The number of people I have the opportunity to meet in the run of a month is remarkable.

There are moments of celebration to attend, moments of reflection, and sometimes moments of sorrow. We gather to honour those who came before us, celebrate achievements, learn from one another, and mark milestones both big and small. Simply being present for the important moments in people’s lives is a privilege I don’t take for granted.

That privilege was evident throughout May. Early in the month, I attended the Battle of the Atlantic service at the Westside Legion in Westmount.

Ray had already played the organ at church that morning before making his way to the service. His positive outlook, energy, and encouragement of both the young cadets and the rest of us in attendance was inspiring. He walked the stairs with ease and carried himself with the kind determination that reminds us all what resilience looks like.

Throughout May, there were many other occasions to connect with people who continue to shape our communities.

I participated in a flag raising recognizing the important work of VON Canada, attended the Baddeck Tourism Annual General Meeting, and celebrated the 40th anniversary of The Mira Players, whose dedication to community theatre has enriched our cultural life for generations.

Speaking of culture and community, the East Coast Music Awards brought tremendous energy to Sydney this month. I have attended many galas and award shows over the years, including several ECMAs, and I can honestly say this year’s gala was among the very best, if not THE best, I’ve been to. The performances were outstanding. The production was seamless. And the feedback from attendees has been overwhelmingly positive.

Sydney showcased itself exceptionally well. Moncton has some very big shoes to fill next year.

At Cape Breton University’s Convocation ceremonies, I watched graduates take the next step in their journeys and had the opportunity to speak with Nova Scotia’s Lieutenant Governor, The Honourable Mike Savage. I was pleased to confer the Key to the Municipality upon Phil Thompson in honour of an extraordinary 50 years on the airwaves, a milestone that speaks to a lifetime of service, storytelling, and connection with the people of Cape Breton.

It was an honour to meet with and recognize Major Mary Cameron Kelly. From North Sydney, she is one of the Royal Canadian Air Force’s most experienced pilots.

And on Sunday (May 31), I joined my husband Kyle at the MS Walk Cape Breton where he and his fellow walkers raised just under $39,000.00 this year. A local record. He puts a lot of work into the Walk and I’m very proud to see the event grow year over year.

May was also an opportunity to relaunch Proclaim the Good.

Bad news travels fast, particularly on social media. SO, we launched Proclaim the Good. While challenges deserve attention, it is equally important that we take time to recognize the kindness, generosity, volunteerism, and community spirit that exist all around us. And each day throughout the month of May, a proclamation was dedicated to an individual, organization, or community group whose efforts make life better for others. The response to the initiative was overwhelming back in 2020. And it was again here in 2026. There were more submissions than there were days in May. Which serves as a reminder that there is far more good happening in our communities than we sometimes realize.

As we turn the page on another month, I want to thank everyone who contributes to making the Cape Breton Regional Municipality a place people are proud to call home. Whether through service, volunteerism, creativity, leadership, or simple acts of kindness, you help strengthen the connections that bind our communities together.

And now, June begins.

There is a real sense of momentum building across the Cape Breton Regional Municipality, and it is happening on many fronts at once. 

This month, we welcome the East Coast Music Awards to Sydney from May 20 to 24, bringing artists, industry leaders, and music fans from across the region to our community. In the weeks ahead, we will also celebrate excellence in sport through the Cape Breton Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony on June 6 and the New Waterford and District Sports and Heritage Hall of Fame induction on July 13.

Our community has always had a deep appreciation for arts, culture, and storytelling, but what we are seeing now is that long standing strength shifting into a new gear. We recently hosted the premiere of Little Lorraine, showcasing local talent and creative ambition on the big screen. At the same time, Cape Breton Futures in Film has been helping prepare residents for opportunities in the growing film industry by offering training, education, and a clearer path into careers in production. The creative economy in CBRM is thriving, and it is opening doors for people to build meaningful careers while helping tell our stories to the world.

That same momentum can be felt in sport, tourism, and community development as CBRM continues to establish itself as a hub for significant national and international events. 

We are building on our strengths and investing in opportunity. With that, we are creating the kind of place where people want to visit, work, create, and stay. There is a great deal happening across our municipality, and even more potential ahead. This is a time to be excited about where we are headed. The possibilities before us are endless.

Across the CBRM, there’s a quiet but constant current of people showing up for one another.

These are the folks coaching kids, organizing events, checking in on neighbours, and keeping traditions alive. They don’t always make headlines, but they are, without question, CBRM’s foundation.

When we take the time to recognize the good being done, even in small ways, it has a ripple effect. It reminds us that there’s a way to give back, and that each of us has a role to play in strengthening the community we call home.

That’s why this May, I will once again recognize that spirit with a “Proclamation a Day.” Each day, an individual, group, or organization that is making a positive impact here in the CBRM will be put in the spotlight. It’s a chance to celebrate the good that’s happening all around us, and to say, in an official way, that what they do matters.

I’m asking for your help to make it happen.

If you know someone who is making a difference, please fill out a nomination form by clicking this link: https://forms.gle/mGkfiECYPzehWrXx9

As we move through the year, I continue to hear what matters most to residents across our municipality. Community priorities always come to the forefront in conversations at church, the grocery store, coffee shop, and community halls. People care deeply about the services they rely on and the organizations that help hold everything together.

Those everyday conversations help shape the work we do at City Hall.

I’m now heading into budget consultation sessions in each district, working alongside councillors and municipal staff to hear directly from residents. Budget time is busy time, but it’s also one of the most valuable parts of the year for listening and learning.

Like many households, the municipality needs to be thoughtful, practical, and creative as we look for ways to improve services while being mindful of costs. Our focus remains on delivering value as well as maintaining essential services, and making smart decisions that reflect both today’s realities and tomorrow’s needs.

I’m looking forward to meeting with residents in the weeks ahead. Just as important is continuing to support the community organizations, volunteers, and groups that bring people together and build up our municipality every day. These conversations help guide our path forward, and I appreciate everyone who takes the time to be part of them.

Here, you’ll find updates on the priorities we set for this term, which goals we’ve reached, what’s in progress, and what’s coming up next. You’ll also see highlights from events I’ve attended and details on upcoming ones, so you can join in and stay connected.

I created this page to make it easier for you to find clear, up-to-date information straight from my office. It’s all about transparency and making sure you know what we’re working on for our municipality.

I’ve also added a community events calendar. Too often, we hear folks say, “I didn’t know that was happening!” Now, you can both check what’s coming up and submit your own events to share with others.

This page will be updated every month, so I encourage you to visit often and share it with your friends and family. Together, we can make this a go-to spot for staying informed and engaged with what’s happening across the CBRM.

-Cecil