The Canso Causeway bridges the Strait of Canso, joining the Island of Cape Breton and mainland Nova Scotia. August 2005 marks the 50th anniversary of the official opening of the causeway, a structure that has profoundly affected the lives of people in the region. The controversy surrounding the building of the link, and the subsequent social changes are included here in personal stories by people who lived during the time it was done. When Canada Joined Cape Breton sometimes laughs at the many obstacles that existed to getting to the mainland before the causeway was built, and sometimes reflects sadly on the sense of loss that was felt by people whose existence was under threat of assimilation. Personal recollections offer an intimate look at what the building of the causeway meant and are interspersed with explanations of the historical facts and construction details or the actual causeway itself. For those interested in Nova Scotia history, or intrigued to see the influence of such a structure has on people's lives, When Canada Joined Cape Breton will provide a compelling and thoughtful read.

Elaine Ingalls Hogg is the author of Historic Grand Manan and When Canada Joined Cape Breton, and the editor of Christmas in the Maritimes. She writes an inspirational column for the Kings County Record and has had stories included in more than a dozen anthologies, as well as in various magazines and newspapers, and on CBC radio. Elaine and her husband, Hugh, live near Sussex and share their home with two adopted rag-doll cats, Angus and Alex.

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Bette MacDonald has written and performed in shows for stage, radio and television for over thirty years. She currently plays Trudy Walsh on CBC television's hit comedy, Mr. D, and with husband Maynard Morrison and musician Ralph Dillon, will tour the eighth instalment of their holiday show, Tis The Season in 2014. Bette is a Gemini Award winner and a Canadian Screen Award nominee. She lives in Sydney, Nova Scotia.

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