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With continued economic instability in Canada and around the world, the rising cost of living, particularly the price of gas and heating oil, is top of mind for many at the moment. With the sudden rise in fuel prices, now is a good time to see if you can benefit from one or more of the following programs:
- The Home Energy Assistance Top-up (HEAT) Fund supports Nova Scotians in need with home heating costs during the winter months.
- The Nova Scotia COVID Relief Fund is one-time assistance to help Nova Scotians with their home heating costs or electricity bills. Each household may be eligible for up to $400 in support.
- Seniors Care Grant helps low-income seniors with the cost of household services (like snow removal, grocery delivery, lawn care and small home repairs). Grants are up to $500 for each household. You can apply until 31 May 2022.
- Nova Scotia Power Consumer Guide to Electricity. For many people in Nova Scotia, electrical bills are unaffordable. This guide is for people who need help in accessing electricity.
Mass Casualty Commission
The Mass Casualty Commission began its review of the events of April 18th and 19th, 2020, in Nova Scotia at the end of February. The proceedings are public and can be watched online. This public inquiry process was something I joined Nova Scotians in fighting for back in 2020. The foundational documents and submissions have been very difficult to hear, but the commission's mandate is to provide meaningful recommendations to keep communities safe in the future. On the heels of international women's day and as the critic for the Status of Women, I will be watching these proceedings closely.
You can find documents, recordings, and resources on the Mass Casualty Website, where you can also share your own perspective about how the events have impacted you.
In parallel with this process, I have been calling for a full and transparent review of policing in Nova Scotia. This was promised by the former Liberal government but we have not had any clarity on whether it was done, how, and what the results were.
#NSFilmJobs
I was happy to see the announced investments in the film industry this week. After the disastrous cuts that decimated the industry in 2015, this is an important acknowledgement of the economic and cultural impact of film in Nova Scotia. It's also important for the many residents of Dartmouth South whose livelihoods depend on this important industry.
Take good care and have a safe March Break.
Warmly,
Claudia
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Burn Restrictions
Provincial burn restrictions come into effect Tuesday, March 15.
With spring approaching, the warmer and drier weather will increase the risk of wildfires. In 2021, provincial firefighters fought 113 wildfires covering 197 hectares across Nova Scotia.
The BurnSafe map will be updated each day at 2 pm to show if burning is permitted that day. The burn restrictions will be indicated by the following:
- if a county is shown in green, burning is permitted after 2 pm.
- if a county is shown in yellow, burning is permitted after 7 pm.
- if a county is shown in red, burning is not permitted that day.
The map will appear grey between 8 am and 2 pm each day to indicate burning is not permitted in Nova Scotia.
The BurnSafe map shows provincial restrictions, which cover domestic brush burning and campfires. Restrictions do not apply to campfires in licensed private, municipal or provincial campgrounds with proper campfire facilities.
Restrictions are also available by recorded message by calling the toll-free phone line at 1-855-564-2876 (BURN). In an emergency, wildfires can be reported by calling 1-800-565-2224 or 911.
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Organization Spotlight:
Caregivers Nova Scotia
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Caregivers Nova Scotia provides programs, services, and strong advocacy for caregivers.
"At Caregivers Nova Scotia, we're focused on empowering caregivers, supporting their efforts, and recognizing the invaluable contribution they make both to those in need and to society in general. We do this through programs, support groups, advocacy, and services all geared toward the unique needs of friends and family giving care.
We are here to help in every way we can. Whether you require some information, would like to talk to someone on the phone, or attend one of our peer support groups, please contact us and we'll be there for you.
Caregivers Nova Scotia is not a home care provider. We are not able to offer counselling services, or legal, financial, or medical advice, but we will refer you to organizations that do.
If you require some information, would like to talk to someone on the phone, or attend one of our peer support groups, please contact us and we'll be here for you."
Visit caregiversns.org for more information.
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Downtown Dartmouth and Downtown Halifax have teamed up to offer kids of all ages the opportunity to have a #MarchBreak adventure!
From Monday, March 14 until Saturday, March 19, the Alderney/Halifax ferry service will be FREE between 11 am and 2 pm.
Folks of all ages are welcome to ride the ferry for FREE and explore both sides of the harbour. Make an adventure of it!
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Tax Help
Do you, or someone you care for, have a modest income and a simple tax situation?
Community organizations and volunteers here in Nova Scotia are hosting free in-person or virtual tax clinics! Visit canada.ca/taxes or call 1-855-516-4405 for more information. |
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Registering for School
Do you have a child who is eligible to start Primary or Grade Primary this fall?
It’s time to register for school! HRCE begins the registration process in February so that schools are ready for September. You can find everything you need to get started here: hrce.ca/registration
Please share this information with your friends and neighbours with children who will be 4 or 5 years old by December 31.
To limit non-essential visitors to schools, families are required to register online.
Need help with online registration? Our Parent Navigator is ready to support you.
Zachary Garcia:zachary.garcia@hrce.ca or 902-464-2000 x4361
What’s Pre-Primary all about?
Check out our Welcome to Pre-Primary site.
What does Grade Primary look like?
Visit our Welcome to Primary site.
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The Dartmouth Community Health Board has a few available seats. If you would like to learn more about joining the Dartmouth Community Health Board, reach out today:
Email: monique.mullins-roberts@nshealth,ca
Call: 902-483-3745
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Did you know that the Shubenacadie Canal Commission is a volunteer organization? They rely on volunteers for revenue development, communications, project oversight, site maintenance and educational programs. They are currently recruiting committee members to help with all aspects of the organization. More info here.
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Eastern Front Theatre's Macro Digital Project: CONNECTIONS
Experience a series of interactive digital theatrical installations from Atlantic Canadian theatre artists at your own pace inside Alderney Landing Theatre. Book your tickets here.
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Accessibility Project Surveys
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The team behind the Eastern Front Theatre Accessibility Project has created two surveys with the purpose of understanding how accessible the arts community is for audience members and artists in Nova Scotia. All information shared with them in this survey will remain confidential and will not be shared with anyone outside of the Accessibility Project team.
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This photo is of a group of Dartmouth High School students who are either at a "Darteen" function or, more likely, at a graduation dance, ca. 1952 or 1953. The first woman on the left is Gladys Bailey who we think married a Settle, maybe Lester.
The third and forth are Kay Williams and Ron Eyland. The first woman on the right may be Marjorie Haverstock. Gladys, Kay and Marjorie(?) went into nursing. Ron married Kay, went into the Royal Canadian Air Force and they were off to Germany by 1954.
We would like to identify the rest of these ‘kids’ and maybe something about where they ended up. If anyone in this photo is familiar to you, please reach out to us. DHM can be reached by phone (902 464 2300) during business hours, or feel free to email us at info@dartmouthmuseum.ca with the subject "Newsletter Photo ID".
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Platinum Jubilee Pins
My office received an allotment of 10 pins commemorating the 70th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth's accession to the Throne. If you are a collector and would like one, please contact my office.
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