News Release

For immediate release
August 13, 2005

MINISTER MCGUIRE COMMEMORATES THE 50th ANNIVERSARY OF THE CANSO CAUSEWAY

Port Hastings, N.S. – History was repeated today as dignitaries, pipers and a host of well-wishers crossed the “road to the Isle,” participating in a
re-enactment of the ceremonies held to officially open the Canso Causeway
50 years ago.

Among those in attendance were the Honourable Joseph McGuire, Minister for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation (ECBC) and Cape Breton – Canso MP, Rodger Cuzner.

“The Canso Causeway has become synonymous with Cape Breton Island, and the 50th anniversary milestone is cause for celebration,” says Minister McGuire. “The Government of Canada is pleased to have contributed to these celebrations that mark such a significant event in the history of Cape Breton and I congratulate all the community-minded people who have worked so hard to make this week-long event a reality.”

Remarking on the impact the causeway has had on the economic and cultural fabric of Cape Breton, MP Cuzner says “The completion of the causeway was not only a major engineering accomplishment, it served to enhance the Island’s transportation infrastructure, making the shipment of goods easier and providing better access for visitors and residents. This has contributed to the economy of the area.”

In a separate ceremony held on August 12, 2005 Minister McGuire and MP Rodger Cuzner participated in the unveiling of a cairn to commemorate the vision of former Nova Scotia Premier, Angus L. Macdonald, who was instrumental in the construction of the Canso Causeway.

Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation offers programs in support of economic development initiatives and is responsible for delivering ACOA's programs on Cape Breton Island and in the Mulgrave area.

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FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT:

Valérie Poulin
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Joseph McGuire
Minister of Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
(613) 941-7241