{"id":64179,"date":"2026-05-03T09:42:02","date_gmt":"2026-05-03T12:42:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thelaker.ca\/?p=64179"},"modified":"2026-05-03T09:42:02","modified_gmt":"2026-05-03T12:42:02","slug":"macdonald-fields-housing-transit-concerns-at-chambers-business-breakfast","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/staging-z.thelaker.ca\/?p=64179","title":{"rendered":"MacDonald fields housing, transit concerns at Chamber&#8217;s business breakfast"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"alignnormal\"><div id=\"metaslider-id-56509\" style=\"max-width: 600px; margin: 0 auto;\" class=\"ml-slider-3-108-0 metaslider metaslider-flex metaslider-56509 ml-slider ms-theme-default-base nav-hidden\" role=\"region\" aria-label=\"EH Mini Header 1\" data-height=\"200\" data-width=\"600\">\n    <div id=\"metaslider_container_56509\">\n        <div id=\"metaslider_56509\">\n            <ul class='slides'>\n                <li style=\"display: block; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-56510 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2025-07-06 04:23:45\" data-filename=\"Anne-McFarlane-Laker-594x198.png\" data-slide-type=\"image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.burchellmacdougall.com\/people\/anne-mcfarlane\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/staging-z.thelaker.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Anne-McFarlane-Laker-594x198.png\" height=\"200\" width=\"600\" alt=\"\" class=\"slider-56509 slide-56510 msDefaultImage\" title=\"Anne McFarlane Laker\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-56513 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2025-07-06 10:07:29\" data-filename=\"ckg-local-choice-ad-600x200.jpg\" data-slide-type=\"image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ckgelevator.ca\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/staging-z.thelaker.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/ckg-local-choice-ad-600x200.jpg\" height=\"200\" width=\"600\" alt=\"\" class=\"slider-56509 slide-56513 msDefaultImage\" title=\"ckg-local-choice-ad\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n            <\/ul>\n        <\/div>\n        \n    <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>LANTZ:<\/strong> Hants East MLA John A. MacDonald said hearing directly from local businesses is one of the most important parts of his role.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Speaking during an East Hants &amp; District Chamber of Commerce business breakfast at the Todd Hunter Room in the East Hants Sportsplex on Friday morning, the Minister of Municipal Affairs mixed updates on government priorities with an extended question-and-answer session with the business community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI do enjoy coming to this,\u201d MacDonald told attendees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWhat I love here is\u2026 I prefer to take questions than talk because most of you know me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He spoke about growth happening across East Hants, pointing to developments in natural resources and emerging industries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThere\u2019s things going on in East Hants that are going to be generational changes,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>ADVERTISEMENT:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"alignnormal\"><div id=\"metaslider-id-56506\" style=\"max-width: 600px; margin: 0 auto;\" class=\"ml-slider-3-108-0 metaslider metaslider-flex metaslider-56506 ml-slider ms-theme-default-base nav-hidden nav-hidden\" role=\"region\" aria-label=\"Mini Header 2\" data-height=\"200\" data-width=\"600\">\n    <div id=\"metaslider_container_56506\">\n        <div id=\"metaslider_56506\">\n            <ul class='slides'>\n                <li style=\"display: block; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-63688 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2026-04-08 10:35:32\" data-filename=\"Creative-Minds-Ad-780-x-2501-e1775655291224-600x200.png\" data-slide-type=\"image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/profile.php?id=100090386733545\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/staging-z.thelaker.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Creative-Minds-Ad-780-x-2501-e1775655291224-600x200.png\" height=\"200\" width=\"600\" alt=\"\" class=\"slider-56506 slide-63688 msDefaultImage\" title=\"Creative Minds Ad 780 x 250(1)\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-56517 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2025-07-06 10:19:19\" data-filename=\"steve-mac-new-ad-laker-600x200.jpg\" data-slide-type=\"image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thefinancialengineer.ca\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/staging-z.thelaker.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/steve-mac-new-ad-laker-600x200.jpg\" height=\"200\" width=\"600\" alt=\"\" class=\"slider-56506 slide-56517 msDefaultImage\" title=\"steve-mac-new-ad-laker\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-62054 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2026-01-31 20:53:23\" data-filename=\"The-breath-Factory-600x200-1.png\" data-slide-type=\"image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thebreathfactory.ca\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/staging-z.thelaker.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/The-breath-Factory-600x200-1.png\" height=\"200\" width=\"600\" alt=\"\" class=\"slider-56506 slide-62054 msDefaultImage\" title=\"The breath Factory 600x200\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n            <\/ul>\n        <\/div>\n        \n    <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"alignnormal\"><div id=\"metaslider-id-56514\" style=\"max-width: 600px; margin: 0 auto;\" class=\"ml-slider-3-108-0 metaslider metaslider-flex metaslider-56514 ml-slider ms-theme-default-base nav-hidden nav-hidden nav-hidden\" role=\"region\" aria-label=\"EH Mini Header 2\" data-height=\"200\" data-width=\"600\">\n    <div id=\"metaslider_container_56514\">\n        <div id=\"metaslider_56514\">\n            <ul class='slides'>\n                <li style=\"display: block; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-56515 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2025-07-06 10:09:25\" data-filename=\"The-McCooeye-Group-Laker-News-Ad-February-2026.jpg\" data-slide-type=\"image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/themccooeyegroup.ca\/\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/staging-z.thelaker.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/The-McCooeye-Group-Laker-News-Ad-February-2026.jpg\" height=\"200\" width=\"600\" alt=\"\" class=\"slider-56514 slide-56515 msDefaultImage\" title=\"The McCooeye Group - Laker News Ad - February 2026\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-56516 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2025-07-06 10:11:18\" data-filename=\"GNS-cruiser-ad-600x200.jpg\" data-slide-type=\"image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gnsequipmentrentals.ca\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/staging-z.thelaker.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/GNS-cruiser-ad-600x200.jpg\" height=\"200\" width=\"600\" alt=\"\" class=\"slider-56514 slide-56516 msDefaultImage\" title=\"GNS-cruiser-ad\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n            <\/ul>\n        <\/div>\n        \n    <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Much of the discussion focused on housing, with business owners saying a lack of affordable options is limiting their ability to hire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>MacDonald acknowledged the concern and admitted he was not aware a provincial secondary suite program had been cancelled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI\u2019ll find out what\u2019s going on with it,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He explained housing is now handled under a different department but stressed the issue remains a priority.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThat\u2019s why\u2026 there is a minister that is solely job is housing,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>MacDonald added the province is looking to balance development types.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWe\u2019re not saying we\u2019re done with apartments\u2026 but our priority is actually single [units]\u2026 up to townhouses,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Transportation challenges were also raised, particularly for workers commuting from the Halifax area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>MacDonald said a regional transit concept is being explored, though details are still emerging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThe intent is to be able to kind of\u2026 book into transit,\u201d he said, describing a system with transfer points connecting communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He added the goal is to make it easier for people to access jobs without needing a car.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThe point [is] making it easier so people can not be driving the cars,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>ADVERTISEMENT:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"alignnormal\"><div id=\"metaslider-id-56376\" style=\"max-width: 500px; margin: 0 auto;\" class=\"ml-slider-3-108-0 metaslider metaslider-flex metaslider-56376 ml-slider ms-theme-default-base nav-hidden nav-hidden nav-hidden nav-hidden\" role=\"region\" aria-label=\"East Hants Biz Card\" data-height=\"200\" data-width=\"500\">\n    <div id=\"metaslider_container_56376\">\n        <div id=\"metaslider_56376\">\n            <ul class='slides'>\n                <li style=\"display: block; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-56377 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2025-07-02 11:06:46\" data-filename=\"Cup-of-Soul-Cafe-2-500x200.png\" data-slide-type=\"image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/p\/The-Cup-of-Soul-Cafe-100063475783366\/\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/staging-z.thelaker.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Cup-of-Soul-Cafe-2-500x200.png\" height=\"200\" width=\"500\" alt=\"\" class=\"slider-56376 slide-56377 msDefaultImage\" title=\"Cup of Soul Cafe\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-56495 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2025-07-06 03:44:40\" data-filename=\"john-a-ad-500x200.jpg\" data-slide-type=\"image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/staging-z.thelaker.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/john-a-ad-500x200.jpg\" height=\"200\" width=\"500\" alt=\"\" class=\"slider-56376 slide-56495 msDefaultImage\" title=\"john a ad\" \/><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-56496 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2025-07-06 03:45:09\" data-filename=\"Brannens-Biz-Card-ad-500x200.png\" data-slide-type=\"image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/staging-z.thelaker.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Brannens-Biz-Card-ad-500x200.png\" height=\"200\" width=\"500\" alt=\"\" class=\"slider-56376 slide-56496 msDefaultImage\" title=\"Brannens-Biz-Card-ad\" \/><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-58095 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2025-08-28 12:50:18\" data-filename=\"Stacey-Ingram-Mortgage-Specialist.png\" data-slide-type=\"image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mortgage.rbc.com\/stacey.ingraham\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/staging-z.thelaker.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Stacey-Ingram-Mortgage-Specialist.png\" height=\"200\" width=\"500\" alt=\"\" class=\"slider-56376 slide-58095 msDefaultImage\" title=\"Stacey Ingram Mortgage Specialist\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-56497 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2025-07-06 03:46:11\" data-filename=\"Kody-laker-ad-500x200.jpg\" data-slide-type=\"image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/staging-z.thelaker.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Kody-laker-ad-500x200.jpg\" height=\"200\" width=\"500\" alt=\"\" class=\"slider-56376 slide-56497 msDefaultImage\" title=\"Kody-laker-ad\" \/><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-56498 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2025-07-06 03:47:28\" data-filename=\"Maritime-Car-Wash-Biz-Card-300-x-200-500x200.png\" data-slide-type=\"image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/staging-z.thelaker.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Maritime-Car-Wash-Biz-Card-300-x-200-500x200.png\" height=\"200\" width=\"500\" alt=\"\" class=\"slider-56376 slide-56498 msDefaultImage\" title=\"Maritime-Car-Wash-Biz-Card-300-x-200\" \/><\/li>\n            <\/ul>\n        <\/div>\n        \n    <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>MacDonald also highlighted efforts to streamline government processes, including changes to meat inspection rules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWe\u2019re just removing some of the bureaucracy,\u201d he said, noting inspections will continue under a risk-based system aligned with federal standards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He also pointed to investments in fire services and other infrastructure as examples of non-partisan improvements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Throughout the session, MacDonald emphasized accessibility and responsiveness, promising follow-up on issues raised.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cMy goal is\u2026 to get the answer\u2026 quickly,\u201d he said when asked about housing programs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The breakfast brought together members of the local business community to discuss ongoing challenges and opportunities in East Hants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"alignnormal\"><div id=\"metaslider-id-56511\" style=\"max-width: 500px; margin: 0 auto;\" class=\"ml-slider-3-108-0 metaslider metaslider-flex metaslider-56511 ml-slider ms-theme-default-base nav-hidden nav-hidden nav-hidden nav-hidden nav-hidden\" role=\"region\" aria-label=\"Sports Biz Card\" data-height=\"200\" data-width=\"500\">\n    <div id=\"metaslider_container_56511\">\n        <div id=\"metaslider_56511\">\n            <ul class='slides'>\n                <li style=\"display: block; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-56518 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2025-07-06 10:23:52\" data-filename=\"Brannens-Biz-Card-ad-1500x600.png\" data-slide-type=\"image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.brannensservicecenter.ca\/\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/staging-z.thelaker.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Brannens-Biz-Card-ad-1500x600.png\" height=\"200\" width=\"500\" alt=\"\" class=\"slider-56511 slide-56518 msDefaultImage\" title=\"Brannens-Biz-Card-ad\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-56519 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2025-07-06 10:24:12\" data-filename=\"KW-Realty-Biz-card-300-x-200-1500x600.png\" data-slide-type=\"image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jerryandannettemurphy.ca\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/staging-z.thelaker.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/KW-Realty-Biz-card-300-x-200-1500x600.png\" height=\"200\" width=\"500\" alt=\"\" class=\"slider-56511 slide-56519 msDefaultImage\" title=\"KW-Realty-Biz-card-300-x-200\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-56520 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2025-07-06 10:24:39\" data-filename=\"cooperators-new-ad-1500x600.png\" data-slide-type=\"image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/glynnirvingfinancialadvisor\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/staging-z.thelaker.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/cooperators-new-ad-1500x600.png\" height=\"200\" width=\"500\" alt=\"\" class=\"slider-56511 slide-56520 msDefaultImage\" title=\"cooperators new ad\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-56521 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2025-07-06 10:24:56\" data-filename=\"john-a-ad-1500x600.jpg\" data-slide-type=\"image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/MLAJohnA\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/staging-z.thelaker.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/john-a-ad-1500x600.jpg\" height=\"200\" width=\"500\" alt=\"\" class=\"slider-56511 slide-56521 msDefaultImage\" title=\"john a ad\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-56523 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2025-07-06 10:26:01\" data-filename=\"FR-Guardian-Biz-card-with-phone-300-x-200-1-1500x600.png\" data-slide-type=\"image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.guardian-ida-remedysrx.ca\/en\/nova-scotia\/fall-river\/fall-river-guardian-7001327\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/staging-z.thelaker.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/FR-Guardian-Biz-card-with-phone-300-x-200-1-1500x600.png\" height=\"200\" width=\"500\" alt=\"\" class=\"slider-56511 slide-56523 msDefaultImage\" title=\"FR-Guardian-Biz-card-with-phone-300-x-200\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n            <\/ul>\n        <\/div>\n        \n    <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"alignnormal\"><div id=\"metaslider-id-56191\" style=\"width: 100%; margin: 0 auto;\" class=\"ml-slider-3-108-0 metaslider metaslider-flex metaslider-56191 ml-slider has-carousel-mode ms-theme-default-base nav-hidden nav-hidden nav-hidden nav-hidden nav-hidden nav-hidden\" role=\"region\" aria-label=\"Banner Slideshow\" data-height=\"289\" data-width=\"718\">\n    <div id=\"metaslider_container_56191\">\n        <div id=\"metaslider_56191\">\n            <ul class='slides'>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-60460 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2025-11-21 22:47:45\" data-filename=\"Banner-ad-fixed-Laker-1436x578.jpg\" data-slide-type=\"image\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.dowandduggan.ca\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"Dow and Duggan\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/staging-z.thelaker.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Banner-ad-fixed-Laker-1436x578.jpg\" height=\"289\" width=\"718\" alt=\"\" class=\"slider-56191 slide-60460 msDefaultImage\" title=\"Dow and Duggan Banner ad\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-56198 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2025-06-26 18:06:40\" data-filename=\"Laker-Ad-2025-600-x-200-px-1436x578.png\" data-slide-type=\"image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/barracudamechanical.com\/category\/your-home-heating\/\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/staging-z.thelaker.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Laker-Ad-2025-600-x-200-px-1436x578.png\" height=\"289\" width=\"718\" alt=\"\" class=\"slider-56191 slide-56198 msDefaultImage\" title=\"Laker Ad 2025 (600 x 200 px)\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-56201 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2025-06-26 18:08:21\" data-filename=\"fr-animal-hospital-1-1436x578.png\" data-slide-type=\"image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/fallriveranimalhospital.ca\/\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/staging-z.thelaker.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/fr-animal-hospital-1-1436x578.png\" height=\"289\" width=\"718\" alt=\"\" class=\"slider-56191 slide-56201 msDefaultImage\" title=\"fr animal hospital 1\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-56194 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2025-06-26 18:04:44\" data-filename=\"BLONDE_780x250-1436x578.jpg\" data-slide-type=\"image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ninelocksbrewing.ca\/\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/staging-z.thelaker.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/BLONDE_780x250-1436x578.jpg\" height=\"289\" width=\"718\" alt=\"\" class=\"slider-56191 slide-56194 msDefaultImage\" title=\"BLONDE_780x250\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-56195 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2025-06-26 18:05:09\" data-filename=\"steve-mac-new-ad-laker-1436x578.jpg\" data-slide-type=\"image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thefinancialengineer.ca\/\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/staging-z.thelaker.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/steve-mac-new-ad-laker-1436x578.jpg\" height=\"289\" width=\"718\" alt=\"\" class=\"slider-56191 slide-56195 msDefaultImage\" title=\"steve-mac-new-ad-laker\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-56196 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2025-06-26 18:05:28\" data-filename=\"The-McCooeye-Group-Laker-News-Ad-February-2026-1436x578.jpg\" data-slide-type=\"image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/themccooeyegroup.ca\/\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/staging-z.thelaker.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/The-McCooeye-Group-Laker-News-Ad-February-2026-1436x578.jpg\" height=\"289\" width=\"718\" alt=\"\" class=\"slider-56191 slide-56196 msDefaultImage\" title=\"The McCooeye Group - Laker News Ad - February 2026\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-60461 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2025-11-21 22:48:49\" data-filename=\"Senior-Penguins-Laker-News-Ad-1436x578.png\" data-slide-type=\"image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/profile.php?id=61576976667957\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"East Hants Senior Penguins\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/staging-z.thelaker.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Senior-Penguins-Laker-News-Ad-1436x578.png\" height=\"289\" width=\"718\" alt=\"\" class=\"slider-56191 slide-60461 msDefaultImage\" title=\"Senior Penguins Laker News Ad\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-61939 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2026-01-27 03:44:29\" data-filename=\"Banner-Ad-Lightworks-2-1436x578.jpg\" data-slide-type=\"image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lightworksbookkeeping.ca\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/staging-z.thelaker.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Banner-Ad-Lightworks-2-1436x578.jpg\" height=\"289\" width=\"718\" alt=\"\" class=\"slider-56191 slide-61939 msDefaultImage\" title=\"Banner Ad Lightworks 2\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-56773 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2025-07-11 11:44:17\" data-filename=\"The-laker-ad-Banner-advertize-1436x578.jpg\" data-slide-type=\"image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/thelaker.ca\/contact\/\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/staging-z.thelaker.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/The-laker-ad-Banner-advertize-1436x578.jpg\" height=\"289\" width=\"718\" alt=\"\" class=\"slider-56191 slide-56773 msDefaultImage\" title=\"The laker ad Banner advertize\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-63327 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2026-03-25 08:57:02\" data-filename=\"opendoor-Laker-ad-2_780x250-Main-Pg-1436x578.png\" data-slide-type=\"image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/opendoor.construction\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/staging-z.thelaker.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/opendoor-Laker-ad-2_780x250-Main-Pg-1436x578.png\" height=\"289\" width=\"718\" alt=\"\" class=\"slider-56191 slide-63327 msDefaultImage\" title=\"opendoor-Laker-ad-2_780x250-Main-Pg\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-56193 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2025-06-26 18:03:34\" data-filename=\"ckg-local-choice-ad-1436x578.jpg\" data-slide-type=\"image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/ckggroup.ca\/\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/staging-z.thelaker.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/ckg-local-choice-ad-1436x578.jpg\" height=\"289\" width=\"718\" alt=\"\" class=\"slider-56191 slide-56193 msDefaultImage\" title=\"ckg-local-choice-ad\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-57365 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2025-07-30 20:19:19\" data-filename=\"Mini-Header_Amy-Seymour200x600-1436x578.jpg\" data-slide-type=\"image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/royallepageatlantic.com\/contact-us\/agent-profile\/amy-seymour\/12487\/\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/staging-z.thelaker.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Mini-Header_Amy-Seymour200x600-1436x578.jpg\" height=\"289\" width=\"718\" alt=\"\" class=\"slider-56191 slide-57365 msDefaultImage\" title=\"Mini Header_Amy Seymour200x600\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-56202 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2025-06-26 18:08:39\" data-filename=\"GNS-cruiser-ad-1436x578.jpg\" data-slide-type=\"image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gnsequipmentrentals.ca\/\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/staging-z.thelaker.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/GNS-cruiser-ad-1436x578.jpg\" height=\"289\" width=\"718\" alt=\"\" class=\"slider-56191 slide-56202 msDefaultImage\" title=\"GNS-cruiser-ad\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n            <\/ul>\n        <\/div>\n        \n    <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>LANTZ: Hants East MLA John A. MacDonald said hearing directly from local businesses is one of the most important parts of his role. Speaking during an East Hants &amp; District Chamber of Commerce business breakfast at the Todd Hunter Room in the East Hants Sportsplex on Friday morning, the Minister of Municipal Affairs mixed updates [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":64180,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[965,957],"tags":[3595,3596,1637,2282,595,10298,8735,853],"class_list":["post-64179","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-east-hants","category-news","tag-business-breakfast","tag-east-hants-districts-chamber-of-commerce","tag-housing","tag-john-a-macdonald","tag-lantz","tag-minister-john-a-macdonald","tag-municipal-affairs","tag-transit"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/staging-z.thelaker.ca\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/64179","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/staging-z.thelaker.ca\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/staging-z.thelaker.ca\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/staging-z.thelaker.ca\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/staging-z.thelaker.ca\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=64179"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/staging-z.thelaker.ca\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/64179\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/staging-z.thelaker.ca\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/64180"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/staging-z.thelaker.ca\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=64179"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/staging-z.thelaker.ca\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=64179"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/staging-z.thelaker.ca\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=64179"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}