Summary

The Kinley Coast podcast, hosted by John Kinley, discusses the proposed Maritime Launch Services (MLS) spaceport on Nova Scotia's Canso Peninsula. The project aims to establish Canada as a competitor in the rapidly expanding space industry, projected to reach a trillion-dollar market by 2040. The MLS site will primarily launch Cyclone 4 rockets, capable of carrying small to medium-sized payloads into polar orbits, making it ideal for Earth observation and research satellites.

John Kinley outlines the reasons for the Canso location, including its rural setting, clear ocean path, and safety advantages. The spaceport has received significant financial backing from institutional investors and government support, including over $13 million from Nova Scotia's Capital Investment Tax Credit and $12.9 million from Canada's Strategic Innovation Fund. MLS is led by Stephen Matier, a former NASA contractor with extensive experience in spaceport licensing and launch vehicle analysis.

However, local opposition exists, with concerns about environmental impact, noise pollution, and safety risks. Residents worry about chemical pollution, wildlife disruption, and the region’s tranquility. Despite these objections, MLS has committed to responsible environmental practices and ongoing monitoring.

The space industry’s growth is largely driven by the demand for satellite launches for GPS, telecommunications, internet services, and military reconnaissance. While MLS anticipates creating 50-100 jobs in the region, skeptics argue the benefits may be overstated. Additionally, questions remain about Canada’s lack of a regulatory framework for space launches and the uncertain future of the Cyclone 4 rocket, manufactured in Ukraine.

John Kinley concludes by emphasizing the importance of transparency and communication between MLS, the government, and local communities. He encourages thoughtful consideration of the project's potential economic and scientific benefits alongside its environmental and social challenges. The episode also highlights the growing necessity for international cooperation in managing space debris and ensuring the long-term sustainability of space exploration.

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John Kinley, host of Kinley Coast, discusses Canadian identity, drawing from personal experiences and academic insights. He highlights the influence of European heritage, particularly British and French, on Canadian political systems and cultural values. Kinley emphasizes the importance of understanding the distinction between citizenship, national identity, and cultural identity, illustrating how these concepts intersect in shaping a collective Canadian identity.

Canada’s identity is shaped by its multicultural heritage, including French, Indigenous, English, Indo, and Asian influences. The struggle between English and French cultures, particularly Quebec’s desire for autonomy, is a defining feature. Additionally, the historical grievances and ongoing reconciliation efforts with First Nations communities significantly impact Canadian identity, emphasizing the importance of inclusion, tolerance, and mutual respect.

The Charter of Rights and Freedoms, a defining document in Canadian history, promotes cosmopolitanism and tolerance, distinguishing Canada from other nations. While facing challenges like separatist movements and economic pressures, Canada’s commitment to its constitutionally applied rights remains strong. Ultimately, Canada’s unique identity is shaped by its diverse population, resilient spirit, and deep connection to its natural environment.

The Kinley Coast podcast aims to highlight culturally significant topics related to Atlantic Canada. Feedback and support are welcome at [email protected] and patreon.com/KinleyCoast.

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Welcome back! With Shark Week in full swing on the Discovery Channel, they recently aired their first shark documentary filmed in our region, aptly named "The Great White North." The episode showcases the growing population of Great White sharks in the North Atlantic. Both local and visiting researchers head out on some boat and go cage diving with these iconic predators. It’s an engaging show and well worth the $6.57 subscription to Discovery Plus.

Beyond the thrilling encounters with these majestic creatures, there’s significant science at play. Great White sharks are more than fearsome predators; they’re crucial for marine ecosystems, helping maintain balance and health in the ocean. Despite their vital role, they’re a threatened species due to overfishing and demand for their body parts. Through research, conservation, and education, we can protect these remarkable creatures. Understanding and preserving them is essential for marine biodiversity. Our relationship with the Great White sharks reflects our commitment to safeguarding our planet’s ecological heritage.

The presence of Great White sharks in Atlantic Canada is increasing, signaling significant environmental changes. As apex predators, they help regulate marine ecosystems, ensuring a balanced food web. However, they face numerous threats from human activities and climate change. Conservation efforts are crucial to protect them and maintain the health of our marine environments. Organizations like DFO and OCEARCH are actively working to track and study these sharks to inform effective conservation strategies. Public awareness and education are key to promoting their protection and understanding their ecological importance. Let's respect and admire these fascinating creatures as part of our natural world.

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Today, we'll discuss the upcoming Summer Olympic Games in Paris, starting on July 26th. This Olympics is set to be particularly unique, with a strong focus on sustainability and gender equality, and the introduction of new sports. Paris 2024 aims to be the most eco-friendly Olympics ever, with a 50% reduction in carbon emissions compared to previous Games, achieved through the use of existing or temporary venues and comprehensive waste management. Additionally, the Games will feature iconic Parisian landmarks as venues, blending the city's rich cultural heritage with the excitement of the Olympics.

The Paris 2024 Olympics also emphasize inclusivity and unity, integrating the Paralympic Games seamlessly and achieving gender equality with an equal number of male and female athletes. New sports like skateboarding, sport climbing, surfing, and breaking will attract younger audiences. Team Canada is sending 120 athletes, with strong representation from Atlantic Canada, including Nova Scotians Antonia and Georgia Lewin-LaFrance in sailing, Connor Fitzpatrick and Michelle Russell in canoe-kayak sprint, and swimmer Sydney Pickrem from Halifax. The Paris Olympics promise to be a groundbreaking event, showcasing the power of sport to unite and inspire. Join me in cheering on our athletes and enjoying the Games as a welcome escape from daily stresses.

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The Muskrat Falls Project represents a complex case of balancing benefits and drawbacks. While it contributes significantly to renewable energy generation, energy security, and economic development, it has also been plagued by financial overruns, environmental and social impacts, technical challenges, and governance issues. The project's experience underscores the importance of realistic planning, robust management, comprehensive risk assessment, and transparent governance in large-scale infrastructure projects. As Newfoundland and Labrador continue to navigate the challenges associated with Muskrat Falls, the lessons learned will be crucial for ensuring more successful and sustainable energy developments in the future.

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The Empress of Ireland tragedy occurred on May 29, 1914, when the Canadian Pacific passenger liner RMS Empress of Ireland collided with the Norwegian collier SS Storstad in the foggy waters of the St. Lawrence River, Quebec, Canada. The collision led to the rapid sinking of the Empress of Ireland, which went down within 14 minutes, resulting in the loss of over 1,000 lives. The causes of the disaster were attributed to poor visibility due to fog, potential misjudgment or error in navigation by the ships' crews, and the swift flooding of the liner exacerbated by open portholes and watertight doors left unsealed.

This maritime catastrophe stands as one of the most devastating in Canadian history, with profound implications for maritime safety regulations. Despite subsequent investigations into the incident, the outbreak of World War I later that year shifted global attention, somewhat overshadowing the Empress of Ireland tragedy. However, the wreck remains a significant and poignant reminder of the human cost of maritime disasters, and it continues to be one of the largest and most accessible shipwrecks in Canadian waters, serving as a somber memorial to the lives lost on that fateful day.

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This coming weekend is the SailGP event in Halifax NS. 

If you don’t know yet, Sail GP is an international sailing competition that features F50 foiling catamarans. These vessel travel between 40 and 50 knots in a tight race course in some of the most famous harbours in the world. There are ten teams vying for the season winner. After Halifax, there are only two more races this season. So, Team Canada has to pick it up if they want to finish in the top three this season. 

In this quick cast episode, I talk about the crew of the Team Canada vessel, plus discuss a little bit about how the boat is designed. I get little bit into the various interesting aspects of the event itself. 

So, if you're at all interested in what's happening in Halifax on June 1 and 2 of 2024, listen to this podcast and become educated!

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Today on the podcast I’m going to try something a little different. First off, the topic for today’s discussion will be all on the Bluenose II.  However, instead of having a guest, I thought I’d take a crack at this one myself. I was once a bit of a tour guide for the Bluenose II during the rebuild of the vessel, and then later as a crew member, it’s a topic that has been very interesting to me over the years and one that I just really enjoy speaking about. Just so you know, I do plan on doing other episodes about the Bluenose and her successor in the future, so this one will be more so a response to the FAQ that I remember fielding over the years with the vessel. 

On this episode, I'm going to be talking about a bit of the history of the Bluenose, from her days racing to when she ultimately hit a reef and died. Then I will discuss why there's a Bluenose II and what her mission is. Perhaps, after listening to the pod cast, you might know the answer to whether Bluenose II races?

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These days, I personally feel like there is a disconnect for myself and others in what we do on  the day-to-day and the outdoors. I am willing to wager that I am not the only one who feels this way. I mean, I don’t mean that I am still going outside to build a tree fort with my brother, but rather just general activity outdoors. So much of our lives are being carried out indoors, at a desk and at a computer; followed by coming home to your favorite chair and whatever favorite screen we are choosing that night. 

Today, as I try to become a better role model for my kids, we are going to talk about the outside. There are so many things to see and do up and down this rugged coast. And I might also emphasize that there’s a lot of land here in Atlantic Canada. We aren’t just all seashore. There are beautiful interior places to visit.

Getting outside does not have to be complicated. In fact, perhaps the best strategy is to take some of the pieces of comfort that we use everyday (like pizza and Netflix) and just make it happen. The goal should be to keep things simple and maybe by doing so, you'll be reintroduced to a rewarding experience.

To discuss the great outdoors today I’ve brought a little help. With me today is the man, the legend, Mr. Jeremy Hawes. Jeremy is the protagonist and propagator of the Youtube channel Hawes Outdoors that he populates with his outdoors excursions. 

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Today we are talking ticks. This is the tick-talk episode.

This is a discussion about the parasitic bugs that creepily crawl slowly up your legs, embed their little heads into your nooks and crannies and suck your blood. 

They are a serious external parasite that can carry a variety of different pathogens. The most well-known is Lyme disease. 

Here in Atlantic Canada we have ticks and they are prevalent.

And that’s named after Lyme Connecticut, where it was originally distinguished as a separate disease. Lyme disease was of course occurring before then, but it was being mischaracterized as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.

Ticks come a few different shapes and sizes. The largest of the ticks are the dog tick, which we have in Atlantic Canada. However, that’s not the one to be concerned about – the concerning one is certainly the deer tick, which is characterized by it’s smaller body and orange back. The deer tick is the one that can transmit the Lyme pathogen. I want to emphasise something about the size here in the introduction. Within the tick life cycle it has a nymph stage and an adult stage. When the tick is in it’s nymph stage, it is so un believably tiny. It looks like a flake of pepper. And yes. A deer tick nymph does carry Lyme. And yes. It can still transmit it to you. In fact, most cases of Lyme are attributed to the nymph version of deer ticks. So scary!  

This is tick season, hence the show. It’s on everyone’s mind as it should be. If you like being outdoors, you should take precautions (wearing longer clothing, use tick repellant, and doo tick check frequently and certainly a good thorough one at the end of the day). Living where I do, which is pretty much in a field on the edge of the woods where there is a high traffic of deer, I have had my fair share of tick experiences. I have learned to not only look out for them during tick season, but year-round. My wife and I have a big sign up in the bathroom with a cartoon tick on it and in big bold letters “Tick Check”. This is so that we remember to check our kids (and ourselves) for these pesky little bugs. 

I wanted to bring in someone who knows their stuff. Enter my guest for today’s show. Dr. Laura Ferguson. 

Dr. Ferguson is a biology researcher and the director of the Ferguson Lab, where she researches how climate change in Atlantic Canada is affecting the prevalence of zoonotic diseases. Ferguson Lab is focused on the impacts of six different mosquito species in Nova Scotia, but her experience goes well beyond that. 

I am honored to have Dr. Ferguson provide a slice of her valuable time to me today to have a tick talk.

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