Businessman and Canadian Veteran Mike Currie shares with Civic Journalist Jake Boudrot why he’s running for a seat on Port Hawkesbury Town Council, hoping to bring fresh perspectives and tackle pressing community issues.

Currie, a graduate of the Strait Area Recreation and Education Centre, also attended the Nova Scotia Community College’s Nautical Institute in Port Hawkesbury, where his roots in the area were established.

“When the military called, I left to become an armoured soldier,” he said. “I’ve been on a couple of tours, including peacekeeping missions in Afghanistan.”

After spending almost 20 years away, serving his country and gaining unique experiences, Currie decided to return to the area.

“I came back because I want to see our community grow in a positive way,” he explained. “I think there’s a lot of potential here.”

Currie’s passion for helping his community led him to launch the Affordable Home Initiative nearly a decade ago.

“I started the Affordable Home Initiative because I believe everyone should have the chance to either rent or own a home,” he explained. “It’s something I care about deeply. And looking ahead, I want my children to have the same opportunities when they’re older. Housing is a basic need, and ensuring it’s accessible is critical for our future.”

In addition to his involvement in housing, Currie also runs a fully electric cab company in Port Hawkesbury, which reflects his commitment to innovation and sustainability.

“My time in the military taught me a lot about teamwork and leadership,” he noted. “I worked in both small and large teams, organizing troops and making sure everything ran smoothly. In many ways, it’s a lot like working on a town council—where collaboration and making things happen behind the scenes is key.”

Currie is eager to work alongside other council members to address the town’s residents' challenges.

With an increasing number of people moving to Port Hawkesbury and others returning home, Currie believes housing is one of the most pressing issues.

“Housing is our biggest concern right now,” he said. “We have a lot of people wanting to move here, which is great, but we need to ensure there are enough affordable housing options available. What we should focus on is making our town a place where people not only want to move to but also want to stay and build their lives.”

His vision is to create a thriving, welcoming community that future generations will be proud to call home.