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A huge winter storm has come and gone, and now we prepare for what may be another one on the way. Luckily, we were spared the worst as we look to Pictou County and Cape Breton, whose residents continue to dig themselves out. We may get more weather this week, so just a reminder to please ensure that all vents are cleared on your property and to check in on your friends and neighbours who may need a little help.
With the burst of weather has also come renewed conversation about our changing climate and what is needed to meet these challenges. In the short term the conversation is about equipment, staffing, and infrastructure; and in the longer term its about preparation and mitigation. How do we ensure our grid is reliable, that our coastal communities are protected, and that we can adapt to the new weather patterns we’re all seeing?
This is a conversation that will go on for some time, but I have heard from many of you that this is a priority and I want you to know that our advocacy will continue on this, from encouraging the final passage of the Coastal Protection Act, to ensuring we have appropriate compensation and protection for homeowners who suffer extreme or uninsured damage due to changing weather, to incentivizing retrofits to benefit renters who can’t afford mitigation on their own. |
| Renters’ RightsI hosted our second Renters’ Rights Info Session at the Alderney Gate Library with Dalhousie Legal Aid, ACORN Nova Scotia, and HRM Building Standards this week. With 65 people of all demographics in attendance, it’s clear that many people in Dartmouth South are affected by the state of housing in Nova Scotia right now. From the questions and discussion we had at the event, it’s also |
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clear that many renters, particularly retired residents and seniors who have downsized, are concerned at what the future may hold.
Legal workers, tenants, and landlords are clear about one thing—the residential tenancies system in Nova Scotia is deeply flawed and the lack of an enforcement mechanism is at the root of so many of these challenges. That’s why we introduced legislation to fix this, and will continue to fight for secure housing for all. |
Antoine’s!I was thrilled to meet Bill McCormack of the recently-closed iconic Portland Street fixture, Antoine Hairstylist. I read a member statement in the Legislature during the last session after this 63-year-old business finally closed its doors. You can read it here. Did you or someone you know get their hair done by Bill or Lillian? Let me know. I’d love to hear your story and pass it on to Bill and his family. |
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Know of someone you think should be recognized in the Legislature? We are always accepting ideas for member statements on my website: claudiachender.ca/recognize-a-community-member |
As always, if you need assistance, please reach out to my office at 902-406-2301 or claudiachendermla@gmail.com.
Have a wonderful weekend,
Claudia
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PS If you missed last week’s newsletter or want to read previous newsletters, you can always find them on my website claudiachender.ca/newsletter. |
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Provincial |
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Provide your Feedback on the DSPThe Disability Support Program (DSP) actively seeks feedback about disability support workers. This is a unique opportunity to share your perspectives and contribute to improving the program.
The deadline to submit your feedback is February 16.
Fill out the form and ensure your voice is heard: DSP Survey
Your input can make a real difference in the lives of many. Share Your Opinion Now! |
| JRTA UpdateOur communities are growing, and we need a regional transportation system that’s safe, efficient, equitable, and resilient to support this growth. The Joint Regional Transportation Agency (JRTA) is developing a Regional Transportation Plan. |
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Attend our virtual information session: Tuesday, February 13 from 6:30 –8 p.m.
Get an update on Plan progress, learn about what’s guiding the vision for the future of the transportation system, and ask us your questions about the Plan.
Register at https://engage.jrta.ca/ |
Volunteering in Dartmouth |
Lots of people have been perusing the volunteer page on my website lately: www.claudiachender.ca/volunteer. If you’re looking to get involved in the community, check it out. If you see something we’re missing, let us know at claudiachendermla@gmail.com. |
Community |
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Dine Around This month-long foodie event celebrates our region's innovative culinary scene with specially-curated menus available only during the month of February.
Menus are set at $10, $20, $30, $40, $50, and $60 price points. Choose from any of the participating restaurants and book directly with them or ask for the Dine Around menu when you are there!
Dartmouth restaurants include: Port City Coffee, Battery Park, Maria's Pantry, Dear Friend, Oxalis, Portland Street Crêperie, The Canteen, The Dahlia by Jukai. |
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| Dartmouth Players: An Evening of One Act Plays
Dartmouth Players presents Murder Mondays and There Was a Mouse. These one-act plays are guaranteed to be campy, fun, murder mockumentaries filled with mystery and mice! Both plays are written by local, Maritime playwrights Julianne Richard and Pam Wood. |
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February 9-25, 2024
Fridays & Saturdays: 8pm.
Sundays: 2 pm. Ages 12+ St. James Church Hall, 183 Portland St. For accessibility inquiries, please email info@dartmouthplayers.ns.ca |
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| A Retrospective of Films by Alan Collins at Christ Church
Enjoy a film on the last Friday of every month at 7 pm followed by a Q&A with the filmmaker from January to May 2024.
Christ Church Dartmouth
Admission: $10
Download the program. |
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Community Supper on Sundays
Starting February 18, members of the community are welcome to gather in our parish hall (61 Dundas St.) on Sunday afternoons to share a hearty soup with us.
Coffee and tea will be served at 3:30 pm. Supper will be served, 4-5 pm. |
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Volunteers wanted: There is now a sign-up sheet in the church. At this stage, we’re looking for volunteers to help by setting up, preparing and serving the soup, and cleaning up. We’ll soon begin to seek food donations. If you’d like to contribute financially, please contact the parish office.
Questions? Contact Samuel Landry at samuel.landry@astheology.ns.ca. |
| Healing, Health & Black Excellence with the Nova Scotia Sisterhood and BrotherhoodJoin the NSS and NSB for our Black History Month event in collaboration with The North Grove. Enjoy an evening of celebration, discussing health and wellness, meeting with Black businesses, and enjoying refreshments.
Location: 6 Primrose St, Dartmouth Date: Tuesday, February 20th, 2024 Time: 6:30-9:00pm
To register, please email: ashley.preston@nshealth.ca |
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HHB Bridgewalk 2024 Call for Groups and EntertainersHalifax Harbour Bridges offers giant stage for community groups/ community talent Get ready to turn your talents into the talk of the town at one of the most iconic events of the summer season – Bridgewalk 2024! Hosted by Halifax Harbour Bridges, this annual extravaganza promises an unforgettable showcase of community spirit, educational wonders, and, of course, your jaw-dropping talents.
Date: August 4, 2024
Time: 2pm – 4pm |
Community Groups
Halifax Harbour Bridges invites non-profit organizations to join us in transforming the bridge into a hub of educational brilliance. We’re offering prime spots for community booths where you can showcase your ideas, share your passion, and engage with the eager crowd.
HHB will provide tables, chairs, and a spot for up to 4 people to spread the love for your cause. |
| Entertainers
Are you a band, a busker, or a solo performer with a flair for wowing audiences?
Bridgewalk 2024 is your stage! We’re on the lookout for performers to take center stage or set the bridge abuzz with spot performances. |
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For all the behind-the-scenes scoop and to secure your spot in the limelight, reach out to HHB’s Communications Manager Steve Proctor: sproctor@hdbc.ns.ca. |
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Inclusion Nova Scotia - Family Committee
Inclusion Nova Scotia’s Family Committee is getting geared up for 2024 and looks forward to building a network of families across Nova Scotia!
The Family Committee will provide a community for family members of a loved one with a disability. It will be a safe space to share stories, seek advice, and learn from other families who understand what you’re going through.
We have a private Facebook group where families can speak to one another and find updates about the committee, the Remedy, and other helpful information. You can join the group by clicking this link.
We are actively working to create more regular meetings with the family committee. We have created a quick form for interested members to fill out to gather interest in the committee, schedule meeting times, and see what families would like to learn more about through information sessions. You can find the form here.
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Follow Claudia |
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