Elizabeth Smith-McCrossin, MLA Cumberland North
Weekly Constituency Update
Week of August 24, 2026
It’s been a busy couple of weeks for our family – our daughter, Sharon, was married on Saturday and with everything that was going on, I didn’t get an opportunity to send out my update last week. For that reason, this week’s update is a little longer than usual so plenty of reading for you in the next few pages ![😊]()
National
US Tariffs – Negotiations with the US on the imposition of new tariffs collapsed just hours before the deadline of midnight on Friday, August 21st. As Prime Minister Mark Carney told the nation the following day, Canada could not accept what they offered and would not accept what they asked. In the days leading up to the Friday deadline, it appeared progress was being made however, last minute proposals by the US were “uneconomic and unfair”, threatened our sovereignty and targeted French language protections. Those last-minute actions by the US brought into question the reliability of any agreement that might be reached.
Beginning September 8th, Canada will introduce corresponding dollar for dollar tariffs on many of the same goods targeted by the US. Canada is also introducing a variety of programs to help businesses and workers. In response, President Trump announced additional tariffs to be in place beginning January 1st. With US mid-term elections coming up in November, speculation is those tariffs may be impacted by the result of those elections – time will tell.
Unfortunately, the result of all this is higher prices for both Canadian and American consumers. It may take a bit of time to filter down to retailers however, businesses on both sides of the border can only absorb those additional costs for a short period of time before they have to pass them along to their customers. The best thing we can all do is shop Canadian – check items you are buying for the “made in Canada” label, shop retailers that are Canadian owned and operated and whenever possible, buy local.
Premiers are meeting Nunavut today to discuss removing Interprovincial Barriers- Let’s hope that our NS and NB Premiers find time to meet in Nunavut to talk about stopping the increase of interprovincial barriers between our two provinces.
For those of us living on the Nova Scotia–New Brunswick border, these barriers are part of everyday life.
We need action on:
• Healthcare — stop creating new barriers for Nova Scotians and New Brunswicker’s who need medical care in neighbouring provinces and call on Premiers to honour reciprocal healthcare arrangements.
• Hockey — children should not lose opportunities because of provincial association boundaries. It is time to look at a Maritime hockey organization.
• Tolls — NS Premier has left in place a toll/tax/tariff that he charges on all out of province vehicles. It’s time to remove the Cobequid Pass tolls completely and work with New Brunswick to stop a new toll at Aulac.
• Workers and businesses — remove unnecessary barriers affecting nurses living and working in NS and educated in New Brunswick, harmonize transportation rules and other items such as the refunds on recyclables and make it easier for local food and other products to move across provincial borders.
• Alcohol — modernize the rules so Canadians can legally and reasonably move alcohol between our own provinces without unnecessary interprovincial restrictions,
and more.
People in Cumberland and Westmoreland Counties work, shop, receive healthcare, play sports and raise families across this border every day.
Let’s start by tearing down the barriers hurting people right here at home in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.
Nappan Research Farm – Last week I was so pleased to hear the decision had been made to bring bulls back to the Research farm in Nappan in order to breed the herd. This is excellent news for the farm and while it doesn’t mean the decision to close the farm has been overturned, it at least means the herd is being protected and hundreds of thousands of dollars won’t be lost by devaluing the herd.
I still encourage all of you to add your voice to those who are asking the federal government to pause the pending closure of the Nappan Research Farm which was also recommended by the Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture which was unanimous including Liberal MP’s on the committee. It is integral to ensuring food security and sustainability in Atlantic Canada. With the threats of tariffs escalating by America, strengthening the Canadian food supply supported by research is more critical than ever.
CBC did an article on the reversal of the decision by the Federal Liberals:
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/independent-mla-elizabeth-smith-mccrossin-tackles-federal-issues-9.7314006
Provincial
Upham Bridge Closure on Route 6 – Over the past few days my office has been inundated with calls and emails from concerned citizens who use the Upham Bridge on Route 6 on a regular basis. The bridge was closed late last week after an inspection showed there were safety concerns. Public Works has redirected traffic on a detour that drivers have described as terrible. While the bridge is located in Colchester County, many Cumberland North residents use that road on a regular basis. For that reason, I sent the correspondence below to the Minister of Public Works, Fred Tilley, asking for immediate action to correct the situation.
August 25, 2026
Hon. Fred Tilley, Minister of Public Works
RE: URGENT – Upham Bridge Closure, Trunk 6 Detour Safety and Request for Temporary Bridge
Dear Minister Tilley:
I am writing urgently regarding the closure of Upham Bridge on Trunk 6 at Bayhead located in neighbouring Colchester County and the serious concerns I have received over the past several days from residents, business owners, employees and first responders throughout Cumberland and Colchester counties.
I fully recognize that if the bridge is unsafe, it must be closed. No one is asking the Department to compromise public safety.
However, the solution to one safety problem cannot be allowed to create several new ones.
Since the closure, my office has been inundated with messages from people who are deeply concerned about the condition and suitability of the designated detour through Malagash Road, Highland Road, West Tatamagouche Road and Slade Road.
These are not isolated complaints.
Residents who have actually driven the detour are describing:
• more than 20 kilometres of unpaved road for some travellers;
• additional travel times of 25 to 30 minutes or more in each direction;
• extremely muddy and slippery conditions following rain;
• severe dust and dangerously reduced visibility during dry conditions;
• ruts, potholes, loose rock and inadequate gravel;
• vehicles sliding toward ditches;
• flat tires, chipped windshields and other vehicle damage;
• tractor-trailers struggling with the road conditions;
• vehicles passing unsafely on narrow sections of roads
• areas with limited or no cellular service;
• concerns about school transportation and winter travel;
• concerns from first responders regarding safe and timely movement through the area; and
• significant additional fuel, maintenance and transportation costs for people who have no choice but to travel this corridor.
One Malagash Road resident describes traffic outside her home increasing from only a couple of vehicles per hour to several vehicles every ten minutes, including commercial traffic. She describes a blind crest and culvert near her property where vehicles are now passing other traffic.
Another resident reported a tractor-trailer sliding partly into the ditch during the overnight hours and requiring assistance to be removed.
A woman who has travelled the designated detour repeatedly told me that during dusty conditions she could barely see in front of her vehicle, while after the rain she felt she had to reduce her speed to approximately 25 km/h because of the slippery conditions.
Employees travelling to Fox Harb’r Resort have reported an additional 25 minutes each way, increased fuel costs and concerns about damage to their vehicles.
Parents are asking what this will mean when school resumes, particularly for children travelling between Cumberland and Colchester counties and during winter conditions when school buses may face restrictions on unpaved roads.
Businesses are also understandably worried. Trunk 6, the Sunrise Trail, is an important tourism and commercial corridor connecting Tatamagouche, Pictou, Malagash, Wallace, Fox Harbour and communities throughout the Northumberland Shore.
This closure has occurred during one of the most important periods of the tourism season. Visitors unfamiliar with the area who encounter a major highway closure may simply choose another destination. For seasonal businesses, those lost visitors mean lost revenue that cannot necessarily be recovered later.
Minister, I am asking your Department to take immediate action.
First and foremost, I am requesting an urgent engineering assessment of whether a temporary Bailey, panel or modular bridge can be installed at or immediately adjacent to Upham Bridge.
Even if a temporary structure could accommodate only one controlled lane of traffic, it could maintain this critical transportation corridor while the permanent bridge is repaired or replaced.
I am also requesting that Public Works immediately:
- Conduct an on-site safety inspection of the entire designated detour, with senior departmental officials personally driving the complete route under current conditions.
- Assess the feasibility of a temporary Bailey, panel or modular bridge and provide the communities and my office with the Department’s findings.
- Examine Logan Road/Mattatall Road/Mattatall Branch Road and other possible alternatives to determine whether a shorter and safer detour can be established.
- Review the location of the existing Trunk 6 barricades, including whether local traffic can safely travel closer to the bridge and access Logan Road rather than closing a longer section of Trunk 6 than necessary.
- Immediately upgrade and continuously maintain any gravel roads being used as the official detour, including sufficient gravel, grading, compaction, drainage, dust control and mud management to safely accommodate greatly increased traffic volumes.
- Review speed limits and install temporary reduced-speed and hazard signage wherever conditions warrant it.
- Consult directly with local fire departments, EHS, law enforcement and other first responders regarding emergency response implications created by the closure and detour.
- Provide a clear plan for school transportation and winter maintenance should this closure extend into the fall or winter.
- Provide businesses with clear highway signage and public communication confirming that Tatamagouche, Malagash, Wallace, Fox Harbour and Northumberland Shore businesses remain open and accessible.
- Provide the public with a realistic timeline. Residents deserve to know the nature of the problem with Upham Bridge, what repairs are required, whether replacement is being contemplated and the anticipated duration of the closure.
I would also like confirmation of whether the Department evaluated these detour roads and their ability to accommodate the anticipated volume and weight of traffic before directing Trunk 6 traffic onto them.
If such an assessment was conducted, I am requesting a copy or summary of that assessment, including any traffic-volume, road-condition or emergency-access analysis.
People are also questioning why a temporary bridge was not incorporated into the contingency planning for such an important regional transportation corridor.
I am therefore specifically asking: Has a Bailey, panel or modular bridge already been formally assessed for Upham Bridge? If yes, what was the conclusion and why? If it has not been assessed, I am asking that this be done immediately.
Minister, these messages are coming from both Cumberland and Colchester counties because transportation corridors do not stop at county boundaries. People live in one community, work in another, send their children to school in another, operate businesses across the region and depend upon Trunk 6 every day.
Their voices need to be heard. One resident summed it up very well: this is not a request to compromise safety; it is a request to find a way to safely restore this important transportation link while the necessary work is being completed. I agree.
I respectfully request your immediate intervention and a response as soon as possible outlining the actions your Department will take.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth Smith-McCrossin MLA, Cumberland North
I also was able to reach the Assistant Deputy Minister for PublicWorks by phone yesterday and he told me that work was being done on the detour route. After hearing concerns about the impact of the closures he agreed the bridge must be repaired urgently. He also said engineers are looking at the possibly of placing a Bailey Bridge in place to have at least one lane traffic flowing.
 HOUSTON GOVERNMENT MUST STOP THE
CLOSURE OF THE AMHERST LAND REGISTRATION OFFICE
I have learned that the Province closed the Amherst Land Registration Office and moved the regional service to Truro effective Monday, August 24.
Those who use the service were given only days’ notice. Staff found out the same time as the public. It has been devastating to them.
There has been no public explanation, no business case released and no meaningful consultation that I am aware of.
In 2015, under the former Liberal government, the Province consolidated its Land Registration Offices, and Amherst was deliberately selected as the Land Registration Office for the North region. The decision reflected broader considerations about the regional distribution of provincial services and jobs.
Now, under the Houston government, that decision is being reversed with virtually no explanation.
While many Land Registry transactions are electronic, many documents still require original paper documents or certified copies. Closing the Amherst office means those documents will have to be sent to Truro, potentially adding courier costs, travel and delays for local law offices, businesses and their clients.
Local legal professionals have also raised concerns about losing direct access to experienced Land Registry staff who help resolve complicated land registration issues.
If government has a business case for this decision, release it.
Tell ALL Cumberland County:
• How much money will actually be saved?
• How many transactions are handled through Amherst?
• How many employees are affected?
• What additional costs will be passed on to those using the service?
• Who, if anyone, in Cumberland County was consulted?
My position is clear.
Stop the closure. Keep the Land Registration Office in Amherst.
Legislature to Resume Sitting – As I mentioned previously, the Nova Scotia House of Assembly will reconvene on September 8, 2026. My team and I are in the process of gathering information on bills to be introduced, questions to ministers during question period and, of course, member statements. If you have any suggestions, please give the office a call or email us at mla@esmithmccrossinmla.com In particular, we ask for your help in telling us about special events or people who may have done something special for our communities.
Transportation – Trucking industry experts are calling for a significant overhaul to Ontario’s commercial driver training oversight, in the wake of a scathing Auditor-General report that raised concerns over shoddy enforcement. I wonder if this is something Nova Scotia needs?
There have been a number of tragic accidents on Canada’s highways involving truck drivers with little to no experience and questions have been raised regarding the type and duration of training being offered by some driving schools as well as how government is enforcing the rules and regulations.
Last year I visited a class at the NSCC in Amherst and one of the students’ biggest concerns was the safety and training of truck drivers. They understood there is a shortage of drivers which means there are plenty of opportunities for driving careers however, they understood too that it cannot mean drivers are not fully qualified and well trained when they get behind the wheel.
National Acadian Day – August 15 is a special day in Nova Scotia – it’s National Acadian Day.
On that day, Acadians celebrate their culture, language and shared history. It’s a day marked by colourful community festivals and family events that bring Acadian culture to life.
In Nova Scotia, Acadie is strong and evolving. Across generations, in our homes and communities, we’ve built a culture rooted in the French language, heritage and connection. We honour our past while looking ahead with confidence.
At the heart of it all is the French language — in all its richness and diversity.
Child Death Review Committee – The second annual report of the Child Death Review Committee and recommendations from an individual child death review were released August 13. Both are available at: https://novascotia.ca/child-death-review-committee/
The committee’s annual report provides insight into the causes and circumstances of child and youth deaths and offers recommendations to help prevent future tragedies. The 2025-26 report contains information on deaths of Nova Scotia residents under the age of 25 from 2009 to 2025.
Under Nova Scotia’s Fatality Investigations Act, recommendations from death review committees are made public. All personal or identifying information is removed to protect the privacy of those involved.
Order of Nova Scotia 2026 – Ten Nova Scotians have been appointed to the Order of Nova Scotia, recognizing their significant contributions to the province in a diverse range of fields, including the arts, human rights, public service, health and education. The announcement was made by Lt.-Gov. Mike Savage on August 14.
The 2026 recipients of the Order of Nova Scotia are:
– Robert Bennett, New Glasgow – social services leader;
– Wadih Fares, Halifax – businessman, engineer and philanthropist;
– Dr. John Hamm, Stellarton, Pictou County – physician and former premier; (posthumously)
– Barb Hamilton-Hinch, Dartmouth – academic and community leader;
– L. Jane McMillan, Antigonish – legal anthropologist and educator;
– Matt Minglewood, Glace Bay – musician and songwriter;
– Lynn Murphy, Halifax – activist, community builder and historian;
– Judge Corrine Sparks, Dartmouth – jurist, legal educator and community leader;
– Alan Syliboy, Millbrook – Mi’kmaw visual artist, author, musician and Elder;
– Shelly Whitman, Black Point, Halifax Regional Municipality – humanitarian, scholar and community leader.
Cumberland North
John Whales and Ray Coulson
Nova Scotia Highlanders Regimental Museum New Location – On August 14th, I was so pleased to see Ray Coulson and John Whales surrounded by boxes and boxes of our military history as the Regimental Museum began coming back to life in its new location on Victoria Street, between Smile Sushi and Duncan’s Pub. Ray, John, Jamie Goodwin, Rick Estabrooks, Justin MacKay and many others have worked incredibly hard to make this happen. I am so proud of them. This is what community determination looks like.
I have never supported the federal government’s decision to close the Amherst Armoury, limiting local reservist recruitment here at home, affecting our Cadet programs and preventing the public from accessing our Regimental Museum and the incredible military history it preserves. But our local volunteers never gave up.
There is a myth in politics that you need a representative who is “on the government side” to get things done. Yet the Armoury was shut down while our area has a Liberal government MP. Northport Wharf was divested, there are concerns about Malagash Wharf, and now the federal Liberal government is moving to close the Nappan Research Farm. This is all happening while we have not just a local Liberal MP, but EVERY Nova Scotia MP is with the Liberal Caucus. Why does Nova Scotia not have a voice in Ottawa where seemingly all the decisions are made.
What really makes the difference is people who refuse to give up on their community. And neither will I. We will keep pushing to keep an Amherst Armoury and to once again allow people to join the Canadian Armed Forces Reserves right here in Amherst. Our military history matters and it deserves to be preserved for generations to come.
Pugwash Hospital still has an ER and is one of only a few NS rural hospitals left with an active ER. And I have been pleased to see the ER staffed so well this month! although I hear often how long the wait times are at the Cumberland Regional ER, the more rural ER’s that are staffed and open, this will help to alleviate the wait times at the Regional Centres.
August 14 – August 31, 2026 hours of operation: Subject to change.
NCHCC EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT will be OPEN with an in person physician on the followings days:
Friday, August 14, 2026 – 8am – 8pm
Monday, August 17, 2026 – 8am – 6pm
Tuesday, August 18, 2026 – 8am – 8pm
Wednesday, August 19, 2026 – 8am – 8pm
Thursday, August 20, 2026 – 8am – 8pm
Monday, August 24, 2026 – 8am – 6pm
Wednesday, August 26, 2026 – 8am – 6 pm
Thursday, August 27, 2026 – 8am – 8pm
Friday, August 28, 2026 – 8am – 8pm
Saturday, August 29, 2026 – 8am – 8pm
Sunday, August 30, 2026 – 8am – 8pm
Virtual Urgent Care is offered at the site 7 days a week, 8am-7pm. If you have an urgent non-life-threatening medical need on a day we are not listed as open, please call us or drop by and the nurse can help you determine if your need can be met through our virtual care team.
902-243-2521 opt 1
Recent Events
Retirement of Gordon Hebb – On August 17, I had the honour of attending a retirement celebration hosted by the Lieutenant Governor for Gordon Hebb, KC. Mr. Hebb is retiring after a long and distinguished career in government. He served for 50 years in the Legislative Counsel Office and many of those years as Chief Legislative Counsel. He played a central role in shaping, modernizing and maintaining the statutory laws of Nova Scotia. His work has provided sustained legal guidance and constitutional expertise through successive governments.
On a personal note, I want to acknowledge how much I have valued Mr. Hebb’s advice whenever I sought his counsel. I appreciate how he led a strong team that supported the development of many bills which I have been able to table on behalf of Nova Scotia taxpayers.
As an Independent MLA, it has been so valuable for me to know I could trust and rely upon his knowledge and wisdom. I wish Gordon Hebb the very best for a long and enjoyable retirement.
Audio Update – For those of you who may not know, I also do a weekly update, similar to this one, on CFTA Tantramar Radio, FM 107.9. It is broadcast each Monday at 12:30 pm noon. You can listen to all past episodes online on my website here. My office is 902-661-2288 and located at 5 Ratchford St in Amherst Monday thru Friday and Wednesdays in Pugwash at the Pugwash Village Hall.
Birthday and Anniversary Wishes
I would like to extend birthday and anniversary greetings to anyone celebrating this week, including:
- Monday, August 24 – Lorenda Ebbett
- Tuesday, August 25 – Dan Anger and Parker Ross
- Wednesday, August 26 – Dave Slade and Finnley MacNeil
- Thursday, August 27 – Murray Pederson
- Friday, August 28 – Merrill Murray
- Saturday, August 29 – Cathy Burbine Mitchell
If you know of someone celebrating a special occasion and would like me to bring a certificate of recognition, please contact my office 902-661–2288. I would be honoured to help them celebrate.
Obituaries
I would like to extend my sympathies to anyone who has lost a loved one recently, including the family and friends of:
Mary Louise (Lou) MacLean Larry “Carl” Baxter Kelly Rose Lynn Chapman
Sharon Ann Henwood Marjorie “Betty” Lowther
Carolyn Curry Arlene Cormier Barbara Ann Delicato
If anyone else has lost a loved one, please accept my sincere condolences.
Upcoming Events
September 3 – First Day of School
September 6 – Concert on the Harbourfront Stage, Pugwash, with Big Fish
September 7 – Labour Day Holiday
September 8 – Nova Scotia Legislature Resumes
October 12 – Thanksgiving
Take care of yourself body, mind and spirit and always seek ways to serve others, I believe that is where true happiness is found.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth
My Mission as MLA for Cumberland North is to represent you, the people of Cumberland North. I am an Independent MLA, and I work for you with a foundation in the principles of parliamentary democracy.
Building a stronger Cumberland North, Cumberland County, Nova Scotia and Maritimes is possible based on a foundation of the principles of:
– Truth and Justice
– Determination and Dedication
– Honesty
– Being a Servant Leader & Empowering All People
Together, you and I can build a Stronger Cumberland respecting the courage and strength of our veterans and standing firm on the Four Pillars of:
– Excellence in Health Care
– Affordability for All People
– Solid Education for our Children, and
– A Growing Economy by Supporting our entrepreneurs
Other important work includes addressing the increasing crime and illicit drug use, Maritime collaboration, protecting the Isthmus of Chignecto and standing for truth and justice for victims of sexual assault and family violence. These priorities are in line with my vision for building a stronger Cumberland and Maritimes. |
