Chender supports arts and culture during trip to Cape Breton

MABOU, N.S. – Official Opposition Leader Claudia Chender is in Cape Breton this week to attend Celtic Colours, celebrate the Island’s vibrant arts and culture scene, and meet with Cape Bretoners about the issues that matter most to them.

Chender’s visit comes as new polling shows her once again ahead of Premier Tim Houston as Nova Scotians’ preferred leader. According to Narrative Research, the Official Opposition leader has consistently been polling ahead of Houston since the spring budget session, when his government made a series of thoughtless and harmful cuts.

“Cape Breton has so much to be proud of, from its incredible artists and musicians to the communities that make this island such a special place. These are the kinds of things the government should be celebrating, not cutting,” said Chender. “People are frustrated with the Houston government and it’s not hard to see why. His government is cutting funding to what makes places like Cape Breton special, while Nova Scotians are struggling with the cost of living. People want a government that listens to them, understands what matters to their communities, and is willing to do things differently.”

Houston’s spring budget included deep cuts to arts and culture funding, including to Cape Breton events and institutions like the Celtic Colours International Festival and the Celtic Music Interpretive Centre. They also shut down Visitor Information Centres, including the one in Port Hastings which has traditionally served as a first stop for visitors coming to the Island.

“Arts and culture are the heart and soul of Cape Breton. They bring people together, create jobs, and attract visitors from around the world,” said Chender. “At a time when we should be celebrating and supporting these incredible organizations, the Houston government chose to cut their funding. That was the wrong decision, and the people I’ve spoken to in Cape Breton know it.”

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