|
Opening on a high note, Health Canada has approved Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5 to 11 and the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) has released its recommendations for use of the pediatric COVID-19 vaccine for this age group! Public Health will have further information on the rollout next week.
Housing
With the cold, rainy weather this week, many people are concerned about their houseless neighbours. While we were happy to finally see the passage of inclusionary zoning as well as extension of rent control through to 2023, we know that the shelters are full and that there are many people outside in the cold with no place to go. The government must do more to ensure that every Nova Scotian has a safe, warm and dry place to sleep.
Here in Dartmouth, Out of the Cold has been running a temporary shelter at Grays Arena, and local folks have stepped up in an amazing way to provide meals and support. We know that this is a bandaid, and more is needed. As part of this, HRM modular housing units will be installed downtown in the coming months. My colleagues and I continue to press for more robust and immediate action from the Province. We need more supportive, transitional and permanent housing, immediately.
My office continues to work directly with the Department of Community Services, the Street Navigators, MOSH and the many other organizations and individuals working to find people housing.
Booster Doses
Nova Scotians who are eligible for a COVID-19 booster dose of mRNA vaccine can schedule an appointment starting November 23rd. The groups eligible for a COVID-19 booster dose in Nova Scotia six months after their primary series are:
- anyone 70 and older
- people who received two doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine
- frontline healthcare workers who were double vaccinated with an interval of fewer than 28 days between their first and second dose
Anyone who is eligible is encouraged to book an appointment online at novascotia.ca/vaccination. People who are unable to book online can call 1-833-797-7772 toll-free to schedule an appointment.
Booster doses will also be available soon in First Nations and African Nova Scotian communities across the province. Clinics will be organized in partnership with the communities, with support from local public health representatives. These communities will receive more information about scheduling when clinics are available.
Family Docs
If you do not have a family doctor, please ensure you are on the waiting list by calling 811 or visiting needafamilypractice.nshealth.ca. If you do not have a family doctor, you can visit a walk-in clinic at:
Tacoma Family Medical Clinic at 58 Tacoma Dr (902-466-1531)
Family Focus at 240 Baker Drive (902-420-6060)
Family Focus at 4 Forest Hills Pkwy (902-420-6060)
Public Accounts Committee
I'm pleased that the Public Accounts Committee is back and with its original powers reinstated. The committee reviews public spending, reports of the Auditor General, and any other financial matters respecting the public funds of the Province. As the only committee chaired by the opposition, it is the most powerful of the Legislative committees in terms of oversight.
The Auditor General will be releasing a performance report on the early COVID-19 relief programs next Tuesday, November 23rd, which will be discussed at a Public Accounts on December 1st at 9:00am. This and all forthcoming (and past) meetings will be available to watch live on LegTV or read in Hansard after the fact.
Best,
Claudia
|
|
Old-Growth Forest Policy: public consultation
The Province is updating the policy that protects old-growth forests on Crown land and is seeking public feedback.
The current policy has been in place since 2012. The revised draft policy incorporates advancements in technology and research over the past decade.
The draft policy can be found here: https://novascotia.ca/old-forest-policy-consultation/. Written submissions will be accepted until December 8.
Old-growth forests will be included in the conservation zone of the ecological forestry triad model, as recommended in Prof. William Lahey's report on forestry practices in Nova Scotia. Once finalized, the new policy will be incorporated into the department's process to review and approve harvest applications.
Quick Facts:
- once a forest stand is designated as old growth, restrictions apply to the type of harvesting and activity that can be done in the area
- the new Old-Growth Forest Policy draft contains a provision for review every five years
- the draft policy was developed following targeted stakeholder consultations
- the policy only applies to Crown land, though its principles can be applied to private land
|
|
Contest Time!
The pandemic has hurt our beloved small businesses, and now they need our support more than ever.
 Downtown Dartmouth 3/65 is an initiative to encourage individuals to shop local and support their favourite downtown Dartmouth businesses over the holiday season. How it works is simple; choose your favourite 3 local businesses and spend $65 (or what you are able) at each.
SOCIAL MEDIA CONTEST:
 Over the course of four weeks, four lucky individuals will win a $65 gift card to the downtown Dartmouth business of their choice.
 Post a photo of yourself at your favourite downtown Dartmouth business with the hashtag #DowntownDartmouth365 to be entered to win.
 This contest will run on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Winners will be announced November 26, December 3, December 10, and December 17.
|
|
Indoor Yard Sale
St. James Church Hall, 183 Portland Street
Saturday, November 27, 8am - 12pm
Excellent Variety: Pictures/frames, lamps/shades, boots, shoes, handbags, toys, kitchen gadgets, baskets, Seasonal Items, dishes, movies, tapes, drapes, linens, craft items, books and much more! Please bring your own bags. No jewelry.
Admission: $2 (exact change, please)
Masks are mandatory and COVID protocols will be in place.
|
|
|
Dartmouth Makers
Christ Church Parish Hall, 61 Dundas Street
Friday, November 26th from 5pm - 9pm
Saturday, November 27th from 9am - 5pm
52 AMAZING Makers in Downtown Dartmouth. It's the best in holiday shopping...local, handmade, and beautifully crafted.   Jewellery, Ceramics, Stationary, Prints, Apparel, Textiles, Home Decor, Cosmetics, with lots of Food and more. ALL Handmade  FREE ADMISSION 
|
|
Rainbow Reads
Rainbow Reads is a book club for youth ages 14-16 in Atlantic Canada reading books by rainbow (2SLGBTQ+) authors! It's free, virtual and youth will get copies of the books and care packages. We will also be starting a companion podcast for youth from the book club to share their thoughts with the world, and to interview 2SLGBTQ+ folks from across Atlantic Canada. Register here.
|
|
|
|
|
Q104 Toy Drive December 2nd and 3rd at the Highfield Park Fire Station. Drop off a new, unwrapped toy and the Parker Street Food & Furniture Bank will deliver it, safely, to a kid who will love it forever. The Halifax Professional Firefighters, who will be matching cash donations up to $5,000! More info here.
|
|
|
Alice House is unable to accept any gently or previously used items this year. They thank you for your understanding and your generosity. Alice House doesn't publicize its location due to client privacy. To coordinate drop off, please email Morgan: morganatwater@alicehouse.ca.
|
|
|
- Bus tickets
- Gift cards (ie. Grocery store, coffee, restaurants, etc.)
- New Items (General):
- Socks & Slippers
- Pyjamas (all sizes)
- Hat/Scarf/Mitten sets
- Puzzles (all ages)
- Family board games
- Toys
- Boxes of chocolates
- Body wash
- Shampoo/conditioner (seeking all-inclusive haircare products)
- Towels
- Laundry baskets
- New reusable grocery store bags
- New Kitchenware:
- Dishes
- Pots and pans
- Cooking/Serving cutlery (ie. ladles, spatulas, slotted spoons, whisk, etc.)
- Non-stick baking sheets, casserole dishes, muffin tins
- Cutting boards
- Can openers
- Measuring cups
- Colanders
- Cutlery including knife sets
- Dish drainers/Dishcloths
|
- Kettles/teapots/coffee makers
- New Craft Supplies:
- Glitter – all colours
- Sparkles/Sequins
- Elmer's clear school glue & Elmers washable glue
- Elmer's school glitter glue
- Baking soda
- Renu (contact lens solution)
- Coloured paper & card stock
- Acrylic and washable paints
- Clay (grey & coloured)
- Playdough
- Small tubs of kinetic sand
- Pre-packaged crafts
- Pre-packaged Christmas crafts
- Water beads (orbeez)
- Balloons
- Small packets of active yeast
- Packs of markers
- Sketch pads
- Corn starch
|
|
Feed Nova Scotia's most needed items are:
- Soups and stews
- Peanut butter
- Cereal
- Canned vegetables and fruits
- Canned meat, fish, beans
- Rice
- Pasta and pasta sauce
- Baby food and formula
- Meal replacement drinks
- Canned and powdered milk
|
|
|
The Christ Church Food Bank Christmas Room is seeking gently used or new items for their clients. Items can be dropped off on Wednesday mornings or left at the back of the church on Sunday. Please label as being for the Gift Room.
Christ Church is also hosting a Winter Coat and Boot Drive. Please drop off gently used, clean coats, jackets, and footwear (especially size 7 ladies boots) either at the Parish Office or at the Lower Hall between 7:30am - 11am on Wednesday, November 24th. They will be distributed at the November 25th Food Bank.
|
|
|
|
|
|
