As summer fades and autumn returns, I am thrilled to welcome everyone back to the 2024-25 school year. It’s an exciting time of year as students, educators, and families dive into new routines and opportunities. As I sent my own children off to school last week, I was reminded of the excitement and promise that each new school year holds. I’m wishing all students a year filled with discovery, joy, and success. For educators and support staff, may this year be rewarding as you continue to shape and inspire our young minds. And to parents, your support and resilience are invaluable as we embark on this new academic year together.
In Dartmouth South, we have a much-anticipated event on the horizon: the annual Fire and Water Cultural Festival. My family and I look forward to this celebration of our community's diverse cultural heritage. Held at the Alderney Landing Events Plaza, this festival offers two nights of vibrant performances, interactive exhibits, and delicious food from local vendors. With activities suitable for all ages, it’s a fantastic way to experience and appreciate the rich tapestry of cultures that make up our community. I encourage everyone to join us for this free, fun-filled event!
As the legislature is back in session, I am eager to hear from you about what matters most in your lives. Your feedback is crucial in guiding my efforts and ensuring that I am effectively representing your needs. Please feel free to reach out to my office with any thoughts, concerns, or questions you may have.
As we are all well aware, one of the most urgent challenges we face is the housing crisis. With rental costs continuing to rise and mortgage costs stubbornly high, many Nova Scotians are finding it increasingly difficult to secure and retain stable and safe homes, not just for themselves but for their adult children and parents—I hear this from many of you on the doorsteps. This issue extends far beyond housing itself; it has significant repercussions for our healthcare system, mental health, education, and family stability. Safe and accessible housing is fundamental to our overall well-being and the cohesion of our community.
Legislation retaining the rent cap at 5% is now going through the house, and while we believe stabilizing increases by tying them to CPI and allowing for application for costs by landlords are needed, in this bill we are proposing the inclusion of provisions addressing fixed term leases, and creating the tenancy enforcement unit that was called for in the government’s own expert report. That’s because the real year over year increase in rental prices last year was a whopping 18.2% which makes affording housing a giant stressor for so many people in our riding.
We were very glad to see that 32 units of affordable housing have been secured in the Southdale Mount Hope development in partnership with the YWCA, after the initial funding given to the developer for affordable units was returned in the spring. We are pushing for more, as it’s always needed!
Thank you for your ongoing support and engagement. As always, if you need assistance or wish to share your thoughts, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I am here to support you and represent your interests in the legislature.
As always, if you need assistance, please reach out to my office at 902-406-2301 or claudiachendermla@gmail.com.
Have a wonderful weekend,
Claudia
