May 12, 2025
Dear Prime Minister Carney,
On behalf of myself and my colleague MLA Iain Rankin, I want to extend my sincere congratulations on your election. Nova Scotians are encouraged by the steady and principled leadership you bring at a time when Canadians are looking for certainty and direction.
Throughout the campaign, I was pleased to hear you speak about the importance of infrastructure as a foundation for long-term economic growth. As the MLA for Sydney-Membertou, I’ve seen firsthand the transformative power of infrastructure investment – from the new NSCC Sydney Waterfront Campus to our region’s ongoing hospital redevelopments. These projects have brought jobs, sparked economic growth, and strengthened our communities.
I also applaud your clear commitment to working with provinces to break down interprovincial trade barriers by July 1. That leadership will be key to unlocking Canada’s full economic potential. In that same spirit, I would like to draw your attention to a few other infrastructure and economic barriers that are particularly pressing for our province:
- Cell Service: Many rural and suburban areas of Nova Scotia continue to lack reliable cell coverage. This is not only a public safety concern – it’s also a barrier to attracting and growing businesses in these communities.
- Roads and Highways: Strong federal-provincial partnerships have helped deliver key highway upgrades across Nova Scotia. We hope that collaboration will continue for roads, highways, bridges, and other vital transportation infrastructure.
- Rail Infrastructure: I’ve long advocated for the rehabilitation of the Cape Breton rail line between Sydney and Port Tupper. With the right investment, this corridor could open up new export opportunities and support Cape Breton’s growing economy. The infrastructure is there – what’s needed now is a willing partner.
- Housing: Nova Scotia urgently needs more housing, especially affordable options for families and workers. The Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund represents a critical opportunity to support that growth. Although Nova Scotia has not come to an agreement, we’re hopeful your government can work with the province to unlock these much-needed funds and get more homes built across Nova Scotia.
- Wharves and Coastal Infrastructure: Traditional industries like fishing are central to our province’s economy, but many of our wharves are in disrepair. Strategic federal investments are urgently needed to support fishers and sustain this vital industry.
- Public Transit: As our communities grow, so does the need for reliable and affordable public transit. The province is currently exploring light rail in the Cape Breton Regional Municipality, which could become a model for other regions across Nova Scotia. Federal support for innovative, sustainable transit projects like this one would make a real difference.
- Clean, Affordable Energy: Atlantic Canada needs a more connected grid to share access to cleaner, more affordable energy. The NS-NB intertie is a strong example of how strategic investments can leverage more wind and solar capacity, backed up by batteries. We need to build on that momentum by upgrading infrastructure and unlocking new renewable energy opportunities across the province.
Prime Minister, Nova Scotians are ready to work with you, and with each other, to build a stronger and more connected country. I look forward to the opportunities ahead and to working together to deliver results for the people of Nova Scotia.
Sincerely,
Hon. Derek Mombourquette Interim Leader, Nova Scotia Liberal Party MLA, Sydney-Membertou