BE BOLD LEAD US INTO THE FUTURE

Having moved back to Cape Breton 25 years ago; I’ve often reminisced about how poor we were growing up and what little hope we had as young people; growing up in society that the best thing for a young lad to do was leave home to make room in the home for one of the siblings. How many young men and perhaps ladies as well, were told they would “never amount to anything” on their exit interview from school.

Thankfully, much has changed in the last 50 years in Cape Breton; although we still suffer lingering hopes for that big company to come and create wealth for us all. Well me son, as they say in Newfi…that ain’t gonna happen!! A far better solution is to focus on the essentials and fundamentals; good schools, colleges, universities and libraries to help create a learning culture that will stand the test of time. Good digital skills along with finely honed communication tools will lead to exceptional growth opportunities.

I also remember in my early days with Pat Bates at ECBC where $500K was invested in the McConnell Library to install CBNET or CB Freenet as it would later be called. This offered our community, digital access to the Internet at a time when it simply was not affordable, nor available to but a few individuals. Under the leadership and tutelage off the McConnell Staff including, Ian MacIntosh andFaye MacDougall, the McConnell offered digital access and training to a great many Cape Bretoner’s; both young and old alike. This simply would not have happened without the library leadership; staff and physical assets. Greater Cape Breton would have been much poorer if the McConnell Library were not willing to take a chance on something new.

Cape Breton Municipality needs to take a chance today; to lead; to offer hope and create a new Library in tune with the digital world but with fulfilling the day-to-day needs of our community. We need the tools in place for our young and old; fostering the hope that our community members can attain any dream they have. Nothing less will do. CBRM, please exercise the leadership entrusted to you, support the creation of a new modern library.