MEMBER’S STATEMENT

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THE HONOURABLE KAREN CASEY, MLA

COLCHESTER NORTH

Mr. Speaker, let me take this opportunity to acknowledge and congratulate the residents of Portapique for their leadership, their strength and their resilience over the last 12 months. They have been harmed and hurt by the tragic events of April 2020 when 13 members of their community lost their lives. They bare scars that may never heal, but they have come together to strengthen and celebrate their sense of community spirit.

The Portapique Community Build Up Project was launched by the residents last year and it has become an important part of the healing process. It sees neighbours working together to renovate and expand the 200 year old community hall. It sees the development of sports fields, children’s playground, walking trails, multi-purpose courts, picnic area, and floral gardens. It has become a gathering place that embraces a sense of safety and community identity. It sees partnerships and support from organizations like the Boys and Girls Club in Truro, the MacPhee Centre for Creative Learning in Dartmouth, the Lawrencetown Education Centre, the Rotary Club of Truro, the Municipality of Colchester and the Provincial Department of Communities, Culture & Heritage to name a few.

They have established the We Rise Again Fund to accept donations to support the project. Many individuals and organizations have been generous. They understand the purpose and in the words of one donor “it just feels good”.

I commend the community members for their bold initiative. In the midst of those tragic events, they will not let that define their community. This Build Up Project is such a beautiful way to honour and remember those 13 special souls who will always be in our hearts and minds.