Our Council

My name is Claude P. Poirier and I am a resident of Chéticamp. My wife Marjolaine Poirier and I have two sons, Alexandre and Jean-Claude, who, with my daughter-in-law Michelle Lee, have a daughter Isabelle Lee, my granddaughter.

I am a welder by trade and have owned my own welding business in Chéticamp for 30 years. Outside of this, I have been a volunteer with many community committees, like the Harbour Authority and Conseil économique de Chéticamp, just to name a few.

I am committed to serve the people of District 1. I look forward to working with my fellow Councillors and staff on County issues.

I am a mother of four, grandmother to three, a proud military mom.  I have always been an active member of numerous community committees as I believe not only is the volunteer the lifeblood of an organization but of our small communities.

I have an extensive background in dealing with the public. My list of involvements is numerous, here are some of the highlights: The first female firefighter on the Inverness Volunteer Fire Department (13 years). Vice President of the Inverness Development Association for 8 years. Secretary for Inverness’ 100th Anniversary Committee and helped organise events and raise funds that were distributed to community groups afterwards. Member of the R.C.M.P. Advisory Board for Inverness District. I was on the original committee and trained to bring LifeFlight to our area, which has since saved numerous lives! Breaking the Silence – Suicide Prevention, educating the public and trying to improve the awareness of mental health concerns throughout the general public. In 2005, I developed and presented a program geared towards Junior and Senior High School students on Depression, Schizophrenia and Suicide Prevention. I will always provide a listening ear to those that need it.

I have always believed it is important for our elected officials to  promote physical and mental health wellness to their citizens. I have in the past two decades been recognised both provincially and nationally for my work on smoking prevention. I was an Ambassador for The Better Choice Challenge with CBC’s Steven and Chris, again being recognised for encouraging mental, physical and financial wellbeing of consumers in Nova Scotia and across Canada.

I worked with special needs children for just over two decades. I see the challenges faced in our communities on many levels. I am an award winning consumer columnist/advocate and a former national radio columnist. For over twenty five years I have informed and helped consumers through a weekly column with the Inverness Oran.

I have been involved in politics longer than I can remember, over 40 years! I have held several volunteer positions on the Inverness PC Association during Former Premier and Inverness MLA Rodney MacDonald’s time in office and as well our current MLA Allan MacMaster. In 2012, I became President, which I stepped aside from in 2019. I have been recognised locally and on a provincial level for my involvement. It has given me a good knowledge of government regulations and programs.

I care about our community and the value good government can bring to my fellow citizens. And, it starts with your local councillor.  We need strong leadership especially with the challenges that COVID-19 has added to our daily lives.

Raised in community minded Mabou, I moved to ‘picturesque’ Port Hood when I married Cyril. We have two grown daughters and 3 grandchildren. As such I learned a great deal about the two communities, seen and discovered from the vantage point of longtime resident; a wife and working mother;  educators I worked with for 23 years with the SRCE , and many acquaintances and friends over four decades. My involvement with community organizations and committees include: Port Hood Area Development, Chestico Museum & Historical Society, chair Chestico Days Committee,  founder and chair Port Hood Central Park Ceilidhs , founder and chair Murphy’s Pond Music Festival, founder and director of several “Ole Opry” talent shows.

“It always seems impossible until it’s done, be the change you wish to see in the world.” 

Office address
Port Hood Resource Centre
214 Main St, Port Hood, NS B0E 2W0
Hours
Monday to Friday: 3pm – 5pm
Saturday: 10am – noon (by appointment only)