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This week, with summer in the air, Canoe '22 on the horizon, and new developments being fast tracked in Dartmouth in ecologically sensitive areas like Eisner Cove Wetlands, the health of our urban lakes and watercourses is once again top of mind. In his letter in fall of last year, the Minister of Environment said that the Environmental Goals and Climate Change Reduction Act (EGCCRA), which also received royal assent in the fall, "can provide a framework for transformational change in how we better protect lakes."
Additionally, we were promised a Climate Plan in the spring. It's spring! So we're anxiously awaiting news of the plan and hopefully something that will aid the protection of our beloved lakes.
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As NDP Critic for Resources and Renewables, I was lucky to spend some time in the beautiful Wentworth Valley this week to learn about the work of the North Nova Forestry Co-op. Despite the years-long delay in implementation of the Lahey report on forestry, foresters like Greg Watson have found an ecologically and environmentally sustainable way to maintain the forests of our province while providing livelihoods for families in Northern Nova Scotia and products for market.
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Just last week we learned that Emera's Canadian Utilities segment saw a $10 million increase in profits over the same period last year. The company's overall profits were up 33%. Here in Nova Scotia people are facing a 10% rate increase while many are struggling to pay their power bills and even facing disconnection.
The Province must act to ensure that Nova Scotians who can't afford to pay can get relief, and that NSP meets its climate targets.
I want to hear from you. Do you have a story to share about power bills? Have you had to make sacrifices in order to pay? Share your story and help us stop these unfair rate hikes.
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Remember that you can get rapid tests at my office Monday to Friday from 9 am to 4 pm!
Best,
Claudia
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Organization Spotlight
Christ Church
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Christ Church on Ochterloney Street has for many years supported the Dartmouth community. This year, so many of their projects have come to fruition at once.
Crisis Shelters
In April Christ Church partnered with the Elizabeth Fry Society to establish two modular homes on the church grounds for E Fry clients. These will be in place until Mat 1st 2023. Clients have daily on-site support from E Fry staff and regular meetings with a group from the church will work to support the project, maintain a positive relationship with the community, and address any questions or concerns. A shower and a washer and dryer have also been installed in the lower hall for residents' use.
Ukranian Family
After a very positive experience supporting refugees from Kosovo and Syria, Christ Church is bringing a Ukrainian family to Dartmouth. Christ Church is working to raise the necessary funds and find essential household items to make this initiative a reality. Christ Church will identify a family to support once the fundraising is underway.
How can people help?
Participate in a fundraising event. Watch their website and Facebook page for fundraising events coming soon.
Make a financial donation. Christ Church welcomes financial support from the wider community of Dartmouth. The church will issue a tax deductible receipt for any cash donations of $20 and over. Cash donations can be left at the parish office (61 Dundas Street, upstairs side entrance of the parish hall) Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9am to 4 pm. The donations need to be clearly marked for Ukrainian family support and include a name, mail or email address for the delivery of the tax receipt. Alternatively a donation can be made by electronic funds transfer to christchurch@christchurchdartmouth.com with the message “For Ukrainian family support”, including a name and email address and the password “Ukraine”.
Promise furniture or other household items. If you can promise furniture or household items in good condition send a message to ukraine@christchurchdartmouth.com.
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Dartmouth Community Fridge
The Dartmouth Community Fridge is a barrier-free community resource located at Christ Church (61 Dundas Street) in Downtown Dartmouth. They provide access to fresh and nourishing foods 24/7. All welcome, volunteer- run, judgement-free. Sign up to volunteer here.
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Accepted items for Dartmouth Community Fridge:
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- Fresh fruit & veggies
- Sealed dry goods
- Sealed hygiene items (Diapers, toothpaste, tampons, pads, etc.)
- Sealed nonalcoholic beverage
- Sealed pet food
- Sealed frozen foods (Pizza, microwave dinners, fruit/veg)
- Snacks (Granola bars, crackers, etc.)
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These are accepted if they are within their best before date:
- Bread and pastries
- Fresh eggs
- Dairy products
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Unveiling of Historical Monument to Recognize Unmarked Graves
On June 5th a partnership between Christ Church, Dartmouth and Victoria Road United Baptist churches will take place with the unveiling of a memorial stone to recognize eight deceased members of the Black community whose remains were buried in 1977 in an unmarked grave. These members of Victoria Road United Baptist Church and the surrounding neighbourhood of the Avenue were returned following their discovery during the development of the so-called Mic Mac Mall area.
A combined worship service will take place at Victoria Road United Baptist Church at 36 NS-322, Dartmouth, NS at 1 am. Following the service, an unveiling and dedication of the memorial monument at Christ Church, Dartmouth Cemetery, will take place, and a reception to follow at Christ Church parish hall at 61 Dundas Street. All in the community are welcome to celebrate in this significant event in the life of downtown Dartmouth.
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HMC Community Survey
As a member, partner, or friend of Healthy Minds Cooperative, what are your hopes and aspirations for this organization? Results from this survey may be used in the development of our upcoming Annual Report (June 2022) and future strategy. We anticipate the survey will take 10 to 15 minutes to complete. This survey is anonymous and is open until May 31st, 2022. By completing the survey you will be entered to win one of three $50 gift cards to Sobeys!* Take the survey here.
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Mental Health and Addictions Care Award
Over the past two years, our mental health community has gone above and beyond to support the well-being of Canadians. The goal is to reward groundbreaking achievements and encourage further innovation in the field of mental health. Recipients will be recognized nationally to help promote innovation and collaboration across the country. Each province and territory will issue one award valued at $5,000.
More details available here.
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Southdale Neighbours Community Garden Yard & Plant Sale
Join us for a community yard sale at the Southdale Neighbours Community Garden (Rodney Road across from Apex Tire) on May 21st from 9am-1pm.
We will also have a table selling plants and vegetable seedlings with all of the proceeds from that table going to the garden space.
View this event on Facebook.
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This is the constituency newsletter for Dartmouth South.
If you're looking for information about the leadership race, go here.
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