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Happy first day of school if that’s a milestone you or someone you know is marking today. Also happy first day back at work for many civil servants who are returning to the office after a long hiatus of working from home.
It’s been a little over two weeks since the provincial election and I want to thank you for placing your trust in me to be your MLA for the next 4 years. I enjoyed getting speak with so many of you on the doorstep through the campaign, and look forward to continuing the conversations in the coming weeks and months. As a new government takes over we will ensure that we continue to hold them accountable on the issues that matter to you, just as my colleagues and I have for the past 4 years.
We are still living with Covid, and it looks like we will be for some time to come, but because of your hard work we remain in an enviable situation compared to other provinces and many jurisdictions around the world. Keep up the good work.
I will continue to champion safer schools, including school food programs and before and after school care, access to affordable childcare, housing as a human right, and decisive action on the environment, especially our Dartmouth Lakes which have so far been largely ignored despite continued challenges and presence of multiple algae blooms. Along with my colleagues, I will push for an equitable economic plan that doesn’t leave people behind. And I will continue to show up every day with our community at the forefront of my work and actions.
Our office is open, and busy—if you need our assistance please contact us at claudiachendermla@gmail.com or (902) 406-2301. Also you can call 211 at anytime for access to a friendly operator who can guide you through the many provincial programs and agencies that can help.
Thanks again for placing your trust in me, and for being such an incredible community.
Best,
Claudia
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Reopening Phase 5
Nova Scotia's reopening has been slow, steady, and successful thanks to the guidance of Public Health. We expect to move into Phase 5 on September 15th.
This means no restrictions for gatherings or social contacts. Residents and visitors at long-term care facilities don’t need to wear a mask. No social distancing requirement. No mask requirement, including indoor public places and public transportation.
Self-isolation requirements and testing requirements will remain in place as will travel restrictions. Everyone who travels from outside Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island or Newfoundland and Labrador needs to complete the Safe Check-in Form and may need to self-isolate when they arrive in or return to the province. Self-isolation requirements are based on vaccination status and testing.
Return to School
Students returned to class today, September 7th. For some this will be a relief and for others a source of anxiety, especially parents whose children are under the age of 12 and therefore not eligible to be vaccinated.
HRCE's detailed back-to-school plan is available online at backtoschool.ednet.ns.ca. Highlights include: masks will be mandatory in school and on the bus until Phase 5, extra-curricular activities and field trips will resume, and breakfast programs can operate.
Caregivers should note that Phase 5 is dependent on vaccination targets and epidemiology, and if we enter a fourth wave of COVID-19 in Nova Scotia, at-home learning may resume.
My colleagues and I will watch closely as school resumes to ensure students and staff are safe. We will continue to pressure the Province to make sure every employee has access to paid sick days so parents, teachers, and staff can afford to stay home when they’re sick. If you have concerns please feel free to reach out to me to discuss.
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Dartmouth Learning Network is happy to be offering small, in-person, socially distanced classes and one-to-one tutoring for adults to improve their reading, writing, math, and computer skills as they work towards their career-life goals.
● Get your GED
● Learn to Read
● Build your Reading, Writing and Math Skills
● Learn Computers & Technology
● Get Ready for Work/School
To refer yourself or someone else, call 902-463-9179 or visit dartmouthlearning.net.
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Walk for Seniors
Take a stroll and support the amazing work of the Dartmouth Seniors Service Centre. Saturday, September 11th from 9 am to 12 pm. Fundraise $35 or donate $25 to join. Registration includes bottled water, snack, light lunch, and a certificate. Call 902-465-5578.
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Dartmouth Open Street Sunday
Come celebrate with us! Join us on Sunday, September 19th from noon to 4pm.
Portland St and Prince Albert Rd will be CAR-FREE! There will be so much to see and do, including music in Ferry Terminal Park and at Sullivan's Pond, activities for the whole family, good food and Great company! Come take over the street with us, support local businesses and safely gather with neighbours, friends and family!
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A mix of both modern language and the heightened text of the original, the entire play takes place on a giant four-poster bed, created by emerging designer Ell Zagar. The show will also feature illustrations by local artist Mollie Cronin, who is known for her funny and celebratory representations of fat bodies. Hillsburn’s Jackson Fairfax-Perry is composing the dreamy synth-pop score, while award-winning designer Jessica Lewis tackles lighting. Emerging designers Christian Ludwig Hansen and Everette Fournier will take on video and costumes, respectively.
Alderney Landing Theatre, October 22nd - 31st. Get tickets.
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Mental Health Resources
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
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COVID-19 Information
How and Where to get a COVID-19 Test
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.
Public Health Mobile Units. Pre-book your appointment at the mobile unit online, call 811. Click here for mobile unit locations.
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.
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