It is with great sadness that Mrs. Grant and I learned of the passing of Nova Scotia cultural icon, Rita MacNeil, CM, ONS. Ms. MacNeil was an influential singer, songwriter, author and performer who enriched the cultural landscape of Nova Scotia. Mrs. Grant and I have fond memories of attending performances by Ms. MacNeil in the early days of her career in North Sydney. Her songs of hardship and hope were rooted in her native Cape Breton but their themes were universal and appealed to audiences around the world. In honour of her many achievements and contributions to the Atlantic Canadian...