O’Quinn nominated PC candidate in Cape Breton Centre-Whitney Pier

NEW WATERFORD – A Cape Breton Regional Councillor is running in Cape Breton Centre-Whitney Pier for the Nova Scotia PC Party in the next provincial general election.

Darren O’Quinn was recently nominated as the PC candidate in the constituency.

“Cape Breton Centre-Whitney Pier deserves a strong voice in government who can make good things happen for the people in this constituency.  I am running to be the MLA to make sure our community is at the table where decisions are made,” said O’Quinn. “Premier Tim Houston and his PC Team, here in Cape Breton and across Nova Scotia, are fixing what previous Liberal and NDP governments broke.  We need an MLA who is focused 100% on building up Cape Breton Centre-Whitney Pier and making sure government is there to help our people.”

O’Quinn has worked as a local barber for 14 years, a direct care worker with the Cape Breton Residential Society for 19 years and a reporter with the Community Press for 28 years, covering events in New Waterford, New Victoria, Scotchtown, River Ryan and Lingan.  As a community volunteer over the last 30 years, O’Quinn has been involved in many local organizations, including coaching local sports teams.  He has volunteered at the Coal Bowl basketball tournament for three decades.

O’Quinn was first elected Councillor for Cape Breton Regional Municipality’s District 11 in 2020.  As Councillor, O’Quinn championed many community initiatives, including:

  • revitalizing the Coal Dust Days summer festival with a new organizing committee;

  • engaging youth to shovel out 230 seniors following the winter 2024 blizzard;

  • running a winter coat campaign that has increased the number of coats distributed to those in need from 95 to 600;

  • tackling food insecurity with the creation of community food cupboards, including one at the community library; and

  • working with Combined Christmas Giving to start a fund for seniors in need of oil and groceries, with more than $27,000 in heating oil delivered to local seniors as well as grocery store gift cards.  

“Darren O’Quinn is a proven leader who delivers for the community he so clearly loves,” said Premier Tim Houston. “I invite the good people of Cape Breton Centre-Whitney Pier to put their trust in Darren O’Quinn as their next MLA.  Darren will put his experience, track record and passion for the community to work for Cape Breton Centre-Whitney Pier as a member of my team in government.” 

Premier Tim Houston’s PC Team has delivered record investments in healthcare, housing and infrastructure.  The Houston PCs are also providing tax relief, while at the same time fighting against the Liberal carbon tax.