CLAUDIA CHENDER MLA DARTMOUTH SOUTH Your Voice in the Nova Scotia Legislature
Legislature resumes
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Today the Province selected a new Speaker of the House, Keith Bain. The Speaker is elected by all MLAs via secret ballot. Two Deputy Speakers were also appointed by resolution, big congratulations to my colleague Lisa Lachance and Angela Simmonds for taking on this new role.
You can see all of the previous Speakers here. The Speaker is an MLA chosen by their peers to preside over legislative proceedings. In the legislative chamber, it is the Speaker’s job to maintain order and decorum, regulate debate, decide on questions of order, and rule on questions of privilege in accordance with the rules and practices of the House of Assembly.
I'm looking forward to a robust fall session, which will begin on October 12th at 1 pm. Are there issues that you would like to see raised in the legislature this fall? We already know that housing, the environment, and healthcare are top of mind for Dartmouth South, are there other issues? Is there someone you would like to see recognized on the floor of the House? Let us know and I may be able to make a member’s statement recognizing a special person, event, or achievement in the community. Email me at claudiachendermla@gmail.com.
Last week the planned move to Phase 5 of the provincial COVID-19 response, where most restrictions are lifted, was delayed from September 15th to October 4th. We are being told that mandatory masking may continue into October or beyond depending on the spread of COVID-19.
Although our vaccination rates are excellent, we still have further to go, and those under 12 are not yet eligible. Our case counts have been rising, primarily among the unvaccinated. As we move into colder weather and start spending more time indoors I urge everyone to continue to follow Public Health guidelines and to wear masks indoors, whether it is mandatory or not.
Rapid testing remains available for at least the next week at Alderney Gate, you can also pick up rapid tests to take home (children can use these as well). I have been pushing for testing to be made more easily available to students and families, and am hopeful we will see some movement on this soon.
What we are seeing in Alberta is devastating. I urge you to get vaccinated if you have not yet already and to encourage those around you to do so as well. If you need information, transportation, or assistance please don’t hesitate to reach out to our office.
Printing Your Proof of Vaccination Record
It remains to be seen exactly how showing proof of vaccination will work on the ground. My understanding is that there is a QR code being developed that would allow more secure checking and a consistent approach across the country.
Nova Scotia’s Proof of Full Vaccination Policy starts 4 October 2021. When the policy is in effect, if you’re 12 and older you need proof of full vaccination to participate in most events and activities that bring groups of people together. Read the full policy at novascotia.ca/coronavirus/proof-of-full-vaccination-policy.
In the meantime, below are instructions on how to print a wallet-sized proof that you can have laminated should you wish.
You will be prompted to enter the last four digits of your health card to retrieve your record. Click on "Print My Receipt" in the upper right corner.
The printed version will show your record as well as a wallet-sized option to cut out and laminate.
Committees
I was recently interviewed by the Chronicle Herald on the promised changes to the Public Accounts Committee. I will sit on this Committee and look forward to the opportunity to set a broader agenda. This is the only committee chaired by the Official Opposition and where we therefore have more freedom within the structure to hold the government to account. Stay tuned!
NS Power
You may have seen Nova Scotia Power crews in the downtown Dartmouth area lately. They are continuing to work through replacing all of the underground cables and will likely need to come back a couple more times. If outages are required they should let us know ahead of time.
Dartmouth Lakes
With Cabinet now chosen, Susan Leblanc and I sent a letter to the new Minister of Environment and fellow Dartmouth Provincial representative, Tim Halman, renewing your ask for protection of the lakes in Dartmouth South. We are still waiting on a reply but are hopeful. You can see a record of our action on this issue here.
Claudia
P.S.
Wellness Within is hosting a webinar on safe universal access to abortion and contraception in Nova Scotia. I'm pleased to be speaking at this event next week. If you'd like to join, just email womenswellnesswithin@gmail.com to register and they will send you a Zoom link.
Please note: you are receiving our bi-weekly e-newsletter, which you can also read on Claudia's website claudiachender.ca/claudias-blog.
You can always unsubscribe at the bottom of this email.
Community
Vaccine Drop-In Clinic
The North Grove is holding a vaccination clinic on Wednesday, September 29 from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm in our outdoor tent at 6 Primrose St, Dartmouth.
Community members, aged 12 and up, are invited to come get their 1st or 2nd dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. Drop-in: no appointment necessary.
Wellness Funds
The Dartmouth Community Health Board Wellness Fund grants are accepting applications until October 16th, 2021. These grants are earmarked for projects that advance CHB health plan priorities and use a population health-based approach in addressing the social determinants of health. Get help and ask questions by contacting the Dartmouth CHB Coordinator, Monique Mullins-Roberts at Monique.Mullins-Roberts@nshealth.ca or 902-460-6869.
Be Rail Smart
1. Speed Misperception
Because of their size, trains appear to be much farther away and travelling much slower than their actual speed. Don’t be fooled!
2. Trains Can’t Stop Quickly
The average train needs at least 2 km to stop. Trains can stop, but they can’t stop quickly!
3. Trespassing
Taking a shortcut across the tracks or being on railway property is illegal, and trespassers can be seriously injured or killed.
4. Weight Ratio
An average freight train weighs over 5,500 tonnes. Compare that to a car, which weighs about 1.5 tonnes. A train hitting a car is like a car hitting a pop can.
5. Railway Cars
Stopped railway cars can move at any time. If you’re on one or near one when it moves, you could lose a limb—or worse, your life.
6. Tunnels and Bridges
Tunnels, bridges, and trestles are designed only for trains. Trespassers can be seriously injured or killed.
7. Overhang
Trains can carry loads that are wider than the railroad cars themselves. They can have chains, straps or other equipment that may extend outside the car. If you are standing too close, you could get hit.
8. Any Time is Train Time
Trains do not always run on schedule. They can run at any time, on any track and come from either direction.
9. CN Police Number
Together we can help save lives! If you witness any unsafe situation near a railroad, please call 1-800-465-9239.
Let's Get Moving
Staying Active During COVID-19: Stories of Adaptation and Innovation in Sport, Recreation and Physical Activity and What We Can Learn. More info.
Events
AfterWords
The third annual AfterWords Literary Festival happens from September 28 to October 3, online! It’s a virtual event from Halifax to the world, featuring an incredible lineup of writers. Find tickets here.
Dartmouth Heritage Museum Open Mic
With the approach of colder weather and the promise of fall colours, DHM wants to invite you to join them on October 8th, 2021 from 6:00pm - 9:00pm for a coffee house and open mic night!
Light snacks, coffee, and tea will be provided to guests, and admission to the event is by donation. Due to limited seating, to RSVP you must please call the museum directly or email at eventscoordinator@dartmouthmuseum.ca. This is a first-come, first-serve event.
If you plan on performing, please fill out the following form, so we can provide a schedule of performances to our guests: https://forms.gle/QFiEi3pwwSxpGRTFA
Tartuffe by Moliere
Directed by Tamara Smith. Tartuffe may claim to be a man of virtue, but his devious nature is face-palmingly obvious. Obvious, that is, to everyone except the one person keeping him in charge. Scheming and silliness follow in this high energy (and frustratingly relevant) satire.
Indian Residential School Survivors Society
1-800-721-0066
Crisis support 24/7 for Residential School Survivors, their families, and those dealing with intergenerational traumas.
Mental Health Mobile Crisis Team
902-429-8167 or 1-888-429-8167 (toll-free)
Crisis support for children, youth and adults experiencing a mental health crisis by phone 24/7 anywhere in Nova Scotia and a Mobile Response from 1 pm to 1 am to most communities in HRM.
Kids Help Phone
1-800-668-6868 (toll-free) or text CONNECT to 686868
Kids Help Phone is always there for you. No matter what you want to talk about, we’re here to listen. No judgment, totally private, 24/7. Live Chat is open daily from 8 pm to 1 am AT. They will be accepting new chats until 12:15 am AT only, in order to help ensure that all conversations are responded to by 1 am.
NSHA & IWK Mental Health and Addictions Intake Line
1-855-922-1122
For help with a mental health or addiction concern, the Nova Scotia Mental Health and Addictions team is available to take your call Monday – Friday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm.
Morneau Shepell
1-844-751-2133
24/7 national crisis support line that is available to anyone in need of emotional support. By calling the crisis line, individuals will receive crisis counselling support and/or referral to community resources. This resource is available to anyone and everyone, client or not.
Eskasoni Mental Health Services (Indigenous Nova Scotians only)
902-379-2099 or 1-855-379-2099 (toll-free) or Facebook: @EskasoniCrisisWorker
Culturally appropriate, community-based, and community-led mental health and addiction services available 24/7 by phone or via Facebook. Crisis intervention and referral services, central intake, ASIST/Safe Talk/Mental Health First Aid.
Pause: Mental Health Walk-In Clinic (ANS only)
1-800-598-5270 (toll-free)
A mental health drop-in program where community members can access a 45 minutes counselling session on a first-come-first-served basis. Currently only operating via telephone due to restrictions around COVID-19. Tuesdays & Thursdays, 5 pm – 8 pm. Call at any time, leave your name and a call back number and the coordinator will reach out to you with an appointment time. You do not need a health card or a mental health diagnosis. You do not need to be a patient of the NECHC.
Association of Black Social Workers (ANS only)
1-855-732-1253 (toll-free) or email nsabswcovid19@gmail.com
Providing support to members of the African Nova Scotian community by phone and email Monday – Friday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm. For after-hours calls, please allow up to 12 hours for a callback.
Crisis Text Line Crisis Text Line is available for adults who are going through a difficult time and need someone to text with. This service is free and available 24/7. Special support is available for frontline workers. Text NSSTRONG to 741741 Frontline workers: text FRONTLINE to 741741
Good2Talk Nova Scotia Good2Talk Nova Scotia provides support for university and college students.
Call toll-free: 1-833-292-3698 or text GOOD2TALKNS to 686868
Healthy Minds Cooperative
902 404-3504 ext. 201
The HMC patient navigator, Brad, can help connect you with the appropriate support services within your community. Services in the community: support groups, programs and workshops, referral services, self-advocacy, web-based resources
Primary Testing Sites. For symptomatic and asymptomatic testing. Book online or call 811. Dartmouth locations are Burnside/Dartmouth Crossing, by the Dartmouth General Hospital, and the Zatazman Sportsplex.
Pop-Up Rapid Testing. Asymptomatic testing. No appointment is necessary. This option is for you if you are over 16 and have no symptoms or exposures. Click here for rapid testing locations.
Domestic Violence
For help or information about domestic violence 24/7, call 1-855-225-0220 (toll-free)
Further Resources
2-1-1 is a 24/7 connection to programs and services in Nova Scotia. Call 211 or visit online.
