone from people in poverty to the homeless to those down on their luck.

Stephen Puddicombe picks up the ball for us in Halifax.

Listen audio (runs 5:58)

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2012 Canada 55+ Games

Bev Patterson

Posted by Robert Doublett

Organizers and volunteers are ramping up efforts to stage the Canada 55+ Games in Cape Breton late this summer.

Leading the way is event manager Bev Patterson.

It all gets underway in just a little over two months and, as she tells reporter Hal Higgins, there's still lots to do to get ready.

Listen audio (runs 5:19)

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International Baccalaureate program reversed.

Steve Parr

Posted by Robert Doublett

The person who proposed cutting the International Baccalaureate program at Sydney Academy has changed his mind.

The suggestion to phase out I.B. came from School Board member Steve Parsons. Since the recommendation became public knowledge.... the Board has been deluged with opposition. New information about class sizes has also come forward.

Parsons says that's what democracy is all about.

Listen audio (runs 8:35)

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International Baccalaureate Program Review

Lorne Green

Posted by Robert Doublett

The Cape Breton Victoria Regional School board will meet on Monday night to vote on a recommendation to scrap the International baccalaureate program at Sydney Academy. It offers an advanced academic programme which is recognized by universities worldwide.

The Chairman of the School board  Lorne Green says he feels the board will vote to maintain the programme.

CBC reporter George Mortimer spoke with Green about the situation early this morning.

Listen audio (runs 4:00)

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Talbot House tender

John Gainer

Posted by Robert Doublett

The chair of the board of Talbot House says the Department of Community Services will delay calling a tender for recovery services on the Island.

Talbot House closed in March following complaints about a staff member.

A departmental review found problems with its operations.

The Community Services minister met with the board of Talbot House this morning.

Chair John Gainer says they have agreed on a plan of action to see Talbot House reopen.

Listen audio (runs 9:19)

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Labour Movement in North America

Professor Andy Parnaby

Posted by Robert Doublett

The events of Davis Day give us a chance to reflect on the state of the labour movement in North America today.

Wendy spoke with Prof. Andy Parnaby at CBU about his reflections.

Listen audio (runs 10:35)

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Remembering Dave McKeough

Gordie Sampson & Keith Mullins

Posted by Robert Doublett

577096_444063438946397_1334005081_n.jpgCape Bretoners are grieving after learning a popular teacher and musician were the couple killed in a car crash Thursday evening.

Three people died in the head-on collision on Highway 105 between Millville and St. James Road. RCMP said a car driven by Kenneth Dove, 52, was heading west when it sideswiped another vehicle and then tried to pass a pickup truck towing a trailer by driving on the shoulder of the road.

That attempt failed.

Cape Breton's musical community is devastated by the loss of the friends.

Listen audio (runs 10:09)

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Academy's International Baccalaureate program

Lorne Green

Posted by Robert Doublett

The Cape Breton Regional School Board will cut Sydney Academy's International Baccalaureate program. The only IB program on the island.

Students were told the news yesterday and today the general public began to hear the news.

Kids from Sydney, Glace Bay, the North Side and even as far away as St. Ann's and Baddeck travel and board to Sydney Academy so they can attend the program.

The Provincial Government pays seventy-thousand dollars annually to cover the costs associated with the program including fees, examinations and professional development for teachers.

The board want to move the students and teachers from that program into the main stream.
To talk about that we reached Lorne Green.

Listen audio (runs 6:54)

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Academy's International Baccalaureate Students

Jonathan Smith, Conner Bray and Victoria Walsh

Posted by Robert Doublett

Defending the cut of Sydney Academy's International Baccalaureate program Board chairman Lorne Green told CBC's Mainstreet that as far as he knew this statement from board member Steve Parsons, as reflected in the May 22nd minutes was correct.
 
Commissioner Parsons - IB Program - Questioned the credibility of the completion of the IB program and the Challenge for Credit program. He noted that St.F.X. and Cape Breton University do not recognize the program as Challenge for Credit. He further noted that only St. Thomas University recognize the program.
 
Three current students from the IB program beg to differ.  They are Jonathan Smith, Conner Bray and Victoria Walsh.

Listen audio (runs 8:27)

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Talbot House Supporter

Sean McSween

Posted by Robert Doublett

Talbot House is back in the news today.

A legislative committee is asking questions about why the recovery home for people with addictions closed abruptly this spring.

it happened after the executive director, Father Paul Abbass, was accused of inappropriate conduct.

He was later cleared of any wrongdoing.

But in the meantime, the department of community services did a review of the home - found some shortcomings - and pulled its funding.

We'll hear later in the program what happened at the legislative committee hearings.

But first - some thoughts from someone who stayed at Talbot House - and credits it for changing his life.

Sean McSween is from Dartmouth. In 2001 - he was struggling from an addiction to alcohol - and his mother told him about Talbot House.

McSween recently went public with his story, when he posted about his stay there on a well known blog - The Contrarian.

Today, he told his story to the CBC's Wendy Martin.

Listen audio (runs 8:58)

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Potential Greenfield Legal Action

CBRM Mayor John Morgan

Posted by Robert Doublett

A letter was released last week from the Atlantic Gateway Shipping Terminal Company which is threatening to sue the Cape Breton Regional Municipality for what it says are secrets that were let out, negative portrayals, and even revealing confidential information surrounding a bid on the property we've been calling 'the Greenfield Site'.

To talk about this and where the municipality is on the story, we've brought in CBRM Mayor, John Morgan.

Listen audio (runs 14:00)

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Nova Scotia's electoral map

Joel Leforte

Posted by Robert Doublett

As we've been hearing in the news, the Electoral Boundaries Commission has submitted its blueprint for Nova Scotia's electoral map.

The interim report was made public today, and there are changes that will effect Cape Breton.
The most drastic is the loss of the riding of Cape Breton Nova.

The commission is suggesting most of that constituency become part of a new riding called "Sydney."

However one recommendation many feared is not included in the report.

The Commission says the Acadian riding of Richmond along with three other so-called "protected constituencies" should stay as they are.

That's welcome news for Joel Leforte at Ecole Beauport in Arichat.

The grade eleven student made a presentation to the Electoral Boundaries Commission. Reporter Bobby Nock spoke to him earlier today.

Listen audio (runs 4:45)

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Auditor General's Report

Cape Breton District Health Authority CEO: John Malcolm

Posted by Robert Doublett

Nova Scotia's Auditor General is not impressed with the Cape Breton District Health Authority.  

In his latest report Jacques LaPointe says the district has "a poor culture of infection prevention and control."  

He says it may have contributed to a deadly outbreak of C-Difficile.  

LaPointe is also critical of provincial health officials for not properly overseeing its prescription drug monitoring program.  

And he says the overall response to earlier recommendations by his office is poor, especially in the education department.

Here is what outgoing CEO of the health district, John Malcolm had to say...

Listen audio (runs 7:58)

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Department of Fisheries Closures

Merrill MacInnis

Posted by Robert Doublett

As we've been hearing in the news, CBC has learned that the Department of Fisheries plans to close its offices in Port Hood and Baddeck.

In an e-mail, DFO says fisheries officers at both locations will be moved to larger offices.

It does not says where they will be going or when the move will happen.

Merrill MacInnis is a municipal councillor in Victoria County.

He also fishes out of Little River which was served by fisheries officers from Baddeck.

Reporter Bobby Nock spoke to him about the closure and the steady decline in the number of fisheries officers based out of Baddeck.

Listen audio (runs 4:08)

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CBCEDA Connector Program

Eileen Lannon-Oldford - CBCEDA's Executive Director

Posted by Robert Doublett

There's a new program out to attract immigrants to Cape Breton.

It's going through the Cape Breton County Economic Development Authority.

It's called a "connector" program and it's designed to appeal to eligible immigrants and international students.

Eileen Lannon-Oldford is CBCEDA's executive director.

Listen audio (runs 4:11)

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From the murky depths it comes.

Captain Steve Wilson

Posted by Robert Doublett

Cape Anne III.jpgThe Cape Anne Three has risen out of its muddy berth in Sydney Harbour.

The eyesore that has plagued residents will soon be gone forever.

Captain Steve Wilson is with Joint Task Force Atlantic.

He spoke to reporter Yvonne LeBlanc-Smith earlier today at the site of the military training exercise that dislodged the old boat and re-float it.

Listen audio (runs 4:47)

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Eskasoni's Frist Female MD

Michelle Matthews

Posted by Robert Doublett

Michelle Matthews is from Eskasoni First Nation and this past week, she became the first woman from her community to earn an MD....what's more, she did it at age 47, while raising three kids.

Listen audio (runs 13:35)

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CB Regional Victoria School Board Budget Cuts

Lorne Green

Posted by Robert Doublett

As we've been hearing this afternoon, the Cape Breton-Victoria Regional School Board has approved an operating budget that sees a decrease in provincial funding by 2.1%.

That means about 2.86 million dollars, and that translates into 75 positions....44 of which will be teaching positions.

Listen audio (runs 8:41)

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ACOA cuts regional development funding

Eileen Lannon-Oldford

Posted by Robert Doublett

The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency is cutting core funding to some regional economic development groups across Atlantic Canada.

ACOA Minister Bernard Valcourt confirmed the decision earlier today firstly in a letter, and then later issued as a press release.

The agencies affected in Cape Breton are the Cape Breton County Economic Development Authority and Strait Highlands Regional  Development Authority.
Eileen Lannon-Oldford is with the Cape Breton County Economic Development Authority.


Listen audio (runs 7:55)

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Drugstore Break-In

Staff Sergeant Mike Kennedy

Posted by Robert Doublett

Cape Breton regional police are warning about some potentially fatal drugs on the streets.

The drugs fell into the wrong hands following a break-in early this morning in Sydney Mines.

Staff Sergeant Mike Kennedy explains to reporters what happened.

Listen audio (runs 2:37)

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The Exit Interview

Barbara Stead-Coyle

Posted by Robert Doublett

Thumbnail image for Barb stead-coyle.jpgBarbara Stead-Coyle has been a guest many times on Mainstreet, she first made an appearance when she worked for the Cape Breton Growth Fund, and ECBC, then the Cape Breton Partnership and onto the Sydney Tar Ponds Agency.

She's perhaps best known for her work with the Cape Breton Hospital Foundation and the extraordinary amount of work they've done to bring cancer care to Cape Breton.

It turns out that Barbara has now accept a position off island with the Canadian Cancer Society.

Listen audio (runs 11:44)

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G20 Review

CBRM Police Chief Peter McIsaac

Posted by Robert Doublett

20100626_riot-toronto-2.jpgPoor planning by the RCMP, OPP and Toronto police for the G20 summit, along with orders by a Toronto deputy police chief to "take back the streets," are to blame for the more than 1,100 arrests during the 2010 weekend summit, says the province's top civilian police watchdog.

"What occurred over the course of the weekend resulted in the largest mass arrests in Canadian history. These disturbances had a profound impact not only on the citizens of Toronto and Canada generally, but on public confidence in the police as well," writes Gerry McNeilly, head of the Office of the Independent Police Review Director.

Overall, McNeilly says, the G20 was an unprecedented event in the city's history - one police forces were unprepared for. "It is fortunate that, in all the confusion, there were no deaths" McNeilly writes.

Cape Breton regional Police service sent some officers to aid the Toronto police department in 2010. For his response to the G20 report, and whether he would send officers again, we have reached Peter McIsaac; Chief of the CB regional police service.

Listen audio (runs 8:59)

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Greenfield Purchase

CBRM Mayor John morgan

Posted by Robert Doublett

We heard today that Laurentian Energy Group will entertain an offer from an unnamed group to purchase the Greenfield site.

Cape Breton Regional Council will also be putting in an offer.

The property has been subject of several plans including a post-panamax container terminal. CBRM Council has other plans altogether.

Listen audio (runs 12:32)

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Membertou TCC - Fine Food Show

Scott Morrison, Erlene Bush, Mike Black and Johnathan Wilson

Posted by Robert Doublett

IMG-20120516-00683.jpgTomorrow evening the fine food industry has a show at the Membertou Trade and Convention Centre...however, today on the show we appeal to your sense of taste for "the good life".

This afternoon we have three chefs and a sommelier (a wine expert) in studio to help you think about pairing.

We have from FLAVOUR, Chef Scott Morrison, from Chanterell Country Inn, Erlene Bush. Mike Black is the chef and owner of the Black Spoon Bistro, and Johnathan Wilson is with Harvest Wines and Spirits...

Listen audio (runs 24:29)

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Concerns over Nova Scotia Power

Chris d'Entremont - Darrell Dexter - Stephen McNeil

Posted by Robert Doublett

It's not exactly a banner week for the province's key utility Nova Scotia Power.

Last Tuesday NSP filed for rate increases over the next two years.

We have since discovered just how much senior execs have been pocketing in salaries and bonuses.

For example, the president of the company Rob Bennett made more than 1-million dollars, a 23 percent increase over the previous year. The head of N-S-P's parent company Emera made triple that.

If that weren't enough, yesterday we reported Emera threw senior management a lavish party at a waterfront restaurant, complete with two bands and a comedian.

Conservative MLA Chris d'Entremont brought that issue to the floor of the legislature today.

Listen audio (runs 9:16)

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Highschool football in CBRM.

Phil MacDonald, AJ Virik, and Lorne Burke

Posted by Robert Doublett

We have not had highschool football in CBRM for over 25years, but the Cape Breton Regional Minor Football Association is trying to change that.

They already have football programs for boys and girls beginning at age seven, but once they get to highschool it's a little harder.

We were joined today by Phil MacDonald, AJ Virik, and Lorne Burke. They're trying to raise money through a golf tournament to start highschool football in the area.

Listen audio (runs 10:47)

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Anti-Identity Phobia Day

Madonna Doucette

Posted by Robert Doublett

You're invited to an event that takes place tomorrow from 2-4pm at Wentworth Park Gazebo. It's the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia.

Pride Cape Breton is involved, as is PFLAG Cape Breton, the Cape Breton District Health Authority, and Coastal Braid.

We had the editor of Coastal Braid, Madonna Doucette, join us in studio.

Listen audio (runs 6:47)

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I've Got A Crush On You

Measha Brueggergosman

Posted by Robert Doublett

Measha_Brueggergosman_small.jpgJuno award-winning Canadian singer Measha Brueggergosman will be presenting her show tomorrow evening at the Savoy Theatre in Glace Bay.

She made her big venue debut in right here in Cape Breton at the ECMA's in 2000. She took the stage with five-thousand people watching and when she hit her final note the entire room sprang to it's feet and gave her the first standing ovation of the evening.

An unforgettable moment.

Listen audio (runs 11:07)

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Westray Draggermen

Danny Kalbhenn

Posted by Robert Doublett

westray miners.jpg
Danny Kalbhenn was one of the Draggerman from Cape Breton who rushed to Westray in the hours after the explosion.  

He was a Cape Breton coal miner who had seen a lot in career, but nothing compared to what he found in plymouth Nova Scotia.

Even today, he thinks about the disaster.

Listen audio (runs 9:41)

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Michique at Cannes

Michelle Newcomb & Monique Delisle

Posted by Robert Doublett

michique.jpgWith glorious summer beach weather just around the corner our minds are drawn to glamorous days strolling luxurious beaches......maybe even the beaches in Cannes, France.

Michique Bags are getting a head start on us by winging their way as we speak to the fabulous beaches of France.

However the people who run the company aren't....they're just too busy!

Listen audio (runs 10:25)

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Human Smuggling Exercises

Joan Weeks

Posted by Robert Doublett

If you passed by Sydney Harbour today, you might have thought a ship carrying illegal drugs was being taken down.

A Canadian Coast Guard vessel escorted another large ship to the Government Wharf.

Waiting were the RCMP, fire trucks, emergency vehicles and Canadian Border Services.

It wasn't a drug sting... but an international exercise simulating a human smuggling operation.

Everyone from The Joint Task Force to the local District Health Authority wanted to make sure they were ready if a migrant ship was discovered off our shores.

Joan Weeks was on the wharf to witness the exercise.

As it got underway, she spoke with some of the key people involved.

Listen audio (runs 6:35)

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Music Monday 2012

Tomorrow Is Coming

Posted by Robert Doublett

More than a thousand students paraded through Sydney today as part of National Music Monday, and this year Cape Breton hosted the event for the entire country.

Bands from three high schools led the parade of 1100 students from more than 20 schools.

Music Monday is celebrated on the first Monday of May each year.

Students across the country learn and then sing the same song, at the same time.

Organizers say the end goal is to keep quality music programs all schools arross the country.

We were there and bring you the sounds of the day

Listen audio (runs 10:53)

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Preaching Political Engagement

Justin Trudeau

Posted by Robert Doublett

Hundreds of students in Cape Breton got a break from regular class today.

Students in Sydney and New Waterford assembled in their respective schools to hear a motivational speech by a popular politician from Quebec.

Liberal MP Justin Trudeau is preaching political engagement.

He is trying to wake up young people... encourage them to get involved in the community; and.... to vote!

Here is a little of Trudeau's conversation with reporter Yvonne LeBlanc-Smith, and Breton Education Center principal, Bruce MacDonald.

Listen audio (runs 3:44)

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Loaves & Fishes

Wayne MacKay

Posted by Robert Doublett

Yesterday on Mainstreet, we tried to get to the bottom of a dispute between Loaves & Fishes and another community group.

You will recall that some days ago that community group a meeting, held elections, and they elected their own board.

We were hoping to get the other side of the story today, but there's been some significant changes in the story in the last 24hours.

Wayne MacKay has been speaking with both sides and brings us an update on the situation.

Listen audio (runs 5:54)

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Loaves and Questions

Wayne York, Father Norman MacPhee. & Rev. Ron Coole

Posted by Robert Doublett

The call of the gospel..."to feed the poor".

This has at the heart of the Mission at Loaves and Fishes since it was founded over thirty years ago.

Every day, the North End Sydney soup kitchen serves 150 to 200 meals a day...seven days a week. The clients are the volunteers. Many have come every day for the last 25 years.

There are many questions that have come up in recent week about loaves and fishes. People have sited concerns about pests in the building, food being thrown away or diverted to other soup kitchens and some who have concerns about governance structure.

Some have been in the newspaper, others referred to in the public comments sections, still others on facebook.

We tried to gather as many of the questions as we could.  

Two of the people in studio this afternoon are founders of organization, Wayne York, and Father Norman MacPhee.  The Rev. Ron Coole, is the current chair of the board, and they're here to answer as many of those questions as they can.

Listen audio (runs 29:48)

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Xstrata wants out.

Peter Akerley: President and CEO of Erdene Resources.

Posted by Robert Doublett

The International mining company has announced it will sell its 75-percent stake in the Donkin Mine project.

A Nova Scotian company owns the remaining 25 percent.

Peter Akerley is the President and CEO of Erdene Resources. He spoke earlier today with reporter Yvonne LeBlanc-Smith.

Yvonne began by asking Akerley what this news from Xstrata means for the project.

Listen audio (runs 11:29)

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Talbot House - Call for Resignation

Jamie Baillie - Leader of the PC Party

Posted by Robert Doublett

The CBC requested the copy of the government review of Talbot House.  

A FOIPOP (Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy) request was  made from this office and several requests came from the media to release the document.

As of today, we've had no response.

Today, the Conservative Party of Nova Scotia is calling for the resignation of the minister.  

In a release, the Conservative party says the minister broke the law, Jamie Baillie is the leader of the party.

Listen audio (runs 9:36)

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Dancing Through History

Lori Henry

Posted by Robert Doublett

Dancing Through History.jpgWhen you think about some of the great dancing that happens in Canada from coast to coast, your mind should fill with images of some of the great dancing that takes place in Aboriginal Communities, Ukrainian dancers, Métis dancers, ballroom, jigging and of course the dozens of great dance styles we have in the Atlantic provinces.

It occurred to Lori Henry that there was a conversation to be had. It took a year but she made her way from one community to another and the result is a book called "Dancing Through History: In Search of the Stories that Define Canada"

Listen audio (runs 11:31)

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Education Reform

Angus MacBeath

Posted by Robert Doublett

Today, teachers meeting in Halifax for an education conference heard what educators in Alberta have done over the past thirty years to improve the school system in Edmonton.

One of the speakers is Angus MacBeath. He's a former Maritimer from PEI who spent 37 years working in Edmonton as a teacher, principal and superintendent.

Three decades ago, MacBeath helped convince the Alberta government to allow parents and students to choose which schools they attend. Now, the government money follows the student to the school of their choice.

Alberta students now outperform those in all other parts of the country.

MacBeath talked about many of the reforms that led to that level of performance .. in case teachers here wanted to take anything away from the Alberta example.

Listen audio (runs 3:28)

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St. Michael's Boys Choir

Ed McCall

Posted by Robert Doublett

St. Michael's Choir School was founded in 1937 by Fr. John Edward Ronan to facilitate the training of a boys' choir for St. Michael's Cathedral.

Next year they will celebrate their 75th Anniversary.

And next week they will be performing two concerts in our area:
on Thursday April 26th they will be at Our Lady of Fatima Church in Sydney and then on Friday they will perform at St Joseph's Church in Reserve Mines.

Ed McCall is the Executive Director and Music Director with St Michael's Boys Choir.

Listen audio (runs 9:32)

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Brakin' Tradition Reunion

Roger Stone, Cyril MacPhee

Posted by Robert Doublett

For those who've been wondering..................the rumours are true.

Brakin' Tradition are back together for a bit of a reunion tour.

The original lineup of LouAnne Baker, Roger Stone, Cyril MacPhee, Harold Davidson, Doug Sampson, Scott MacDonald, and Ray Legere will be taking the stage in May for a couple of sold out shows.

Listen audio (runs 12:01)

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Talbot House opposes report.

Dr. John Gainer

Posted by Robert Doublett

The future of Talbot House Recovery Centre is uncertain after the province pulled its funding because it was not following proper procedures.

The Community Service Department pulled the home's funding after a review of its operations, Dr. John Gainer, chairman of the home's board of directors said. He said the province found that the home was not following proper procedures. Neither the province's investigation of Talbot House, nor the board's response, has been made public.

But Gainer said the report is riddled with errors.

"If the conclusions that they've drawn are based on what we consider to be inaccurate information, then it renders the report, in our view, unbalanced, prejudicial, biased and it does, again, in the opinion of the board, represent a misrepresentation of the history, the governance and the operation and perhaps, more importantly, the outcomes of Talbot House," he said.

Listen audio (runs 22:06)

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ECMA 2012

Live from “City Grill” Moncton

Posted by Robert Doublett

Mainstreet will not be heard today as we present a "SHIFT"  ECMA Special Radio One: Live from "City Grill" Moncton

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Cuts to Nova Scotia Libraries.

Jamie Baillie - Leader of the PC Party

Posted by Robert Doublett

As we've heard in the news the Dexter Government is putting its foot down to prevent cuts to library positions at the Chignecto Central Regional School Board.

The Minister of Education has ordered a halt to the proposed cuts.

The Province has also named a department bureaucrat to oversee the re-working of the board's budget.

Until today, the Chignecto Board said it had no choice but to eliminate 41 library technician positions because of the Province's decision to cut funding to school boards by 3 per cent.

Premier Darryl Dexter criticized the cuts, saying the Chignecto Board had abdicated its responsibility to students.

For his point of view on the subject we contacted the leader of the Progressive Conservative Party in Nova Scotia.

Listen audio (runs 7:09)

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Why Men Lie

Linden MacIntyre

Posted by Robert Doublett

Linden MacIntyre's latest novel starts in a kitchen on Route 19  ..close to Port Hastings....a decade ago...through a character we barely noticed.

Why Men Lie is her story,  sort of.........

It's a story about mid life, compromises, disappointments and heartbreaks..... all told the experience of a fifty someting woman named  "Effie"

I had a chance to speak with Linden MacIntyre about his new book....here is our conversation.

Listen audio (runs 13:02)

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On Location - Canadian Blood Services

Posted by Robert Doublett

Family and friends of an everyday Superman are continuing his heroic effort to save lives.

This afternoon we were on location at Canadian Blood Donor Services in Sydney where a special blood donor clinic is being held today in honour of Ian Burrows, a 22-year-old Glace Bay man who died last April from a rare type of cancer.

Organizers of the clinic, including Canadian Blood Services in Sydney, hope to collect 150 units of blood - enough to help 450 people.

Listen audio (runs 18:04)

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1940's Championship Hockey

Jack Yazer, Cyril Acker & Bob Gordon

Posted by Robert Doublett

1940. It was the winning season on the Northside.

Jack Yazers hockey team, the Yazer Juniors won the Island Championship's.

It was a storied team, but for years the story was lost. It was in a little scrap book that has only now resurfaced, and today, it was present to the Northside Sports Hall of fame,

The story will be forever told

Cyril Acker, Bob Gordon and Jack Yazer came into studio.....Cyril and Bob are with the museum, which is housed in the new sports complex.

Listen audio (runs 13:18)

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Provincial Decentralization

Frank Corbett

Posted by Robert Doublett

Yesterday's speech from the throne included a mention of moving some provincial civil service jobs out of Halifax to other areas of the province.

There were no details as to what departments would be affected, or where the jobs would go.

But to find out what the move might mean for Cape Breton, reporter

Holly Conners reached Deputy Premier Frank Corbett. Here's what he had to say today.

Listen audio (runs 4:06)

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The Language of This Land, Mi'kma'ki

Trudy Sable and Bernie Francis

Posted by Robert Doublett

There is a new book that studies the language of the people that's been written by Trudy Sable and Bernie Francis.

The Language of this Land, Mi'kma'ki is an exploration of Mi'kmaw world view as expressed in language, legends, song and dance. Using imagery as codes, these include not only place names and geologic history, but act as maps of the landscape. Sable and Francis illustrate the fluid nature of reality inherent in its expression - its embodiment in networks of relationships with the landscape integral to the cultural psyche and spirituality of the Mi'kmaq.

Listen audio (runs 21:50)

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St. Mary's Reprieve

Wayne Joseph

Posted by Robert Doublett

In January we learned the Sydney Deanery of the Catholic Church was planning to close several churches.

St. Mary's Polish Church in Whitney Pier was one.

Parishioners did not take the news lying down. They believe St. Mary's is financially stable and they worked hard to convince the Diocese.

All that work has paid off.

The Bishop announced yesterday, St. Mary's will not be closed, at least, not for now.

So plans are moving ahead for the Church's 100th anniversary celebration next year.

Wayne Joseph is on St. Mary's financial committee and CBC Reporter Joan Weeks asked him how parishioners received the news their church will not close in July.

Listen audio (runs 4:42)

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Sydneys Artifical Reefs

Bruce Hatcher

Posted by Robert Doublett

When Sydney Harbour was dredged last year, some fishing ground was destroyed.

Compensation for that comes in the form of replacement habitat.

Over the last few months, 750-thousand tonnes of rock was deposited in the harbour, and now there are 8 new artificial reefs in strategic underwater locations.

Bruce Hatcher is Chair in Marine Ecosystem Research at Cape Breton University. He spoke earlier today with reporter Yvonne LeBlanc-Smith.

Listen audio (runs 6:16)

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Sense of Place

Iain Baxter, Alistair MacLeod and Nino Ricci

Posted by Robert Doublett

Sence of Place.jpgThere's a very special exhibition being presented at the Cape Breton university Art Gallery.

"Sense of Place" is a cross-border print exhibition organized and circulated by the Windsor Printmakers Forum. The show brings together the work of thirty-six from Canada and Michigan and explores the theme of place through print making.

Another component of the exhibition are essays written by Iain Baxter, Alistair MacLeod and Nino Ricci.

Listen audio (runs 18:56)

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Trestle Traditions

Dr. Ian Brodie

Posted by Robert Doublett

Starting this morning and running all week, both faculty and students at Cape Breton University will be presenting some of the research they've been working on over the course of the year.

Dr. Ian Brodie presented some of his findings. He has been working on research around the railroad trestle in Sydney River.

The very trestle that has for some time been the subject of debate after years of being painted and repainted by high school students.

Listen audio (runs 14:10)

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Piano Accompaniment

Dr. Chris MacDonald

Posted by Robert Doublett

All this week at Cape Breton University faculty and students will be presenting some of the research they've been working on over the course of the year.....in some cases, the course of their careers!

In fact this morning it was time for several members of the folklore department to talk about their work.

Including Dr Chris MacDonald, he is interested in the piano especially when it's being played along with traditional Cape Breton fiddle music.

Listen audio (runs 20:17)

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Sydney Steel Museum Society

Fred James

Posted by Robert Doublett

A group of former steelworkers is a step closer to it's dream of having  a museum built that would be a tribute to the steel industry  and other Cape Breton technologies.

The Sydney Steel Museum Society was formed when the plant  closed .  It's been working on the museum idea for the past ten years.

The group has just received a report from a consultant hired to look at the project.

CBC reporter George Mortimer spoke to Fred James who speaks for the committee for an update.

Listen audio (runs 5:23)

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Tablot House closed.

Dr. John Gainer

Posted by Robert Doublett

The Chair of the Board of Directors at Talbot House, Dr. John Gainer, answered questions today about the Centre's closure.

News leaked out yesterday, that residents at the Frenchvale Recovery Centre were told they had to leave.

The Department of Community Services confirmed it was trying to find places for them in other facilities.

Rumours also spread that a new executive director had resigned.

Today, Gainer dealt with some of those rumours and explained what's been happening at Talbot House. He spoke with CBC's Joan Weeks earlier today.

Listen audio (runs 7:18)

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First Nations Song Writing Sessions

Angelo Spinazzola

Posted by Robert Doublett

Angelo.jpgAngelo dropped by the station earlier today...in a big rush... he arrived with the latest 2-song, CD he made with grade 2 and 4 students from Eskasoni.

Listen audio (runs 8:53)

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Coastalbraid.com

Madonna Doucette

Posted by Robert Doublett

1327937842.pngStarting tomorrow you'll be able to read the very first of a new publication in Cape Breton. While it is the work of the community, a lot of the work has been started by the editor Madonna Doucette.

Listen audio (runs 10:32)

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Ma's Meals

Buddy Penny & Fred Milley

Posted by Robert Doublett

The soup kitchen in New Waterford is appealing for help from the province and from the public to keep its doors open.

Ma's Meals says it only has enough money to operate for another month.

A new board has been formed to make something happen.

Buddy Penny recently accepted the volunteer president's job when he was asked by the co-ordinator of Ma's Meals, Fred Milley.

CBC reporter Hal Higgins dropped into the centre today to talk with both of them,  starting with Buddy Penny.

Listen audio (runs 6:48)

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Miner's Manor resignation

Hector DiPersio

Posted by Robert Doublett

A special meeting will take place at Miners Memorial Manor in Sydney Mines tomorrow night.

The Director of Nursing recently handed in her resignation following a flu outbreak and staff at the manor have asked to meet with adminstrators to discuss their concerns.

Hector DiPersion heads the Board of Directors, he spoke with Joan Weeks earlier today.

Listen audio (runs 4:49)

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Job Bank isn't working

Doug Milburn & Roger Cuzner

Posted by Robert Doublett

www.servicecanada.gc.ca.jpgAs we've been hearing in the news, job seekers who are banking on Job Bank are out of luck these days.

The federal website that advertises job openings across the country has been out of service for a week.

Doug Milburn is vice-president of Protocase Incorporated in Sydney.

He was advertising two jobs at his manufacturing company on Job Bank before the site went down.

Reporter Bobby Nock spoke to him.

Listen icon_audio.gif (runs 3:51)

Rodger Cuzner is the M-P for Cape Breton-Canso and Liberal critic for Service Canada.

Reporter Bobby Nock spoke to him about Job Bank being down.

Listen icon_audio.gif (runs 1:38)

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Xstrata coal by barge.

Val Istomin

Posted by Robert Doublett

There was a heated meeting in Donkin last night, about a proposed coal mine for the area.

Fishermen in the area say they want to support the project - but not if it costs them their livelihood.

X-Strata Coal wants to move coal from the mine by barge, to coal carriers offshore. And the fishermen say that could force them out of the area.

Val Istomin is the project manager for the mine.
He explained the thinking behind the barge option, to Wendy Martin.

Listen audio (runs 7:51)

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High School Robbery

Wendy Martin

Posted by Robert Doublett

Police are investigating an armed robbery at a local high school.

It happened at memorial high school in Sydney mines on Monday.

The CBC's Wendy martin has been looking into the story.

Listen audio (runs 7:54)

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Oxycontin out, OxyNEO in......for some.

Dr. Etienne Prinsloo

Posted by Robert Doublett

As we've heard in the news recently, the manufacturer of Oxycontin will no longer make the drug.

It's being replaced with a new drug called OxyNEO.

It will be much harder to abuse and should cut down on addictions.

The province has decided ....it will not approve any new prescriptions for OxyNeo. Only people currently on Oxycontin... and some cancer and palliative patients... will be able to get OxyNEO.

Dr. Etienne Prinsloo is a pain specialist here in Sydney.

He foresees problems.

Dr. Prinsloo says Cape Breton has very long waiting lists for pain treatment... because there are only three specialists.

It also has a population with many people suffering from pain.

He spoke with Joan Weeks earlier today about the challenges facing pain specialists here.... and the complications caused by the changes with Oxycontin.


Listen audio (runs 3:34)

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Transportation Trades 11 - automotive training

Mike Morrison - BEC's skilled trades instuctor

Posted by Robert Doublett

Students in some Nova Scotia High Schools are going to get more and more exposure to courses in the skilled trades.

It's part of the province's "Kids and Learning First" program.

Today the deputy premier officially launched the brand new "Transportation Trades 11" course
at Breton Education Centre in New Waterford.

The automotive training is the latest course -- it now joins the basic skilled trades course and a full-fledged construction course-- in which students actually learn how to build a small house right there in the school's workshop.

Mike Morrison is BEC's skilled trades instructor. He spoke with CBC reporter Hal Higgins.

Listen audio (runs 3:06)

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Braemore Home's incoming CEO

Mildred Colbourne

Posted by Robert Doublett

Braemore Home in Sydney River has a new CEO.

The Cape Breton District Health Authority announced today that Mildred Colbourne will take on the job, starting on February 27th.

Last fall, problems at the home for people with intellectual disabilities including allegations of abuse led the provincial government to step in.

The Department of Communities Services stripped control of the facility from the Cape Breton Regional Municipality.

The Cape Breton District Health Authority was put in charge and an interim CEO was appointed.

The province also launched a review of the Home's operations.

For more, Braemore Home's incoming CEO, Mildred Colbourne joins me now.

Listen audio (runs 9:09)

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Talbot House Incident

Dr. John Gainer & Father Donald MacGillivray

Posted by Robert Doublett

The priest who has spoken for the Diocese of Antigonish in recent years is the subject of an unspecified complaint.

Father Paul Abbass runs Talbot House, outside Sydney. It's an addiction recovery and rehabilitation facility for men.

The complaint was filed with the Department of Community Services.

John Gainer is the chair of the Talbot House Board.

Listen (runs 5:36)

Father Donald MacGillivray speaks for the Diocese of Antigonish....the Bishop sent a press release out about an hour ago, we spoke with Father MacGillivray

Shortly after that...here is our conversation.

Listen audio (runs 5:28)

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Dominion Beach Renewal

Deputy premier and local MLA ,Frank Corbett and Joe Ellsworth

Posted by Robert Doublett

dominion-05.jpgDominion Beach has faced more than its fair share of challenges over the years.

First pollution from nearby sewage outfalls prevented swimming.

Then... once that was resolved... mother nature continued to take a toll.

Erosion has been eating away the shoreline and winter storms have damaged the parks infrastructure.

The provincial government recently sent out a survey to help it plan for the future of Dominion Beach.

More than 1-thousand people answered.

Deputy premier and local MLA ,Frank Corbett, spoke with Joan Weeks about the survey.

Listen (runs 3:58)

The survey showed that almost half the people who use Dominion Beach... go there to walk the trail... enjoy the scenery ...or to bird watch.
In the summer.... only 30 per cent enjoy swimming and sun bathing.

Joe Ellsworth has been a lifelong visitor to Dominion Beach. He's part of a committee formed to find a solution to the erosion problems.

Ellsworth met with reporter Joan Weeks on the beach earlier today.


Listen audio (runs 4:16)

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Courting the convention crowd

Mary Tulle

Posted by Robert Doublett

Destination Cape Breton is looking for 60-thousand dollars from the Cape Breton Regional Municipality.

CEO Mary Tulle made the request during a presentation to council last week.

She also layed out the association's strategic plan for boosting tourism to the island.    

Part of that plan involves courting conference and meeting business.

To learn more about the strategy, and how the 60-thousand dollars would be used, we've invited Mary Tulle into our studio.

Listen audio (runs 11:16)

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International Ports Tour

John Lynn

Posted by Robert Doublett

A group of people interested in port development in Cape Breton are touring ports out west this week.

Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation is leading the trade mission.

The group is in Prince Rupert today.

That's where we reached ECBC CEO John Lynn.



Listen audio (runs 6:25)

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Robin's Demolition

Sylvia LeLievre

Posted by Robert Doublett

As we've been hearing in the news, the former Robin's store in Cheticamp has been torn down.

Crews with Inverness County Public Works are still working on the site, clearing away the rubble.

The County has tried twice to sell the derelict building for back taxes.

Now it hopes to sell the vacant lot to recoup some of the money.

Sylvia LeLievre lives next to the former Robin's store.

Reporter Bobby Nock spoke with her earlier today and asked what she can see when she looks out her window now.

Listen audio (runs 5:22)

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30 years later: Point Tupper Blast

Lorraine King

Posted by Robert Doublett

Today is the anniversary of a terrible event in the Port Hawkesbury area.

Thirty years ago there was an explosion at the Point Tupper paper mill.

The toxic gas that was released in that explosion poisoned many of the mills workers.

It also resulted in the deaths of five men.

Listen audio (runs 7:07)

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The New SPCA - Renovations

Nova Scotia SPCA executive director, Kristin Williams

Posted by Robert Doublett

The executive director of the Nova Scotia SPCA was in Sydney today to address Cape Breton Regional Council's committee-of-the-whole.

Kristan Williams is overseeing some major changes at the local shelter which was turned over to the control of the provincial body in a recent court ruling.

Today she summarized those plans.


Listen audio (runs 1:46)

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The Kids and Learning First Plan

Vic Fleury: President of the Nova Scotia School Boards Association

Posted by Robert Doublett

After six years, there's once again a master plan for primary to 12 education in Nova Scotia.

The Kids and Learning First plan was released on Friday by Education Minister Ramona Jennox.

It outlines several strategies and priorities for improving math and literacy scores in the province while keeping class sizes small.

The plan also calls for more co-op programs and hands-on skills training at the high school level.

But there are questions around how closely the plan can be implemented, given the possibility of more funding cuts to school boards in the up-coming budget.

Vic Fleury is the President of the Nova Scotia School Boards Association.

Listen audio (runs 9:05)

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Mnohaya lita!

Celebrating 100 years of Ukrainian Faith in Cape Breton

Posted by Robert Doublett

This afternoon on Mainstreet we were broadcasting live from the Cape Breton Center for Heritage and Science.

We were learning all about the Ukrainian Culture and Heritage. We met Internationally renowned Banduryst Julian Kytasty.

Julian traveled from New York for this years celebrations, and we asked him about the history of the Bandura and for a quick lesson.

Listen audio (runs 12:57)

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Live from the Flamingo

John Gracie

Posted by Robert Doublett

johngracie2.pngTalk about versatile. Nova Scotia's John Gracie moves back and forth like nobody's business.

So it should come as no surprise that Gracie has reinvented himself once again, this time as a crooner. That's right, an old-style, lean on the piano, wear-a-tux with the tie undone, sip on a drink and make love to the microphone. Okay, he doesn't go THAT far, but his new album is called Live From The Flamingo: A Bennett, Sinatra Salute.

For Gracie the key was to put together a classic swingin' combo, to perform these songs for swingin' lovers, 50's style. That meant real instruments, some of the Maritimes best players in the genre, including Moncton-born Georges Hebert, the guitar stalwart for most of Anne Murray's career, as well as many others. It's a big band style, just guitar, bass, keys, drums and sax, but the point here is the intimacy, and room for the players to shine.

Listen (runs 12:28)

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Tribute to the Carpenters

Laurel Martell

Posted by Robert Doublett

Carpenters.jpgOne of the most successful musical groups of the 1970s, brother and sister duo, the Carpenters, introduced a unique and inimitable sound that changed the world of popular music forever.

Many of the contemporary female singers we hear these days all refer to Karen Carpenter as one of their main influences.

Jann Arden, KD Lang, and Shania Twain to name a couple.

If you happen to be anywhere even close to the Savoy Theatre on February 12th you will want to check out the show 'Tribute to the Carpenters' featuring Laurel Martell.

This tribute features the vocals of Laurel Martell, a performer who fell in love with the Carpenters at the age of eleven. Laurel is backed by a talented group of local musicians assembled and directed by studio owner (Lakewind Sound) and multiple East Coast Music Award winner, Fred Lavery.

Listen (runs 10:15min)

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Canada's Country Gentleman
Tommy Hunter

Posted by Robert Doublett

Tommy.jpgOn March 20th, 2012, Canada's country gentleman will rest his guitar against a stool, bringing to a close his concert touring days.

It will be a bittersweet goodbye for Tommy Hunter as he celebrates his 75th birthday in London Ontario on that date - the city where it all began 65 years ago when as a young boy of 9 he picked up his first guitar.

The final leg of what has been a two part final tour of Canada, will begin mid-February and cover Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, PEI and then move into Ontario before ending in London.

Listen (runs 19:26)

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BrainScreen
Scott Knight, executive director of BrainScreen

Posted by Robert Doublett

A University of Toronto Psychology Professor believes a test to measure a driver's cognitive ability would go a long way in making Canada's roads safer. As Canadian clinicians become more aware of disorders that impact cognitive ability, such as post concussion syndrome, and dementias, such as Alzheimer's disease, Dr. Konstantine Zakzanis believes it's becoming increasingly important to measure a driver's cognitive ability.

Zakzanis has developed a 15-minute online screening test called BrainScreen. It is patent pending, available in 20 languages and is the first test of its kind in North America.

Listen (runs 9:31)

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CBC LIVE: The Haggis Taste Test

Posted by Robert Doublett

January 25 is Burns' Night, where Scots the world over will celebrate the life of Robbie Burns by eating haggis and drinking whisky... Haggis gets a bad rap, so CBC Live's Calum Shanlin asked some of the stars of CBC to help us prove that it is, in fact, delicious.

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Job Cuts - Centre for Policy Alternatives
Senior Economist David MacDonald

Posted by Robert Doublett

Atlantic Canada will lose a disproportionate number of jobs in the next round of federal civil service cuts according to the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives.

The group is releasing a report called "Cuts Behind the Curtain" because the federal government has not revealed which programs and services are on the chopping block.

The CBC's Jennifer Henderson spoke with David MacDonald.  He's a senior economist who wrote the report.

tape MacDONALD Job Cuts - Centre for Policy Alternatives 0123.mp3

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The town of Canso will cease to be
Troy Greencorn

Posted by Robert Doublett

July 01st, the town of Canso will be amalgamated with the municipality of the district of Guysborough.

The community of Canso is one-hundred eleven years old.

It has a history that has an impact across the nation and, in fact, it's a storied history and there's a book about it.

Listen (runs 10:37)

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The New SPCA
Nova Scotia SPCA executive director, Kristin Williams

Posted by Robert Doublett

SPCA cat.jpgSupreme Court Justice Patrick Murray has ruled in favour of the provincial SPCA.

That granted an injunction against the former branch.

Since then Kristen Williams and Michael Mombourquette have made their way to the facility in Whitney Pier, where we reached her by phone.

Listen (runs 4:41)

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Federation for Scottish Culture
Tom Wallace

Posted by Robert Doublett

It started with the debate about what would be taught at the Gaelic College in St Ann, but it exposed a rift that we have never really explored on this show...the space between the "Scottish Federations"  and the Clan  Societies, and the Gaelic community.

We aren't creating an artificial polarity.  Last year, for Tartan Day, st St Francis Xavier university pitted Gaels against the Tartan army, it was heat and written about in International publications.

So late last year, when the online debate about the role of the Gaelic college came, it shouldn't have surprised anyone that there would be some squaring off.  What was surprising was the tone.

Tom Wallace, president of the Federation for Scottish Culture in Nova Scotia said Tuesday the Scottish societies, clans and associations across the province are watching events unfold at the Gaelic College.
"There is an isolationist element in the Gaelic community that is disavowing cultural traditions like Highland dance and competitive piping that borders almost on xenophobia..."
Wallace said.
"We are one people with one common culture and, while it's important to focus on language, it shouldn't come at the cost of Highland dance or piping."
However, in the comments section below one of your professors Dr Tom Newton responded.
"Why ask that Braveheart tartan buffoon Tom Wallace for his opinion? He knows as much about Gaelic culture as he does Tuvan throatsinging. Who is he talking about when he says, "We are one people...? He is not a Gael and is too ignorant to understand the difference".
tape WALLACE Federation for Scottish Culture 0118.mp3 

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There's coal in them thar waves!
Dr. John Harker

Posted by Robert Doublett

An article in the Globe and Mail today talked about a seam of coal just off the coast of Donkin which may contain 300million tonnes of coal.

That's more than has ever been mined in the history of Cape Breton.

That article made the list of the 'most shared' items of the day.

Dr John Harker, joined us in studio to talk about our offshore coal.

tape HARKER Cape Breton Coal 0118.mp3
Read the original article here.

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Possible Church Closures.
John MacEachern and Father Donald MacGillivray

Posted by Robert Doublett

Yesterday parishioners from the various Catholic churches in the Sydney area had their first look at a proposal from the Pastoral Planning Committee.  

Over the last several months there have been meetings to attempt to deal with some of the issues facing the Catholic Churches in the Sydney Deanery....declining, aging populations, aging buildings, shortage of priests.  

Yesterday parishioners had a look at the first draft proposal that would see some churches close, and others share a priest....

Church Closures for web 0116.mp3

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Intelligence officer accused of passing secrets
Debrief by Steve Puddicomb

Posted by Robert Doublett

Jeffrey Paul Delisle.jpgToday we've been following the story of a Canadian Naval Intelligence Officer who faces two charges for violating the Security of Information Act by communicating information to a foreign entity.

As we know a Halifax based intelligence officer with the Canadian Forces has been arrested for allegedly passing secrets to a foreign entity or terrorist group.

A senior defence official told CBC News that Delisle joined the reserves in 1996 and became a regular Canadian Forces member in 2001. He was promoted to officer in 2008.

The official said the alleged breaches did not pose a threat to public safety. He said Delisle worked for a unit called HMCS Trinity.

Trinity is an intelligence facility at the naval dockyard in Halifax. It tracks vessels entering and exiting Canadian waters via satellites, drones and underwater devices. The centre is a multi-national base with access to secret data from NATO countries.

A source says the Canadian Forces counter-intelligence branch is conducting a damage assessment as a result of this case.

The accused would have had clearance to at least top secret information, if not higher, depending on which project he was assigned to, according to the official, who would not say which other country was involved.

Jeffrey Paul Delisle, who lives in the Bedford area of Halifax, was arrested over the weekend.

He appeared in court in Halifax on Tuesday morning for a bail hearing.

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As you've been hearing in the news...
Andrew Feldstein, expert in Family Law

Posted by Robert Doublett

Thousands of same-sex marriages performed on foreigners visiting Canada may not valid.

The confusion stems from a court case involving a lesbian couple who got married in Toronto in 2005.

When the couple sought a divorce, a Department of Justice lawyer argued their marriage was never, in fact, legal.

This... because the couple could not have been married in Florida or England, where they are from.

With more on what this could mean for gay marriage in Canada, here's family lawyer Andrew Feldstein.

clip FELDSTEIN gay marriage.mp3

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Marine Atlantic Fare Hike
Marine Atlantic's Vice President of Customer Experience, Don Barnes

Posted by Robert Doublett

Marine Atlantic's Vice President of Customer Experience, Don Barnes, today released released the Corporation's rate structure for 2012. This year's rate structure includes the introduction of a new $2.50 security fee to recoup some of the costs associated with security initiatives such as inspections, personnel and infrastructure.

Mr Barnes says these ongoing investments are required to meet Canada's Domestic Ferry Security Regulations.

The new fee will be introduced on a passenger ticket after February 12th, and will be charged on adult fares.

Marine Atlantic Don Barnes jan1212.mp3

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Paws Pause for the Cause
Jenn MacNeil: Volunteer at PAWS Mart

Posted by Robert Doublett

Life at the Sydney animal shelter is anything but normal these days.

The shelter is in a court battle with the Nova Scotia SPCA.

That body has applied for an injunction to take over the shelter in Sydney, claiming that animals are being mistreated, and records falsified.

While all that unfolds in Supreme Court  - it is business as usual at the store that raises money for the animal shelter.

It's called Paws Mart - it's on Victoria Road in Sydney.

The CBC's Wendy Martin dropped by.

PAWS Mart - Jenn macNeil.mp3

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JobsHere program lacks targets.
Liberal MLA Geoff MacLellan

Posted by Robert Doublett

jobsHERE.jpgYou've no doubt heard the about jobsHere. It's the Dexter government's key economic strategy designed to bring jobs to the province and safeguard those already here.

The province has been promoting jobsHere for weeks in print ads and on TV.

What you may not know is the strategy is not being measured by how many jobs it creates or how many jobs it saves.

In fact there are no job targets at all associated with the program something Liberal MLA Geoff MacLellan wanted to talk about when senior bureaucrats were called before a committee of the legislature today.

After a power-point demonstration, MacLellan put this question to the bureaucrats.

ftr MacLELLAN Jobs.mp3

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The Detroit auto show........
Phil Edmonston

Posted by Robert Doublett

Thumbnail image for 2010-Detroit-auto-show-logo.jpg........rolled out today.

With car sales set to increase this year, the industry is hoping to woo buyers with fuel efficiency and design.

For his take on this year's crop of new vehicles, we've reached Phil Edmonston.

He's a car expert and author of the Lemon-aid guides.

Phil Edmonston for web.mp3

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ACAP's Big Year
Executive director Susan King and Education manager Hannah MacDonald

Posted by Robert Doublett

ACAPlogosmall.jpgIt's their twentieth year working on environmental issues in this community, and there are lots of events planned over the coming year to celebrate.

The first happens tonight with a kick-off at the ACAP offices in Sydney. There will be live music, some eats and a guest speaker.

Executive director Susan King and Education manager Hannah MacDonald spoke with Joan Weeks earlier today.

Joan began by asking Susan what the highlights of the last 20 years have been:

ACAP 20th Annivrsary.mp3

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RCMP settle lawsuit in Simon shooting
Brian Arbuthnot, director of operations with the Wagmatcook Band Council.

Posted by Robert Doublett

The Wagmatcook Band Council describes it as the final step in the chain of events that followed the fatal shooting of John Simon.

Today, the RCMP announced they have reached a  settlement with Simon's widow and his mother.

The family sued for loss of financial support, loss of companionship, and mental anguish after Simon was shot and killed by an RCMP officer.

The settlement prevents the case from going to court.

The family has signed a non-disclosure agreement so details of the agreement are not known.

Brian Arbuthnot is director of operations with the Wagmatcook Band Council.

He spoke with CBC's Joan Weeks about, where this leaves the community.

WAGMATCOOK Brian Arbuthnot.mp3

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CBU = (annual operating grant - 3.1%)
Dr. John Harker, President and Vice-chancellor, Cape Breton University
and Chair, Council of Nova Scotia University Presidents (CONSUP)

Posted by Robert Doublett

Nova Scotia's university leaders are deeply disappointed with the Government's decision to reduce its annual operating grant to their institutions for the second straight year.

The government's announced three plus percent (-3.1%) reduction to the annual operating grant ($10.5 million) to Nova Scotia's universities for 2012-13, "...is another blow to the quality and national competitiveness of the province's universities" said, Dr. John Harker, President and Vice-chancellor, Cape Breton University and Chair, Council of Nova Scotia University Presidents (CONSUP).

The 2012-13 cut to the system plus absorption of annual, inflationary cost increases by the universities will amount to approximately $33 million in an overall funding reduction.
In 2011-12, the Government cut the operating grant to universities by four percent (4%) plus forced the absorption of annual cost increases. That resulted in an overall funding reduction of $42 million to Nova Scotia's universities.

Harker.mp3

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Bishop Lahey gets time served for child porn.
Brian Dubreuil

Posted by Robert Doublett

BishopLahey.gifThe disgraced former bishop of Antigonish is a free man today.

Raymond Lahey was sentenced this morning to 15 months in jail, for possessing and importing child porn.

However, with credit for time served, Lahey gets out of jail this afternoon.

He is under a number of conditions. Among other things, he will be a registered sex offender for the next 20 years.

The CBC's Brian Dubreuil has covered the Lahey story since September 2009, when the bishop was caught at the Ottawa airport with a laptop loaded with child porn.

Brian is in Ottawa today, for the sentencing. 

Brian DuBreil for web.mp3


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Emera Utility Services calls temporary lay off.
Sasha Irving, Director, Corporate Communications, Emera Inc.

Posted by Robert Doublett

A company that repairs power lines and builds wind turbines has laid off much of its staff.

Emera Utility Services is based in Halifax but has facilities across the Maritimes....including an office in Sydney.

The company says... the layoffs are temporary.

Sasha Irving speaks for Emera.

CBC's Joan Weeks reached her earlier today to ask for details on the lay-off.

EMERA LAYOFFS Sasha Irving.mp3

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Your Health with Dr. Brian Goldman

Posted by Robert Doublett

2834-Goldman doctors.jpg Dr. Brian Goldman
.....is a veteran ER physician and one of Canada's most trusted medical broadcasters. He has been an award-winning medical reporter for CBC Television's The Health Show as well as The National. He's known across Canada as CBC Radio One's "House Doctor." Brian has a proven knack for making sense of medical baffelgab. On 'White Coat, Black Art', he takes listeners past medical bluff and bluster and shows what really goes on at hospitals and clinics. Brian is also author of The Night Shift, Real Life in the Heart of the ER, which takes readers to the front line of emergency medicine and offers a compelling inside view into an often shrouded world.

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Technology with Anshuman Iddamsetty

Posted by Robert Doublett

Anshuman Iddamsetty began as a freelance print journalist but soon crossed the floor to public broadcasting after being awarded the CBC Radio Peter Gzowski internship, an experience that swiftly detonated any interest in newsprint. A Torontonian by way of Newfoundland, Anshuman has gone on to curate audio for GO!, break stories at Spark, and blog for CBC Books. We're told he does a mean version of Bobby Darin's "Beyond The Sea".

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Big changes at Sydney's Loaves and Fishes
Executive Director Adrienne Cogswell

Posted by Robert Doublett

The new year brings some big changes at Sydney's loaves and fishes soup kitchen.

Executive Director Adrienne Cogswell retires today after 26 years service.

CBC reporter George Mortimer went to loaves and fishes today to speak with Adrienne about her experiences and her memories.

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Accreditation
John Malcom, CEO for the Cape Breton District Health Authority

Posted by Robert Doublett

The Cape Breton District Health Authority has recently been put to the test for more than 26-hundred standards.

The review is meant to measure safety and quality of care.

It was carried out by an independent, national organization called Accreditation Canada.

For more on the accreditation process and to find out how the Authority did, we reached John Malcom, CEO for the District.

John Malcolm Accreditation for web.mp3

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The Golden K, Sydney's ambassadors

Posted by Robert Doublett

The Golden K have served as ambassadors and welcomed thousands of visitors to Cape Breton.  The 48 volunteers dedicated a total of 1,277 volunteer hours this year to ensure no tourist was without the information they needed to enjoy their stay on the Island. They greeted visitors who arrived by sea at the Joan Harris Cruise Pavilion.

                                                                             (Photo courtesy of www.sydneyport.ca)

SydneyCruisePavilion.jpg

 

Today on Mainstreet, the driving force behind this year's initiative, 91 year old Iver Gillis, a volunteer with the Golden K for 27 years.  And Bernadette MacNeil, Manager of Cruise Marketing and Development, with Sydney Ports Corporation.

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Smokes and Mirrors
RCMP Inspecrtor John Ryan

Posted by Robert Doublett

smokes.jpg
The RCMP Customs and Excise Unit in Sydney has seized 910,000 contraband cigarettes after searching a vehicle and residential shed in North Sydney.

On October 30th, 2011, officers seized a truck and camper trailer from a property on Margaret Street in North Sydney and following a search of both, located 55 cases or 550,000 cigarettes of contraband in the trailer. The cigarettes were packaged in cartons, each containing 200 cigarettes, and were labeled "DISCOUNT" with the U.S. Surgeon General warning on the packaging.

On a search of the camper trailer, officers determined that the trailer had been modified for the concealment and transport of the contraband tobacco.

A 52 year-old North Sydney man is facing charges of Unlawful Possession of Unstamped Tobacco and Possession of Tobacco without Taxes Paid under the Customs and Excise Act.

tape INST RYAN Illegal Smokes 1102.mp3

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Jim Charters.....effective immediately.
John Ryan - CBU's director of athletics

Posted by Robert Doublett

cape-breton-university-athletics-department-01.jpg
Today CBU Athletics Director John Ryan announced that Jim Charters, the coach of the Capers Mens Basketball team...effective immediately.

He was nine years as head coach of the Capers and he will be replaced by an assistant coach from Halifax.

We reached John Ryan for comment.

John Ryan for web.mp3

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It was a dark and stormy night....
David Rhodenizer

Posted by Robert Doublett

IMG00075-20111031-1033.jpgThe Island was pelted by high winds and rain.

Thousands were left without power.

David Rhodenizer speaks for Nova Scotia Power.

Reporter Joan Weeks spoke to him earlier today.

NOVA SCOTIA POWER warp up.mp3

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Red Brick Row
Marcia Smith

Posted by Robert Doublett

try 1.jpgA very special open house was held today in Sydney Mines. Red Brick Row was built in 1829 and has had a facelift with some help from friends. It's now used as affordable housing.

We stopped by the open house, to get a tour.

tape SMITH Red Brick Row 1028.mp3

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Halloween Fire Safety
Fire Service Instructor Stephen MacVicar

Posted by Robert Doublett

IMG00068-20111027-1238.jpgThe Cape Breton Regional Fire Service put on a disturbing demonstration at the Grand Lake Fire Station today.

Fire fighters had purchased a few Halloween costumes at local stores and earlier this afternoon, they tried to set them on fire.It wasn't hard.

The Fire Service has learned that well over half the costumes being sold locally, are flammable.

As a result, they've issued a fire safety alert to warn people about the dangers.

Today's event  was put on by Fire Service Instructor Stephen MacVicar, with the help of Scotchtown fire fighter Jennifer MacKinnon.

Here's part of that demonstration.

BURNING Halloween Costume.mp3

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What we found.

Bruce Hatcher

Posted by Robert Doublett

It's been more than a month since the lobster relocation project got underway in Sydney Harbour.

And three weeks since the harbour dredging began.

The lobster, crab and other marine life were moved out of the way of the huge dredging vessel.

Monday, the marine biologist in charge of the relocation project, sifted through some of the dredged sediment from the outer region of the harbour.

Bruce Hatcher tells reporter Yvonne LeBlanc-Smith what he found.... and what he didn't find.

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Boat Rescue
Chief Lenny Barrington - New Waterford Fire Department

Posted by Robert Doublett

Two men were rescued from a burning fishing boat off the coast of Glace Bay this morning.

Regional Police , the coast guard and New Waterford fire rescue responded to the call just before 8.30.

CBC reporter George Mortimer spoke with Chief Lenny Barrington from the New Waterford Fire department just after he arrived back from the scene .

tape-barringtonboatfire (for mainstreet ).mp3

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On the Road Again
Don Shebib

Posted by Robert Doublett

Thumbnail image for 20101020_shebib1.jpgIt's next-to-impossible to talk about Canadian cinema without talking about Shebib's 1970 feature Goin' Down the Road.

For those who don't (or are not old enough to) remember it, in 1970 Joey and Pete leave Cape Breton Island heading west to try life in the big city.

No film spoke to the story of Cape Bretoner's better than it.

For those who've always wondered what happened to Joey and Pete we find out in Goin' Down the Road Again. The new film revisits these characters 40 years later.

don shebib for web.mp3

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Cape Breton's Worst Driver
Shirley Sampson
Nominated by daughter, Janis

Posted by Robert Doublett

shirley-179.jpgBegining October 24th on Canada's Worst Driver (which airs on the Discovery Channel) we'll meet Caper Shirley Sampson. Shirley is only comfortable driving in the small towns of Cape Breton. Recently retired, she wants to start visiting her daughter, Janis, in Halifax.

However, driving to Halifax involves the frightening task of modern high speed merging.

Shirley cannot stay in her own lane; she does not know basic road signs, and she is a disaster backing-up, but Shirley's worst habit is stopping when she gets confused.

Shirley the bad driver.mp3

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Sydney Harbour Silt Plume

resident of the Sydney Harbour Fishers Association: Melanie Sampson

Posted by Robert Doublett

Thumbnail image for SydHarbrPlume.jpgConcerns were raised this week about a plume of sediment being stirred up by the dredging of Sydney's harbour.

It's commonly known that contaminants from the Sydney Steel Plant ended the lobster fishery in the inner harbour a few decades ago.

Environment Canada says it is now investigating a complaint filed about the sediment plume by Public Works.

The plume is in the outer harbour, where a thriving lobster and crab fishery still exists.

Melanie Sampson heads the Sydney Harbour Fishers Association. It's has 42 members from North Sydney and South Bar.

Joan Weeks asked her about their  involvement with the harbour dredge and whether they're worried sediment plume will hurt the fishery.

photo by: Gerry Langille

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Braemore's licencing
Community Services Minister Denise Peterson-Rafuse

Posted by Robert Doublett

The province is taking immediate action to address serious issues identified in a report on Braemore Home Corporation's programs and operations, released today.

Effective immediately, the province is suspending Braemore's licence and appointing the Cape Breton District Health Authority's Board of Directors to act as the Sydney facility's interim board.

Community Services Minister Denise Peterson-Rafuse says the first priority is the care and well-being of residents and that the province is acting immediately to address Braemore's most serious issues.

The province has formed a team of experts to develop a strategy to address issues at Braemore.

The full report can be found online at the Department of Community Services website.

Minister Rafuse for web.mp3

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Cape Breton District Health Authority Budget Cuts
CEO John Malcolm

Posted by Robert Doublett

The Cape Breton District Health Authority is going to have to surgically remove than 7 million dollars from its budget next year.

That's what its estimated the Province's 3 percent cut to Health Districts will mean for the Authority.

Johh Malcom is CEO for the District.

Reporter Bobby Nock spoke to him.

Malcom on Cut.mp3

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Posted by Robert Doublett

Celtic ColoursSince 1997, the Celtic Colours International Festival has featured hundreds of musicians from all over the Celtic world and attracted tens of thousands of visitors to Cape Breton Island.

For nine days in October, Cape Breton Island is home to a unique celebration of music and culture as the Celtic Colours International Festival presents dozens of concerts all over the island, an extensive line-up of workshops, a visual art series of exhibitions, and a nightly Festival Club.
Over the years, artists have traveled from Scotland, Ireland, Wales, England, Brittany, Spain, Denmark, Germany, Norway, and Cuba as well as from across the United States and Canada to join the finest of Cape Breton's musicians, singers, dancers, storytellers and tradition-bearers for the annual Autumn celebration.

Every year during these nine days we take up a temporary home at Knox Presbyterian Church in Baddeck chatting with musicians, hearing the music and sharing it with you.

Join us every weekday afternoon between 4-6pm as we rebroadcast sections of our daily recordings from Knox Presbyterian Hall in Baddeck.

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Rachel Davis & Buddy MacDonald
Cape Breton

Posted by Robert Doublett

BUddy-MacDonald-cc08-by-murd.jpgBuddy's career as a singer, song-writer, entertainer, began over thirty years ago. Born and brought up on the Northern Shores of Cape Breton Island, he was exposed at an early age to the singing and story-telling of some of the great Celtic singers of his native Island. Much of his song-writing is still influenced by this style he was so familiar with as a young boy. 

Over the years he has travelled and entertained audiences throughout Canada, the United States, Germany, Scotland and the Scandinavian countries, performing as a solo act and in different combinations with other musicians from Cape Breton. He has performed on stage with many of Eastern Canada's traditional artists such as Natalie MacMaster, Howie Mac Donald, Ashley MacIssac, Dave MacIssac, John Allan Cameron and more. 

Since Celtic Colours International Festival began in 1997, Buddy has been the host of the late night Festival Club, and he has performed all over the Island with musicians from all over the world, including Scotland's Dougie MacLean and Archie Fisher, Ireland's Tommy Makem and Michael Black, and a host of others. Buddy's songs, along with his own recordings, have been performed and recorded by artists throughout the country. His material has been recorded by such artists as John Allan Cameron, McGinty, Dave Gunning, theatrical casts of the Summertime Revue, cast of the Toronto production "Needfire", which played for months to sold out crowds in Toronto, Canada. 

Buddy continues to tour and chase audiences to wherever they will sit down and listen. Whether in a small country hall, pub, festival or concert theatre, his love of writing, singing and entertaining comes across to bridge the gap between performer and listener. You will find yourself singing along, clapping along and feeling very glad you came.

Thumbnail image for Rachel-Davis_f2c4342a578b0747841a441a850bc483.jpgRachel Davis is a fiddler from Baddeck Cape Breton. She picked up the fiddle when she was 12, first taking lessons from her grandfather, Clarence Long. She continued on to learn from Karen Beaton, and also from Stan Chapman and Kyle MacNeil through her studies at Cape Breton University, where she is a recent graduate. Rachel has performed at many ceilidhs, concerts, and festivals throughout Cape Breton, mainland Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and PEI, and the Eastern United States. During the 2007 Celtic Colours International Festival, she was presented with the Tic Butler Memorial Award, for outstanding contribution to Cape Breton culture. Rachel was chosen as the 2009 recipient of the Frank "Big Sampy" Sampson award, given by the Festival Volunteer Drive'er Association and Lakewind Sound Studios, sponsoring an up-and-coming Cape Breton musician to make their first recording.

Rachel is a fiddler from Baddeck Cape Breton. She picked up the fiddle when she was 12, first taking lessons from her grandfather, Clarence Long. She continued on to learn from Karen Beaton, and also from Stan Chapman and Kyle MacNeil through her studies at Cape Breton University, where she is a recent graduate. Rachel has performed at many ceilidhs, concerts, and festivals throughout Cape Breton, mainland Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and PEI, and the Eastern United States. During the 2007 Celtic Colours International Festival, she was presented with the Tic Butler Memorial Award, for outstanding contribution to Cape Breton culture. Rachel was chosen as the 2009 recipient of the Frank "Big Sampy" Sampson award, given by the Festival Volunteer Drive'er Association and Lakewind Sound Studios, sponsoring an up-and-coming Cape Breton musician to make their first recording.

bio: Celtic-Colours.com

Celtic Colours - Rachel & Buddy - 530pm 1014.mp3

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Celtic Colours 2011 - Ashley MacIsaac
Knox Presbyterian Church

Posted by Robert Doublett

Thumbnail image for ashley.jpegHailing from Creignish, Inverness County, Ashley MacIsaac now lives in Toronto, Ontario.

Since the early 1990s, Ashley has made numerous albums which run the gamut from traditional Cape Breton fiddle music, to boundary busting rock'n'roll-styled fiddle arrangements, to fronting a full on rock band as lead singer.

Ashley's career has taken him all over the world. performed at Carnegie Hall six times, opened for Sting at a May Day concert in Rome, Italy and played in Australia, Mexico, China and all over North America and Europe.

Aside from countless live performances over the years, Ashley has appeared in several movies, and has had several documentaries made on his life.

Ashley's new album, Crossover, was released earlier this year. During Celtic Colours, Ashley will be performing with piano-player Barbara MacDonald Magone.

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Crowdis Bridge
Cape Breton

Posted by Robert Doublett

Thumbnail image for crowdis-bridge-bnd-shot.jpgCombining a bluegrass influenced playing style with poignant lyrics and a modern folk feel; the Crowdis Bridge sound is truly unique.

Both vocally and rhythmically, Jason Rudderham brings a refreshing and modernized dynamic to the traditional bluegrass genre.

Jason's rock and Celtic background allows him to generate unique and complimentary rhythms that are the backbone of the Crowdis Bridge sound.

Whether it is banjo, guitar, mandolin or singing, Ben Furey's inherent talent and musical upbringing gave him the tools to provide subtle color to anything he plays. His playing style is aesthetically pleasing with the right mix of creativity and technical ability.

Andrew Fedora's guitar playing and singing offer a somewhat traditional sound in a somewhat nontraditional fashion. Lyrically, his songwriting achieves an impressive present-day level of depth and poetry while maintaining a timeless appeal.

All multi instrumentalists, vocalists and songwriters, the Crowdis Bridge sound is dynamic and synergistic, appealing to as many different crowds as they have influences.

bio: Celtic-Colours.com

Celtic Colours - Crowdis Bridge - 500pm 1014.mp3

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Cabot Gypsum
Reg MacLeod

Posted by Robert Doublett

Wallboard, gyprock, sheet-rock; whatever you call it.... they are making here in Cape Breton again.

A new company has taken over the bankrupt Federal Gypsum plant in Point Tupper.

Cabot Gypsum bought the assets earlier this year and is leasing the building from the province.

Reg MacLeod is the sales manager at Cabot.

He spoke earlier today with CBC reporter Yvonne LeBlanc-Smith.

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the Alan Kelly Gang
Ireland

Posted by Robert Doublett

Alan Kelly.jpgFronted by Ireland's piano accordion maestro, described by New York's Irish Voice as 'in league with the best piano accordionists in the world', and with three of Ireland's finest musicians {Tola Custy (fiddle), Steph Geremia (flute & vocals) and Tony Byrne (guitar)} all critically acclaimed masters of their own craft, The Alan Kelly Gang (formerly quartet) has been creating quite a stir on the traditional & folk circuit taking their audiences by storm and impressing both music lover and critic alike.  Performing beautifully arranged songs and instrumental pieces from throughout the Celtic regions including Ireland, Brittany, Asturias and Louisiana as well as original compositions that stem from a deep traditional sensitivity, skillfully executed and soulfully delivered, their sound is fresh and unique with their strong dynamics, driving rhythms and buoyant harmonies. Their music will draw even the most fainthearted listener into the passion that they put into the music they play - magical,  joyous and uplifting!  "The arrangements are world class, as are the musicians, and Ireland is always somewhere in the mix." Irish Music Magazine 

One of Ireland's most accomplished musicians in any genre, Alan Kelly is piano accordionist, composer and arranger utterly at home in his own skin. To date, Alan has released four critically acclaimed albums including his most recent solo venture, 'After the Morning', named as one of the 'top ten musical highs of 2009' by the Irish Times who described it as a "humdinger of a collection". In September of this year the Alan Kelly Gang released their first band album titled ' Small Towns and Famous Nights".

bio: Celtic-Colours.com

Celtic Colours - ALAN KELLY 530pm 1013.mp3

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What to do with all that zucchini....
Sandra MacPherson

Posted by Robert Doublett

It's a question many people are asking these days with the fall bounty upon us.

Well... with a little imagination, it could be part of a delicious stir fry, or lasagna!

It's that kind of thinking that is making for some changes at the Glace Bay food bank.

Co-ordinator, Sandra MacPherson and her small group of volunteers have come up with a plan
to encourage healthy eating... with the added benefit of reducing food waste.

It's called "Taste Your Way to Health".

It gives clients a chance to taste test, a healthy home-made dish, right at the food bank!

MacPherson explains the program to reporter Yvonne LeBlanc-Smith.

tape Glace Bay Food Bank healthy.mp3


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CBRM Crime Stats
Chief Peter MacIsaac and Deputy Chief Lloyd MacCormack

Posted by Robert Doublett

The Cape Breton Regional Police have released the CBRM crime statistics for 2010.

The numbers show criminal activiity is down, especially violent crime which dropped 33 per cent. The CBRM also had fewer severe crimes last year, although robberies are up.

The Regional Police presented the numbers at a Police Commission meeting in Sydney today.

After the meeting, Chief Peter MacIsaac and Deputy Chief Lloyd MacCormack spoke with reporters.

CRIME Stats CBRM.mp3

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April Verch Trio
Ontario

Posted by Robert Doublett

9-2-April-Verch-trio.jpgWhen you see April Verch perform, the first thing that strikes you is the pure energy that infuses her fiddle playing and stepdancing. When you listen to her though, what draws you in are more subtle things--her pure voice, the finely detailed elegance of her fiddle phrasing and the depth of a repertoire that ranges through material from bluegrass to Brazilian to Celtic, from a jaunty Canadian folksong to a poignant contemporary ballad. 

April is from the Ottawa Valley, an area with a rich, distinctive musical and stepdancing tradition shaped by the diverse roots of the immigrants drawn to the region's lumber camps. With her band, she plays traditional and original songs that draw from all over the world, but are clearly filtered through her immersion in the style she grew up with in the Ottawa Valley. 

April has released seven recordings to date. Her most recent release, Steal The Blue (2008), was co-produced by Stephen Mougin 
of the Sam Bush Band and Jon Weisberger. It is both a compelling collection of vocal and instrumental selections and the best portrait yet of April as a performing artist, while testifying to the esteem in which she's held by Nashville's bluegrass and roots musicians. 

The April Verch Band consists of world-class musicians Clay Ross on guitar and Cody Walters on upright-electric bass and banjo. Verch leads the band with her own simultaneous fiddling and dancing and together they have been selling out prestigious venues and festivals for years. They have toured across Canada, the United States, the U.K., Europe and last year made a six week tour in Australia for the first time. They have established a reputation as consummate performers with boundless energy on stage that inevitably brings audiences to their feet.

bio: Celtic-Colours.com

Celtic Colours - April Virch.mp3

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Posted by Robert Doublett

Celtic_Colours.jpg

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Blazin' Fiddles
Scotland

Posted by Robert Doublett

Thumbnail image for Blazin' Fiddles.jpgTake a group of the hottest contemporary fiddle players from the Highlands and Islands of Scotland and you've got the award winning Blazin' Fiddles on your hands. Having grown from a showcase tour of individual fiddlers highlighting the distinctive flavours of Highlands and Islands fiddle music, no other band has quite captured the excitement, passion and the sensitivity of Scottish music as Blazin' Fiddles. During a performance, the audience has the opportunity to hear pieces featuring the regional styles of each fiddler followed by all hands jumping in for a wonderful explosion of music. Fiddles and bows blaze away with guitar and piano for one of the most exciting and memorable fiddle ensembles ever to take the stage. 

European festival appearances have included The Cambridge Folk Festival, The Sidmouth International Music Festival, Lorient, Tønder Festival, the Falun Festival and Scotland's premier event Celtic Connections. 

Past performances have included their own project With Strings Attached, debuting at Celtic Connections 2005 featuring singer songwriters Eddi Reader, Justin Currie (Del Amitri) and Colin MacIntyre (Mull Historical Society). In 2005 they made a welcomed return to Cambridge Folk Festival and also played the BBC Proms at the Royal Albert Hall following the release of their last album "Magnificent Seven" which picked up the Best Album Award at the Scots Trad Awards 2005. 

The band released their fourth album, Blazin' Fiddles Live, in lead up to their 10th year anniversary in 2008. The band released their fifth and latest studio album, Thursday Night in the Caley, earlier this year. 

Like rare single malts, each member of Blazin' Fiddles draws the distinct flavour of music from their part of the highlands and islands. From solo to ensemble sets, they all come together in a fiery blend that raises the roof. Fiddlers Jenna Reid, Bruce Macgregor, Allan Henderson and Iain Macfarlane are joined by Anna Massie on guitar/fiddle and Andy Thorburn on keyboard to form one of the best live acts today.

bio: celtic-colours.com

Celtic Colours - Blazing Fiddles - FINAL - 1011.mp3

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Ingonish Grief Councling
Debbie MacIsaac

Posted by Robert Doublett

As we heard yesterday, the entire community of Ingonish is in mourning following Monday nights tragic accident.

Two young people in the community were killed when their van left the road.

The Cape Breton Victoria Regional School Board immediately arranged for a Grief Counselling team to visit the local schools.

Unfortunately, Cabot High was closed yesterday because of a school in-service and again today because of a power outage.

Debbie MacIsaac is Program Coordinator with the School Board.

She spoke with Joan Weeks about the latest plans to help students and staff cope with their loss.

Ingonish Grief Debbie MacIsaac.mp3

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A New Appointment for Cecil Clarke
CBRM Council

Posted by Robert Doublett

Cape Breton Regional councils Committee of the Whole has voted to support Cecil Clark's appointment as a senior executive adviser on economic development issues for the Cape Breton County Economic Development Authority.

NorthSide area Councillor Gordon MacLeod moved the motion at todays meeting.

He says he's fed up with some of the negative comments from those who say it was a political appointment.

Clarke ran unsuccessfully for the conservatives in the last federal election .

Macleod asked the councillors to work with Clarke in helping them with important municipal issues.

Here is some of the debate including comments from councillor Kim Deveaux.

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Harbour Dredging Begins
manager of dredging operation for Sydney Ports Corporation: Jim Wooder

Posted by Robert Doublett

After years of planning and lobbying, Sydney Harbour is being dredged.

The Dutch vessel Oranje arrived on the weekend.

It began sucking up the seabed yesterday and will continue the work for about two months.

Jim Wooder is leading the project. He is with the Sydney Ports Corporation.

He explained the work underway to reporter Yvonne LeBlanc-Smith this morning, near the site of where the dredged material is being deposited.

tape Jim Wooder Dredging.mp3

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CBC Cape Breton 75th Anniversary Open House

Posted by Robert Doublett

"We have long been fortunate in this region to have a big, appreciative audience for CBC. Still, when we invited the public to come by and say hello as part of our 75th birthday celebrations and Culture Days, they came in record numbers, streaming into each of our six Maritime locations, thousands of them. They came in strollers and walkers, wheelchairs and runners, young families, extended families, long-time fans and new Canadians. The thing that stood out to me was how everyone was so happy -- happy to see us, so delighted to see the faces and voices they make part of their lives. "

- Andrew Cochran

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Council Meeting
Nova Scotia Premiere Darrell Dexter

Posted by Robert Doublett

Following the Premier's recent announcement on the railway he went to the CBRM Civic Centre to meet privately with Cape Breton Regional Council.

The meeting was designed to express concerns about high unemployment and rapid population decline within the municipality and to suggest how the province might be able to help.

After about an hour-and-fifteen minutes the meeting room doors opened and reporters had a chance to speak with Darrell Dexter.

Here's some of that conversation --starting with the premier.

Mainstreet-Dexter Visit.mp3

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Sydney Harbour Relocation Project
Bruce Hatcher

Posted by Robert Doublett

Last Monday on Mainstreet, we heard about a unique fishery that had just started on Sydney Harbour.

About 24 fishermen are involved in a relocation project.

They're trying to catch as many lobster, crab, eel and whelk as they can, and move them to another part of the harbour.

The idea is to get them out of the way, before the big dredging boat arrives and starts sucking up portions of the harbour bottom next week.

Bruce Hatcher is the chair of marine ecosystem research at Cape Breton University.

He's also in charge of the relocation project.

CBC reporter Holly Conners met his at his office today for an update.

Bruce Hatcher.mp3

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Paying Unsecured Creditors.
Danny Ellis

Posted by Robert Doublett

The monitor, overseeing the restructuring of New Page Port Hawkesbury, was given permission today, to send out claims forms today to some Nova Scotia forestry companies.

Nova Scotia Supreme Court Justice David MacAdam has approved two funds to pay unsecured creditors.

One of the interested parties attending today's hearing was Danny Ellis, owner of Ellis Forestry in Sydney.

He believes private wood lot owners should either... get paid what they are owed... or be allowed to get their wood back from the New Page lot.

He spoke with reporters outside the courtroom:

tape DANNY ELLIS FORESTRY.mp3

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Dance-4-Lindsay
Richard Young & Dawn MacDonald

Posted by Robert Doublett

Lindsay Young, was injured in a horrific car accident on a Cape Breton highway on February 22, 2004. She had been in Taiwan teaching English with her boyfriend when she decided to come home for a visit, unfortunately Lindsay did not know how dramatically her life was about to change.

Lindsay was left in a coma with serious brain injuries after the accident. She is unable to speak, hear, eat or walk but her friends and family are sure she would thrive if she had the right help...
 
Wendy spoke with her Dad Richard and her friend Dawn MacDonald
 
The email address is dance4lindsay@gmail.com
 

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Frailty
Dr Greg Hirsch

Posted by Robert Doublett

When people get to a certain age, sometimes frailty sets in. And if a condition sets in that may require surgery, doctors have a difficult decision to make.

Sometime people are just a little to weak to undergo the surgery, and if they do,  sometimes they come out feeling worse than they were when they first started.

That is exactly the issue that Dr Greg Hirsch wants to look at.

He is looking for a study that looks into issues of frailty.

tape HIRSCH Helath stuffs 0920.mp3

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The Exit Interview
Russ White

Posted by Robert Doublett

russ white.jpgThirty seven years on the air....you learn a thing or two about the community you serve.

Russ White worked in radio, and television, most recently with Global TV, and he covered it all.

Elections, crime scenes, celebrations, disasters

Last week he retired.

We invited him in to talk about his career, and the Cape Breton he has seen change in the last four decades.

But we started with his first day at work...

Here's Russ White...the exit interview

 Russ White The exit Interview.mp3

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Catch and Release
Melanie Sampson: Sydney Harbour Fishermen's Association

Posted by Robert Doublett

Fishing boats were out on Sydney Harbour this afternoon for the start of a special catch and release fishery.

It's an effort to relocate as many lobster, crab and other animals as possible before the harbour dredging project gets underway next month.

Melanie Sampson speaks for the Sydney Harbour Fishermen's Association.

She spoke with CBC reporter Holly Conners earlier today, and explained how the catch and release program will work.

Melanie Sampson.mp3

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Not Running Anymore
Kim Desveaux - CBRM councillor for District 6

Posted by Robert Doublett

If you picked up the paper this morning you would noticed that councillor Kim Desveaux says she is not running for municipal council again.

Within that article there were some idea why that might have been and we wondered what was behind all of that, so we invited her in.

Kim Desveaux.mp3

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The latest for New Page
Premier Darrell Dexter

Posted by Robert Doublett

Tomorrow New Page Port Hawkesbury will shut its doors.

No one knows for how long.

This afternoon, Premier Darrell Dexter spoke with CBC reporter Jean LaRoche about the latest developments in the New Page story:

NewPage Whats Next.mp3

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Dave Wilson Pleads Guilty
Brian DuBreuil

Posted by Robert Doublett

ns-david-wilson-photo.jpgIt's official...former Liberal MLA Dave Wilson has admitted he defrauded taxpayers of thousands of dollars. Wilson appeared in provincial court today to plead guilty to charges stemming from the MLA expense scandal.

Tonight we can tell you how he did it and we'll meet one of the people he unwittingly involved in his scheme...

Brian DuBreuil has been covering this story for us and he was in court today in Sydney.

Dave Wilson Pleads Guilty.mp3


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Greek Default
Craig Alexander

Posted by Robert Doublett

The world is keeping a watchful eye on Greece's debt crisis...and its affect on global markets.

Earlier today, the Greek government said they've only got enough money to last until mid-October.

After that...they'll need another massive loan to pay for government wages and pensions.    

Stocks tumbled and the loonie briefly dipped below parity with the U.S. dollar.

Here with more on a potential Greek default is Craig Alexander, Senior Vice President and Chief Economist at T-D Bank.

Craig Alexander - Greek Default.mp3

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Keeping forestry workers employed
Premiere Darrell Dexter

Posted by Robert Doublett

The province has announced a 15-million dollar program to keep forestry workers employed during the New Page shutdown.

Premier Darrell Dexter made the announcement in Port Hawkesbury late this morning - before an audience of about 150 truckers and contractors.

Here's some of what he had to say.

Premier speech port hawkesbury.mp3

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Cape Breton Film Production
Claude Nearing

Posted by Robert Doublett

When Cape Breton soundstage Filmscape closed it's doors a decade ago, many people thought that was the end of the movie industry on the island.

And it was slow for a while.

In the next couple of weeks we're going to be hearing a lot about some productions that are just now hitting the public.

claude nearing FINAL DNE.mp3

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New Page -vs- Chapter 11 Bankruptcy
Joan Weeks

Posted by Robert Doublett

New Page Corporation announced today, it 's launching legal proceedings to protect the company from bankruptcy until it restructures its debt.

In the U.S. it's applying for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

In Canada, it has to apply something called the Companies Creditors Arrangement Act.

On Friday, a judge in Halifax will decide whether to grant that protection.

The company has also asked for permission to sell the Port Hawkesbury plant.

As part of this process, New Page had to file a number of legal documents with the courts.

Joan Weeks has been going through those documents and explains more.

JOan weeks for web.mp3

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The Antagonist
Lynn Coady

Posted by Robert Doublett

lynn coady the antagonist.jpgCape Breton author (and great friend of the show) Lynn Coady has recently released a new book, and every time she does she joins us for a chat. Many of the stories taking place right here in Cape Breton.

She is regarded as one of the best writers of her generation and yesterday the rest of the country finally acknowledged that by adding her to the long list for the prestigious Giller Prize.

Lynn Coady FINAL For mainstreet.mp3

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Power Rates in Nova Scotia
Leader of the PC Party of NS, Jamie Baillie

Posted by Robert Doublett

In Port Hawksbury today the leader of the Nova Scotia Progressive Conservative Party, Jamie Baillie met with several parties and made a policy announcement which both directly relate to the recent news surrounding the New Page Paper Mill closure.

We gave him a call to find out more.

Jamie Baille for web.mp3

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Lexon Communications
Co-owner of Lexon, Earl Johnston

Posted by Robert Doublett

People in New Waterford are greeting the news of a new call centre with a sigh of relief.
Earlier this week, workers at the Signature Styles Call Centre in that community were given lay off notices. Signature will close in 8 weeks.

Today, a new call centre announced it's hiring up to 200 people.

Lexon Communications is a virtual call centre.

That means, its workers will make calls from their own homes.

Co-owner of Lexon, Earl Johnston, spoke with CBC's Joan Weeks about his company.

New Call Centre.mp3

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Live in Studio
Carleton Stone

Posted by Robert Doublett

Carleton-Stone-Web.jpgCarleton Stone has a new album produced by Hawksley Workman and will be available in stores on Tuesday, September 06th.

Caleton Stone for WEB.mp3

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Remembering Bob Muir
Ron MacDonald & Cecil Clarke

Posted by Robert Doublett

Bob Muir.jpgCape Breton has lost one of the giants from its political life.

Senator Robert Muir age 91, died early on Wednesday morning August 31st 2011, at home.

He was elected eight times in federal general elections and served another 15 years in the Senate of Canada, as well as having been a member of the Miner's Hospital Board, and Harbour View Hospital, 1944-58.

He began his public life as a union leader. In fact, he lead a strike at the Franklin Mine.

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Uncle Sam Wants You!
Terry Ritchie

Posted by Robert Doublett

Thumbnail image for uncle_sam_pointing_finger.jpgCape Breton has many waves of immigration from other countries. We often talk about the waves from Scotland, or Ireland in the 1800's, or even Poland and Ukrain just before world war one.

But one of the biggest recents waves of immigration into the Island came in the late 1960's and 1970's with young people fromt he from the United States, sometimes int heir

late teens or early twenties, sometimes with young families, who made thier way to Cape breton to start new lives..and to contribute to the island way of life. For the most part,

they took Canadian citizenship..as did their children, but if they didn't renounce their US citizenship, they are still subject to US taxes.

Thats right, families who made thier homes on this Island, built up businesses and personal property in this country, find all of that is subject to american taxation because they

did not renoucne thier citizienship...and a deadline is looming...

Terry Ritchie is a tax advisor, educated ithe US, with international taxation practice in both countries. He has written extensively about this..and joins us on the line from his office in calgary.

Terry Ritchie


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Are you recieving?
Stephen Guiton; Vice President and Cheif Regulatory Officer of the CBC

Posted by Robert Doublett

Over the weekend, folks who get CBC television via rabbitt ears may have been confused when they switched on their TV and found snow ont heir sets instead of Coronations street.

Based on the calls we received here at CBC cape Breton, many folks thought we had gone digital...a little earlier than planned...our tech. staff tells us we may have been off the air for about 14 hours.

Frankly, even we were a little confused as to whay happened.

So we placed a call to the very top of our organization to find out whether we can still use our rabbit ears in cape breton or not...

Stephen Guitan.mp3

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Ringside World Championships
Brad Ross & trainer Rudy Putchie

Posted by Robert Doublett

Cape Breton is used to people capturing world titles in boxing, and now we can put one more name on the list.

The Sydney Boxing Club head coach captured the world title at the 11th Annual Ringside World Championships boxing tournament in Kansas City, Mo.

It was in the light heavyweight masters open division.

Brad Ross.mp3

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Michael Anthony's
Lucy MacNeil & Susan MacLean

Posted by Robert Doublett

Two-Hundred Eighty-two notes.

That's how many Lucy MacNeil put to paper when she composed a tune for fiddler Michael Anthony MacLean.

Those 282 notes will bring the people who want to learn more about the island's celtic arts and their studies closer together.

It's part of a major study by the Nova Scotia Highland Village Society, and it's called the Treasures of Youth Fund.

It's a fundraiser AND and awareness raiser and it's what we're talking about this weekend at the Sunday concert of the Cape Breton Fiddlers Association.

Lucy MacNeil & Susan MacLean.mp3

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Right Some Good
Alvin Leung - The Demon Chef

Posted by Robert Doublett

Even if you're not from Hong Kong, you might have seen Anthony Bourdain praise him on TV or heard his nickname is "demon chef". And perhaps you've even raised an eyebrow when you learned of his fondness for cigars in the kitchen. But when you sit down to meet Alvin Leung at the 6-seater chef's table at his restaurant Bo Innovation, you find that the larger-than-life personality takes a backseat and lets his food steal the spotlight.

Alvin Leung for web.mp3

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Bob MacEachern
101.5 The Hawk: New Page Reaction

Posted by Robert Doublett

Yesterday, workers at NewPage Port Hawkesbury learned the mill was shutting down indefinitely.

That means about 1,000 people in the area will be out of work.

Bob MacEachern is the owner of local radio station 101.5 The Hawk.

Bob MacEachern - 101.5 The Hawk

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Nick Beaton
the Comedian

Posted by Robert Doublett

nick.jpgFrom a blue collar background, Nick Beaton cuts through the bullshit of an overly bureaucratic society that takes itself way too seriously. Whether it's done through his opinionated rants, hard hitting jokes, or his disarming "every man" personality Nick Beaton is a favorite wherever he performs.


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Road Trip - Port Morien

Posted by Robert Doublett

At first glance, Port Morien may look like a "little fishing village".

But as you'll learn today, it's much more than that.

We're going to take you to Port Morien, and find out what makes this Cape Breton seaside community so unique.

These days, Morien is home to about 600 people. But did you know it once boasted a population of 3-thousand, and was a thriving shipping centre?

It's home to both the first commercial coal mine AND the first Boy Scout troup in North America.

It's was among the first winners of the Lt.-Gov.'s Community Spirit Award.

It's has a great sandbar for bird-watching.

And it's home to several long-running organizations, including a vibrant theatre group.

There's lots to learn, so join us and, as usual, we're going to set the scene with a look back into the past.

If you landed in Port Morien a century-and-a-half ago, you'd find you weren't in Port Morien at all:

The area has gone through a few name-changes over the years.

You'd also find yourself in a very different-looking community, bustling with the activity of a thriving coal mining industry.

As I mentioned at the start of the show, Port Morien was actually the site of the first commercial coal mine in North America.

Ken MacDonald had done a lot of research into all of this.

He's a retired educator, and author of Port Morien: Pages from the Past.

I sat down with Ken at the Port Morien legion for this chat.

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Posted by Robert Doublett

Mainstreet is broadcast on several frequencies, at 1140 AM in Sydney for example. However we do make it to TV as well, Telile Community Television if you're in the community of Arichat on Isle Madame.

And Mainstreet is in Arichat today!

Our first stop on our road trip shows is usually a chat with someone who can tell us a bit about the area's history.

In Arichat, that person is Don Boudrot.

Don is a retired teacher who now writes a history column for the Reporter newspaper.

I spoke with him at the local historical society's office on the Arichat waterfront.

Download Flash Player to view this content.

That's amateur historian Don Boudrot in Arichat.

From a history lesson, we head now to school, to learn about a project some local teens are involved in.

A new french-language community radio station recently hit the airwaves in and around Arichat.

It's called Radio Richmond.

And the people behind the station are making an effort to involve local school kids in the programming.

In fact, three grade 10s from Ecole Beauport and their teacher have their own weekly show.

We dropped by the school to find out more.

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Jessica Samson, Danielle George and Joel Lafort are all in grade 10 at Ecole Beauport in Arichat. Margaret Ann Landry is vice principal at the school.

You can find their show on Radio Richmond at 104.1 FM.

One of the most notable landmarks in this community is Our Lady of Assumption church.

At the start of the show, we heard the sound of the church's newly-refurbished pipe organ.

The organ is quite old, and has an interesting history.

The same can be said of the church building itself.

A large wooden structure with two steeples, it was once a cathedral.

Andre Boudreau is caretaker at Our Lady of Assumption.

That's where we met him.

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If you drive just down the street from the church toward the harbour, you can look across the water at a squat, four-sided lighthouse.

A local group is hoping that will remain the case.

Margaret Herdman is chair of The Isle Madame Lighthouse Preservation Committee.

The day of our visit was a blustery one in Arichat.

So we spoke with Margaret from the shelter of the CBC van.

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As we continue our Road Trip to Arichat, we have a story especially well-suited to this time of year.

It seems a group of Christmas elves has been at work at one Arichat home in particular this season.

That home belongs to Marie Forgeron.

We met Marie and her son Wesley Forgeron in their kitchen to hear more.

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One local landmark we couldn't miss sits on the Arichat waterfront.

It's a low stone building with a peaked wooden roof.

Inside, a hearth set in the middle of the building glows orangey-red in the dark room.

Hanging on the walls, and lying on every surface, are hand-made iron tools.

The building is known as the LeNoir forge.

Once a working forge, it's since been restored as a museum.

I stopped by to get a demonstration from amateur blacksmith Richard Boudreau.

-tape coming soon

Arichat's economy has gone through flare-ups and cool downs since the early days of the forge.

In recent history, the collapse of the ground fishery in the 1990s put a sudden damper on the area's prosperity.

But the people here have tried to find new ways to fan the flames.

Joel Bowen is chair of Development Isle Madame.

He was one of the original development officers hired back in the 90s.

We met in the LeNoir forge and he talked about the collapse, and what's happened in the community since then.

-tape coming soon

Our Mainstreet Road Trip takes us now from the LeNoir blacksmithing forge to another Arichat workshop....

The pottery studio of Jack Ouellette.

If you visit the Cape Breton Centre for Craft and Design in Sydney you'll see Jack's work for sale.

He makes weighty bowls, platters and vases in beautiful blues and greens, often decorated with fish engravings or painted with wave-like brush-strokes.

Jack's studio is attached to his house on the Arichat waterfront.

I met him there and watched him at work at his wheel.

-tape coming soon

In the first hour of our Road Trip show, we met amateur historian Don Boudrot.

Don has done a lot of research into Arichat's history.

He's had some help with that from a family member who's memory of life in the community goes back a long way.

Don's father Lorenzo Boudreau is 87. Lorenzo joins Don and me now as we continue our conversation about Arichat's past.

-tape

If you want to know about the people of Arichat, there's one man who has the inside picture.

Dr. Laurie MacNeil has been caring for the people in this area for close to three decades.

He's been the only permanent physician on Isle Madame for the past 13 years.

His dedication to his profession and his community has been recognized with awards from Doctors Nova Scotia and the Canadian College of Family Physicians.

Over the years, he's also volunteered his time to local sports teams, Scouts and his church.

Dr. MacNeil found time in his busy schedule to chat with me during our visit to Arichat.

We sat down in his office.

-tape coming soon

Blacksmithing and pot-throwing are two traditional skills you can see in action in Arichat today.

Another is sheep shearing.

Sarah Nettleton has been shearing since she was a girl on her parents' farm.

She now keeps just under 100 sheep on her own farm just outside the village centre.

In recent years her skill at handling sheep has had her in demand at farms across Nova Scotia and beyond.

Though these days, with four growing boys, and a rambuctious ram on her hands, she sticks pretty close to home.

I met Sarah in her barn at Rockloaf farm, and she shared some of the tricks of the trade.

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Posted by Robert Doublett

The week of November 22nd thru 26th, 2010 CBC Cape Breton explored the growing need for affordable, safe, clean, housing.

November 22nd was National Housing Day in Canada.

A day set aside by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation to recognize the people and organizations dedicated to improving affordable housing in communities all across Canada.

And they have a tough road.

During our series "A Place to Call Home" we'll met people who are living in deplorable conditions, who can't afford or find suitable housing.

We found out what the barriers are and where solutions might be found.

We took a close look at the need.

Joanna LaTulippe Rochon is the Executive Director of the Family Place Resource Center.

Jim Graham is with New Dawn enterprises, a not for profit agency that provides social housing units in the CBRM.

They're joined us in studio.

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There are hundreds of people on a waiting list for provincially subsidized housing.

And in the meantime, they're living in conditions that are not always safe, clean or affordable.

The Cape Breton Island Housing Authority provides and administers social housing for the provincial department of Community Services.

Joan MacKeough is the director of the Cape Breton Island Housing Authority, which covers the CBRM, Richmond, Inverness & Victoria Counties.

We invited her into the studio.

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There are a lucky few who are enjoying bright, comfortable accomodations, thanks to a special partnership on the island.

It's providing apartments for some people who often fall through the cracks - people living with mental illness.

Wendy Martin has the story.

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So far we've been looking at what is and isn't available in the rental market.

Today we look at the real estate market.

In the Sydney area it has slowed down over the last few months.

Dozens of people have been trying to sell their homes for months with no success.

Everything from high end homes to fixer uppers are proving hard to sell.

And that's putting people's plans for the future on hold.

David Burke has this report.

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All this week we've been talking about housing issues in the CBRM.

Today Joan Weeks is taking us to an empty, boarded up rental property in Glace Bay.

It's at 662 Main Street.

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Original Air-Date - Monday, November 22nd thru Friday, November 26th, 2010

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