January Update

It’s January, and with the cold weather and long slog towards spring it feels like time for an update from the busy MLA office in Dartmouth South. We spent the last half of 2019 focused on helping people in the constituency with issues that ran the gamut from potholes, to finding a family doctor, to income assistance issues, to power outages. 

In the summer our office spearheaded a campaign to push the Provincial Department of the Environment to help ensure the ongoing health of Dartmouth’s lakes with Dartmouth North MLA Susan Leblanc. Dartmouth is gearing up for both the North American Indigenous Games this summer, and the ICF Canoe Sprint World Championships in 2022. We need to put our best feet, and lakes, forward! Our town hall event in August was well attended and we’re looking forward to our second meeting this month with the Minister of Environment to press our case. Our key ask is for the establishment of an Urban Lakes Advisory Committee. Stay tuned!

Speaking of watercourses, we were concerned to learn today that part of the Eisner’s Cove Wetlands has recently been sold by the Province, and is being eyed as a potential location for a CFL stadium. Our understanding is that any development would require a wetland alteration permit from the Province. Given that we are in a climate crisis and that there has been no community involvement we will certainly be watching this very closely, and asking questions about why the Province would sell a piece of ecologically sensitive land in the middle of Dartmouth.

A major constituency issue this year is the profound housing shortage in HRM. According to CMHC, the vacancy rate in HRM is currently at 1%. This means that it is nearly impossible to find an apartment to rent in Dartmouth. It is doubly hard for someone of limited means. We now meet with several people each week who are facing eviction, rent increases that they cannot hope to afford, or who, for any number of reasons, simply cannot find a place to live. Alongside the NDP caucus I will continue to push for rent control, stricter regulation for airbnb, and increased attention to affordable housing and new units at the Provincial level. 

There is never a shortage of exciting things to do in Dartmouth. This week we helped prepare and serve a meal to over 50 people with the amazing staff and volunteers at Margaret’s House, a true community gem which happens to be right down the block. Earlier this month I had the great experience of touring the RRS James Cook at COVE with delegates from the North Atlantic Planning Workshop for the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. It was amazing to meet the players prioritizing the direction of ocean science aboard such a cutting edge research vessel.

I’m looking forward to the Downtown Dartmouth Business Commission’s 2nd annual Ice Festival. This year a host of magical winter activities are planned, including outdoor campfire songs, horse-drawn wagon rides, and skating with princesses. What a wonderful way to celebrate the longest season here in NS!

The legislative work doesn’t stop for winter. There is always work going on in my critic areas, which are Finance and Treasury Board, Business and Regional and Rural Economic Development, Justice and Human Rights, Education, and Status of Women. In late November I attended the apology for street checks from new HRP Police Chief Dan Kinsella with so many community advocates who have worked long and hard towards this day. There is a great deal of work to be done but this was an important first step. 

As Business Critic I have been advocating for compensation for the small businesses impacted by hurricane Dorian, particularly those located in proximity to the crane that collapsed in Halifax. I arranged a meeting with several business owners, including two who also run businesses here in Dartmouth, and the Minister of Business in December. While we were pleased to see the announcement of a fund for individuals and businesses last month, we were dismayed that it doesn’t cover lost profits, the key issue at stake for the impacted businesses. My office continues to be in touch with the Minister of Business and the Minister of Emergency Management Office to resolve this issue.

Last week I was able to meet with the Be The Peace Institute in Bridgewater to discuss how the Nova Scotia Government can be more responsive to victims of gender-based violence, including tailored programs. Stay tuned for proposals coming from that meeting.

We will be heading back into the legislature on February 20th, follow along on Leg TV, or on my website.


As always, you can contact my office by calling 902-406-2301 or emailing me at claudiachendermla@gmail.com.

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Events

See a full listing on my website.

Pancake Breakfast

1st Dartmouth Pancake Breakfast. Money raised will be donated to 2019 Christmas Daddies by 1st Dartmouth Scouting. Please support our youth program and his worthwhile fundraiser.

WHEN: Saturday, January 25, 2020 at 9 AM – 11 AM
WHERE: St. James United Church 181 Portland Street, Dartmouth

Create, Play, Read

Bring your family to Create, Play, Read: A Family Literacy Day Event. Come for 30 minutes or stay for the full 3 hours. The Dartmouth Learning Network and the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Halifax (Dartmouth North Site) have teamed up again to bring you this hands-on, open house style event. Families with children aged 2 to 12 can drop by and participate in any or all of these free activities:

· have a family portrait taken by Tyler Colbourne of TeeJohnny photography
· get a  children's book (thanks to First Book Canada and Farrell Benevolent Society)
· author reading
· take part in a book swap - bring books to trade with others
· create a passport
· enjoy healthy snacks and refreshments
· visit with live storybook characters (courtesy of the Village On Main)
· pick up great ideas for activities to do with your children

Admission is free and this event is open to the public (first come, first serve).

WHEN: Saturday, January 25, 2020 at 10 AM – 1 PM
WHERE: Boys and Girls Club of Dartmouth, 60 Farrell St, Dartmouth

Underneath the Dartmouth Oil Refinery: Finding Fort Clarence

The Imperial Oil Dartmouth Terminal (formerly the Imperial Oil Dartmouth Refinery and also known as Imperoyal) is located on the edge of Halifax Harbour in Woodside, Nova Scotia between Downtown Dartmouth and Shearwater. Founded in 1918, the refinery ceased production in 2013 and is undergoing the skyline-altering process of converting to a terminal. Only recently demolished, the towers of the Dartmouth Terminal had long been a familiar sight from either the harbour or Pleasant Street. It is not well known that underneath the Imperial Oil Dartmouth Terminal are the stone remains of Fort Clarence, a colonial Halifax/Dartmouth fortification that dates back originally to the mid-18th century.  Join David Jones for an illustrated lecture on the archaeological and historical context of this significant site.

WHEN: Tuesday, January 28, 2020 at 7 PM – 9 PM
WHERE: Burke Theatre A, Saint Mary's University Halifax, 923 Robie Street, Halifax

Get to Know Your Community Health Team

Have you ever wondered what all those programs are really about? Or wondered if they are really a fit for you? Come on in and meet Gina Hanley, a Wellness Navigator with NSHA, who will talk about the programs and services offered by the Dartmouth Community Health Teams. You will also have the opportunity to provide input on other types of programs or services you'd like to see being offered. We will also be considering hosting them at the Co-op.

RSVP requested via Messenger or email Janet at communications@healthyminds.ca
If you have questions, email or call Janet at 902-404-3504 x211

WHEN: Wednesday, January 29, 2020 at 1 PM – 2 PM
WHERE: Healthy Minds Cooperative 45 Alderney Drive, Suite 200, Dartmouth