Councillor Announces Run for Provincial Legislature

GLACE BAY - Late Friday afternoon, Glace Bay’s Ward 7 Councillor, Elise MacDonald, held a campaign kickoff event at the Miners’ Museum Centennial Hall to announce her candidacy for the upcoming Nova Scotia provincial election. Surrounded by family, friends, and community supporters, MacDonald declared her intention to seek the Cape Breton Centre riding under the Nova Scotia New Democratic Party banner.

“I’ve had the privilege of serving Glace Bay residents for the past six years on council, and I believe we can do even more at the provincial level,” MacDonald told an enthusiastic crowd of nearly 150 people. “Our community needs a strong voice in Halifax—someone who understands our challenges with housing affordability, rural health care access, and sustainable economic development.”

During her 20-minute address, MacDonald highlighted several key priorities: expanding rural mental health services, advocating for increased funding to Cape Breton University’s nursing programs, and supporting small businesses through targeted grants and mentorship programs. She also spoke passionately about the town’s younger residents, announcing a youth advisory committee to ensure local students have input on issues affecting them.

Several local business owners and community leaders spoke in support of MacDonald following her announcement. “Elise has always been someone you can count on—whether it’s fighting for road repairs in Dominica or securing grant dollars for our farmers,” said shopkeeper Carleton “Cal” O’Brien. “Her dedication to Glace Bay is exactly what we need representing us in Halifax.”

Mayor Susan McLaughlin, who was in attendance, praised MacDonald’s decision. “Electing a provincial representative who knows Cape Breton inside and out is a game changer,” McLaughlin remarked. “Elise has built relationships at all levels of government, and she’ll advocate fiercely for our community’s needs.”

MacDonald’s campaign will officially launch a series of town-hall meetings across the riding beginning next week. The first stop is Dominion Community Centre on Tuesday evening, where residents can share feedback and learn more about her platform. Posters calling for volunteers and door-knockers have already appeared in local cafés and storefronts.

In Glenbardale, retired educator Robert O’Connor expressed optimism about MacDonald’s candidacy. “She’s approachable, hard-working, and genuinely cares about people,” he said. “We need someone like Elise to bring real change—especially in health care and education.”

The Nova Scotia election is scheduled for early October, and with MacDonald’s announcement, the race in Cape Breton Centre is shaping up to be one of the most watched contests on the island. Primary opponents are expected to emerge from the Liberal and Progressive Conservative parties in the coming weeks, promising a competitive campaign season.

Residents interested in volunteering or attending one of MacDonald’s town halls can visit www.elisemacdonald2025.ca or follow her campaign on social media at @Elise4CBC. The Councillor has pledged to run a grassroots-focused campaign, relying on door-to-door conversations rather than large fundraising events.

Key Dates & Events:

• June 10, 2025 (Tuesday), 7 p.m.: Town Hall at Dominion Community Centre

• June 12, 2025 (Thursday), 6 p.m.: Meet & Greet at Bay Side Café, 45 Commercial Street

• June 15, 2025 (Sunday), 2 p.m.: Volunteer Rally at St. Thomas Hall, 201 MacDonald Avenue

With strong grassroots support and a clear vision for addressing local concerns at the provincial level, Councillor Elise MacDonald’s campaign promises to be a prominent storyline in Glace Bay over the summer months.