Editorial - Spar for the course

 Spar for the course

(An earlier version of this rant appeared in the Chronicle Herald and in the Inverness Oran)

This is not a contribution to the debate over a possible application for possible leave to possibly develop West Mabou Beach Provincial Park. There are plenty of qualified and passionate voices in that debate already, and while my family uses that space quite often, we do not live nearby and don’t feel our voices would be a valid contribution.

However, my family values our access to such spaces and over the years we have used many extensively in our pursuit of good heath and wellness. We are grateful for the efforts of so many people before us who have laboured to ensure that such spaces exist, are enhanced and enjoyed.

So with all the bruhaha over the possible dissolution of a portion of the protected space that is West Mabou Beach, I am very surprised how little has reached my ears and in-box about the reality of such “protected” spaces in Nova Scotia.

We were distressed to learn from a related article (published online on a holiday, mind you) that the NS Provincial Parks Act gives the Minister power to “dispose” of a park’s “flora or fauna,” and to grant “privilege or concession” for use of a park.

According to the article (“Nova Scotia provincial parks aren’t as protected as you may think,” by Victoria Welland, January 1, 2023), Cabinet is f”ree to interpret [the Act] in any way it likes … without public consultation or an act of the legislature.”

What’s that? A riddle? Like “when is a door not a door – when it’s ajar.”

Close the door!

We get that occasionally our governors (remember when we were taught to regard them as ‘our betters’?) have to make difficult decisions. But that’s what they do when they declare parks in the first place, for heaven’s sake!

Everyone uses the term “healthcare” when referring to the health industry and the management crisis we presently endure, but there’s nary a mention made of health, like healthy lifestyles and healthy spaces.

We urge our government to recognize the need for and to solidify access to good health in its many forms, including solidifying protected spaces.

If we want Nova Scotia to grow, let some things grow – for all our sakes.

fin

Note that the on-line item was followed up in an interview with Welland on Information Morning, Halifax, January 2.

Link to the CBC story (tinyural): https://tinyurl.com/3chrrcrz

Broadcast (Nova Scotia) interview link: https://tinyurl.com/mr38ejvs