East to West: voices in Atlantic Canada ahead of the election
Mar 30, 2025
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Amidst the electoral buzz in Atlantic Canada, locals share heartfelt stories of resilience and community support. A vibrant village fundraiser underscores the importance of connections for seniors combating loneliness. Discover how a secondhand store-turned-food bank exemplifies dedication during tough times. Personal narratives reveal the transformative role of local services for retirees, highlighting pressing issues like housing and government aid disparities. Amid challenges, a spirit of patriotism and unity shines through the region's struggles.
Residents in Atlantic Canada express a profound sense of national pride and identity despite challenges posed by external political tensions.
Community support initiatives and local organizations play a vital role in addressing food insecurity and fostering resilience in rural areas.
Deep dives
Community Sentiments on Canadian Identity
Residents express strong feelings about their Canadian identity, highlighting a sense of pride and emotional connection to the country. A bicycle store owner in Nova Scotia shares her anxieties about current U.S. relations, emphasizing the emotional weight she feels when hearing the national anthem, which evokes tears of gratitude for Canada's freedoms. This sentiment of pride is echoed by a university student from Vietnam who appreciates Canada’s system compared to other governments, recognizing it as a better alternative despite recent discontent. Such perspectives underline a longing for national unity and pride amidst challenging political landscapes.
Challenges Facing Small Communities
In small towns like Petticoatiac, residents actively participate in community support initiatives, showcasing a strong sense of togetherness. A retired educator recounts a successful fundraising effort for a local resident battling cancer, illustrating how the community rallies around its members in need. Despite the close-knit nature, challenges such as limited access to services and healthcare for seniors remain prevalent, with individuals expressing the need for better housing options. This lingering issue highlights the ongoing struggles faced by rural communities, where resources may be scarce despite high levels of communal support.
The Role of Local Organizations
Local organizations play a crucial role in addressing food insecurity and fostering community spirit. A long-standing manager of a thrift store and food bank notes that while initial government support was temporary, the need for food banks has only grown, further stressing the importance of community donations. The manager reflects on the stigma associated with using food banks and the challenges in reaching those in need, pointing out the lack of public transport options in the area. Yet, the stories of transformation, where individuals once reliant on aid now give back, underscore the positive impact of these local initiatives on individuals and the community at large.
During the election campaign, the Globe and Mail is travelling across the country to hear about the issues facing people in Canada today.
In small communities in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick this week, producer Kasia Mychajlowycz spoke to students, business owners, retirees and more. She found that as some struggle to make ends meet with the rising cost of living in rural Atlantic Canada, many are patriotic in the face of the trade war with the Trump administration.
If you’d like the Globe and Mail to visit your community, please e-mail and tell us why at thedecibel@globeandmail.com
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