Kevin Copley for Sackville-Preston-Chezzetcook

Each of us were challenged by the events of 2020 differently and we modified our lifestyles accordingly to cope. In Nova Scotia we had some especially difficult events to work through as individuals and as a province. I found myself focusing inward, on my family and me, spending much of my free time in nature with my wife and children, renewing my love for guitar, taking on a head coach role with Sackville Minor Hockey, and to the extent possible, avoiding social media and the news media. A new year is always a cause for optimism. With my heart and soul, I wish you the best in the new year.

I suppose this is why the Liberal government had a job posting for "story teller" a month or so ago. It's truly a sad state when you're releasing the notes of a call before it happened. Clearly, it's no longer about truth.

Time to spread a little cheer! Tonight, the Sackville Business Association will host a virtual Christmas Tree Lighting event. You can follow the link below and tune in at 6:00PM.

With the rise in COVID-19 cases in our province, and recent directives from the provincial government to limit interactions, our association was able to conduct last night's board meeting and election of our new Executive virtually. To those leaving our Executive, thanks for leading us through the 2019 election campaign and through a pandemic. To those joining the Executive, thanks for stepping up to help us prepare for the next election.

Get to know our leader Erin O'Toole and his wife Rebecca! Hear about their experiences in Nova Scotia in this casual video at their home.

This is neat! Thanks Erin O'Toole for staying in touch with Nova Scotia.

One of the most important resources of our province. One of the most sensitive issues facing our province. And the minister responsible...hasn't read the documents that should serve as the ultimate guide as to how to ensure Mi'kmaw rights are honored and the resource is sustainable moving forward. "At least, Bernadette Jordan hasn’t read all of the two of them (each is about 10 pages)."

Tonight, after many months delayed due to COVID-19, we held our Sackville-Preston-Chezzetcook AGM. Despite masks and being physically distanced, it was really nice to see some familiar faces and say hi to friends. Thanks to all who attended, both in person and virtually!

Today is #WorldTeachersDay! The job coninues to grow more difficult and demanding each year. I'm thankful to the many wonderful teachers who spent their days teaching me.... I'm thankful to those wonderful teachers who are teaching my children. And, I'm especially thankful for the teacher who lives in my house - Mrs. Copley!

Every year, on this day I stop to think about how grateful I am to live in this country. I think of those who were lost, of those who have served, and those who continue to serve so that I and my family can live in prosperity, safety, and peace. Thank you for defending our country.

Congratulations Annamie Paul, newly elected leader of the federal Green Party of Canada.

This is not acceptable! I hope the police find whoever is responsible for this and face consequences for their actions.

THE POPPY CAMPAIGN STARTS TODAY Today, Friday October 30, marks the beginning of the The Royal Canadian Legion - National Headquarters' Annual Poppy Campaign. ...Legion Branches across West Nova will be asking you to wear a Poppy as a visual pledge to honour Canadian Veterans and remember those who sacrificed for the peace and security we enjoy today. They will also gratefully accept donations to their local Poppy funds which will support our Veterans, their familles and many other programs within our great community. I ask that you please do your part by wearing a Poppy starting today until November 11th and thank the Veterans, the serving Soldiers, and Cadets in West Nova if you get a chance. To find out where you can #GetYourPoppy and make a donation to a Legion near you, please visit: https://www.legion.ca/contact-us/find-a-branch Thank you. #lestweforget THANK YOU FOR SHARING. Conservative Party of Canada - Parti conservateur du Canada LA CAMPAGNE DU COQUELICOT COMMENCE AUJOURD'HUI Aujourd'hui, le vendredi 30 octobre, marque le début de la Campagne annuelle du coquelicot de la Légion royale canadienne. Les filiales de La Légion royale canadienne à travers Nova-Ouest vous demanderont de porter un coquelicot afin d'honorer nos anciens combattants et de se souvenir de ceux et celles qui se sont sacrifiés pour la paix et la sécurité dont nous jouissons aujourd'hui. Ils accepteront également avec gratitude des dons qui soutiendront nos vétérans, leurs familles et de nombreux autres programmes au sein de notre grande communauté. Je vous demande de faire votre part en portant un coquelicot à partir d'aujourd'hui jusqu'au 11 novembre et de remercier les anciens combattants, les soldats en service et les cadets de Nova-Ouest si vous en avez l'occasion. Pour savoir où vous pouvez procurer votre coquelicot et faire un don à une légion près de chez vous, veuillez visiter:https://legion.ca//pour-nous-joind/localisez-votre-filiale Je vous remercie. #PortezUnCoquelicot MERCI DE PARTAGER.

If you're in the market for a new mask, you can support Canadian Veterans by purchasing one from the Royal Canadian Legion. https://www.poppystore.ca//adult-mask-non-medical-300754-g

#EveryChildMatters

FYI - CERB payments are taxable as income.

The last Sunday in September of each year is Police and Peace Officers’ National Memorial Day. Daily, they contribute to the safety of our communities and for that I am thankful. Those who have fallen while serving us -- they are not forgotten.

Saddened to hear the tragic news out of Ukraine.

Well done, Kody Blois. Between you and Chris d'Entremont, it's nice to see there are some elected officials trying to find a solution. "The inclusion of a regulatory framework of how the moderate livelihood right can be exercised under the Fisheries Act could be justified on the grounds of conservation while avoiding social discord between Mi'kmaq and commercial fishers." - Blois "This does not reflect the position of the government nor the views of the Minister," Deeks told CBC News. - Minister Press Secretary

Get to know our leader, Erin O'Toole!

Opportunity for Graduating Students Each year, 40 students graduating from high schools and CEGEPs are selected from across Canada to participate in the page program. Pages are first-year undergraduate students registered at one of the four universities in the national capital region. They work on a part-time basis for one year.

Hurricane #Teddy is expected to hit Nova Scotia. You can stay up to speed on the state of Teddy and find some tips and tricks for preparation at the NS Gov site. Stay safe, friends! #NSstorm

Today is International Day of Peace. Each year the International Day of Peace is observed around the world on 21 September. The UN General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, through observing 24 hours of non-violence and cease-fire. Peace be with you!