Mike Kelloway is the Member of Parliament for Sydney—Glace Bay, a federal electoral district located on Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia. A dedicated public servant and lifelong resident of the island, Mike brings a deep understanding of the region’s history, challenges, and aspirations to his role in the House of Commons.

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Early Life and Education

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Raised in a tight-knit, working-class neighborhood on Chappel Drive in Glace Bay, Mike grew up in a household deeply influenced by the coal industry and community spirit. His father, Michael “Mick” Kelloway, was a coal miner who worked in the deep mines that once formed the economic backbone of Cape Breton. In addition to his work underground, Mick was also a member of the mine rescue team—a highly trained group responsible for responding to emergencies and saving lives in some of the most dangerous conditions imaginable.

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His mother, Delores Kelloway, was a stay-at-home mom who dedicated her time and energy to raising her family while playing an active role in the broader community. She was deeply involved in local organizations and neighborhood initiatives, instilling in Mike the importance of service, compassion, and giving back. Her commitment to volunteerism and community well-being complemented Mick’s example of resilience and courage, creating a family environment rooted in hard work and public service.

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Growing up in this environment, Mike developed a profound respect for the strength, bravery, and selflessness of working people. The dual influence of his father’s dedication to both mining and rescue, alongside his mother’s community engagement and care for others, shaped the values of resilience, humility, and service that continue to guide Mike’s work in Parliament today.

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He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Community Studies from Cape Breton University, where he focused on social and economic development. He later pursued graduate studies at the University of Calgary, obtaining a Master of Continuing Education with a specialization in Organizational Leadership. This academic background provided him with a strong foundation in public engagement, leadership, and policy development.

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Career Before Politics

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Before entering politics, Mike worked extensively in education and community development. He held key leadership roles at the Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC), including Dean of Flexible Learning and Community Innovation Lead for Cape Breton and Northeastern Nova Scotia. His work focused on creating educational opportunities for underserved communities, designing workforce development programs, and building partnerships with businesses, nonprofits, and Indigenous communities.

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He also served as President of the Whitney Pier Youth Club, where he worked to expand programming, support youth development, and strengthen community ties.

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Mike held positions at Cape Breton University, advancing his commitment to post-secondary education and lifelong learning. Earlier in his career, he worked as a youth worker, business owner, and lecturer—always with a passion for giving back to his community.

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As a strong advocate for grassroots change, Mike co-founded Bay It Forward, a local initiative focused on revitalizing Glace Bay through civic engagement, business development, and community pride. The organization became a hub for volunteerism, local entrepreneurship, and public space improvement.

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Entry into Federal Politics

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In 2019, Mike was elected as the Member of Parliament for Cape Breton—Canso, succeeding long-serving MP Rodger Cuzner. He was re-elected in 2021, continuing his strong community-focused representation. After the 2022 federal electoral redistribution, the riding was restructured, and in the 2025 election, Mike was elected in the newly created riding of Sydney—Glace Bay.

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Parliamentary Roles and Achievements

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Mike has served in several key roles in Parliament, including:

• Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard

• Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Rural Economic Development and to the Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)

• Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Transport and Internal Trade

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He has been a member of several House of Commons Standing Committees, including the Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans, the Standing Committee on Health, the Special Committee on the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Justice Committee, the Ethics Committee, and most recently, the Transport Committee. Through these roles, he has advocated for small craft harbours, healthcare access, regional transportation, and rural infrastructure development across Atlantic Canada.

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Community Leadership and Values

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Mike is widely recognized for his approachable leadership style and dedication to community-building. He often says that “everything starts with community,” a belief that guides both his work in Ottawa and his efforts at home in Cape Breton. He has been a strong advocate for:

• Economic diversification and job creation in Cape Breton

• Access to education and skills training

• Reconciliation and partnership with Indigenous communities

• Youth engagement and volunteerism

• Healthcare investment and mental health support

• Served as an active board member helping to secure funding for the new cancer centre at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital

• Supported efforts to recruit doctors to the area through his work with Bay It Forward

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Mike believes deeply in collaborative problem-solving and regularly consults with local leaders, organizations, and citizens to ensure that community voices are reflected in his work in Ottawa.

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Personal Life

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Mike values the strong support of his wife and family in his public service. Outside of politics, he enjoys reading, supporting local sports teams, running, biking, and exploring the natural beauty of Cape Breton. Staying active is important to him, and he makes time to keep fitness a priority. He remains deeply connected to the community that raised him and is committed to ensuring that Cape Breton continues to be a place where families can live, work, and thrive.