April 25, 2025
Restoring the Cape Breton rail line is a major opportunity.
When you think about what it takes to build a stronger economy — more jobs, more opportunities and a better quality of life — infrastructure might not be the first thing that comes to mind.
But maybe it should be.
We’ve seen it work right here in Cape Breton.
It’s why, as MLA, I’ve always fought for infrastructure investments that deliver real benefits to our community. The new Nova Scotia Community College Sydney Waterfront campus and the ongoing Cape Breton healthcare redevelopment are great examples. These weren’t just about bricks and mortar. They were about revitalizing our community, creating jobs and giving young people new opportunities right here at home.
Hundreds of trades people were put to work. Local businesses saw more activity. Our region became more attractive to students, workers and families. These projects stimulated the economy at a time when we needed it most — and they’ve shown us what is possible when we invest strategically and think long-term.
Sitting still is not an option.
We need to keep that going.
Right now, this month’s federal election has brought infrastructure back into the national conversation — and with good reason. The ongoing tariff war has disrupted trade and shaken up supply chains. If we want Nova Scotia to be resilient in the face of global uncertainty, we need to strengthen the foundations of our economy. That means investing in the roads, rails, and ports that connect us to each other and to the world.
We can’t afford to sit still while the world changes around us. We need to be ready to grow — and infrastructure is how we get there.
One of the clearest opportunities in front of us is the restoration of the Cape Breton rail line.
The line between Sydney and Point Tupper hasn’t been in service for years, but the potential it holds is undeniable. It’s a vital economic corridor that could reconnect Cape Breton to major trade routes, reduce transportation costs for local businesses, and open up new opportunities in shipping, manufacturing and resource development.
It’s also a job creator. Restoring the line would put people to work — from engineers and heavy equipment operators to logistics workers and skilled tradespeople. Once back in service, it would continue to support economic activity by helping local industries get their products to market faster and more efficiently.
That’s why I tabled legislation this spring to protect the rail line and call on the province to act. We can’t keep kicking the can down the road. We need to work with the operator, assess what needs to be done, and start putting a plan in place to bring the line back to life.
A comprehensive strategy is needed.
But our vision can’t stop at rail. If we want to grow our economy and create good-paying jobs across Nova Scotia, we need a comprehensive strategy for infrastructure investment.
That includes better roads and highways to move people and products safely. It includes modern public transit that connects workers to jobs and communities to services. It includes ports that can handle more trade and draw new investment. And it includes digital infrastructure — because in today’s world, nobody should be without access to reliable cell phone service.
Infrastructure investment is also one of the most effective ways to create good-paying jobs and support the skilled trades sector. It helps young people build careers at home. It brings more apprentices into the workforce. And it gives communities like ours the tools we need to compete and succeed.
Nova Scotia has always punched above its weight. We have the talent, the work ethic, and the potential to lead. But we need all levels of government to match that ambition with real investment.
Infrastructure might not make for splashy headlines, but it’s the foundation of growth. And right now, we have a chance to get it right.
Let’s not miss that opportunity.