Being premier is great, but it means Ill miss the Crosby parade

Hello, friends and neighbours. This is the first time I've written a column in The Weekly News since being re-elected MLA for Dartmouth-Cole Harbour and elected premier of Nova Scotia.
June 9 was a night I will never forget. For the first time in history, Nova Scotians elected an NDP government. This government was elected on a platform that promised to serve in the best interests of Nova Scotian families. MLAs across the province have been working to do that since the day we were elected.
I want to take this opportunity to thank all of my constituents for their support this year and in previous years. I am proud to have served as your MLA since 1998. Even though I am the premier of Nova Scotia, I want all of my constituents to know that I am first and foremost their MLA.
Over the years, I've had the pleasure of getting to know many of you. I've heard your concerns and shared your vision for a better community and a stronger Nova Scotia. Now, as the premier, I have the opportunity to make that happen.
Government is busy making sure we provide the services Nova Scotians need while living within our means. This will be a challenge our government will face every day over the next four years.
The next few months will be busy as government continues to move our agenda forward and prepare for the fall sitting of the legislature. In the meantime, I plan on attending as many events and festivals as I can this summer.
Unfortunately, one of the events that I was most looking forward to attending that I can no longer attend is the Sidney Crosby Parade. I will be at my first Council of the Federation meetings with all the premiers from across the country.
As you already know, Aug. 7 will be declared Sidney Crosby Day in the Halifax Regional Municipality. To say I am disappointed that I can not attend the festivities is an understatement.
There are two main reasons why I want to be in attendance. The first reason is obvious: I'd get the chance to see Sidney Crosby, one of the most talented hockey players in the NHL.
The second reason is because the event on Aug. 7 will be historic. Sidney is taking the Stanley Cup home. He is taking it to your home and mine, Cole Harbour.
We have many reasons to be proud of Cole Harbour and Nova Scotia. Sidney Crosby's Stanley Cup victory is just another reason why we should celebrate our community, our province and our people.
On Aug. 7, I will be wishing that I was with all of you celebrating this great day for the residents of Cole Harbour, Dartmouth and all of Nova Scotia.
Enjoy the rest of your summer.