In the age of social distancing, Federal Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade, Mary Ng “Zoomed” into Glace Bay, Cape Breton for a virtual lunch date and conversation with Colette’s Family Restaurant and TALO Cafébar.
Ng had assistance on the ground from local Member Of Parliament, Mike Kelloway, who took her on the tour.
“I’m in Glace Bay but sitting in downtown Toronto,” Ng joked to Frankie Martin, co-owner of Collette’s Family Restaurant. The restaurant was bustling with the daily lunch crowd.
Martin explained to Ng that he and his wife Colette have run the popular restaurant for 17 years since taking it over from her parents. They employ 18 people including three students. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Colette’s relied on government programs to see them through.
“We applied for everything and got it,” said Martin.
Kelloway insisted that Ng visit Colette’s and try their food with him on her next trip to Cape Breton and she agreed to visit.
Ng “Zoomed” into TALO Cafébar with Kelloway and spoke with owner Angela Houston. TALO Cafébar features great eats, drinks and live music on Commercial Street.
Houston explained that their business closed for a month and a half during COVID-19. It reopened in early May for takeout. They are now open to dine-in with a smaller menu. The Federal Government response assisted the business through the pandemic.
Although the Glace Bay visit was short, Ng had time to stop into Arlie’s Fashion and Gifts with Kelloway. Arlie’s closed for 10 weeks during the pandemic and has since re-opened.
Kelloway explained to Ng that Glace Bay’s community is coming together. He mentioned Bay It Forward, Glace Bay’s community development organization. Bay It Forward has taken a lot of pride in the town and is working to create development.