The past couple of weeks have been a wonderful reminder of the strength, warmth, and vibrancy of our community. Whether we’re coming together to honour Viola Desmond’s legacy, enjoying a sunny afternoon at the Mother Goose Festival, or supporting a new local business like Larry’s Sandwiches & Sides, it’s clear that community is built in these everyday moments of connection, celebration, and care. I’m so grateful to live in a place where people show up for one another and take pride in building something better, together.
This week is full of joyful celebrations, and I hope you’ll join me in taking part. On Saturday, July 19th, the Halifax Pride Festival kicks off with the always-incredible Pride Parade, I’ll be walking in it and would love to have you alongside us. Let us know here if you'd like to join! It’s also Farmer’s Market week so please make sure to visit our amazing market at Alderney Landing, or another one if you won’t be in Dartmouth!
The celebrations continue all week with community-led events that highlight the creativity and spirit of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. On Sunday, July 20, the MacPhee Centre for Creative Learning is hosting a Pride Sing-a-long and Ice Cream Social for queer youth and allies. Then on July 24, don’t miss Haliwood Queers at Alderney Landing, a hilarious night of trivia tic-tac-toe hosted by Anna Mona-Pia. These are just a few of the many ways we come together to celebrate love, inclusion, and the strength of our community.
The Premier’s recent comments about granting strong mayor powers, supposedly to address traffic congestion, are deeply concerning. Let’s be clear: there is already a provincial transportation report that could guide real solutions, but the government has chosen to keep it under wraps. Instead, they’re proposing to give sweeping new powers to one person, weakening the voice of local representatives. Democracy matters. Local government should reflect the will of the people, and decisions about our streets and neighbourhoods should be made openly, collaboratively, and transparently. Concentrating power in one office doesn’t solve traffic on Morris Street or anywhere else, it sidelines elected voices and weakens local democracy. Nova Scotians deserve better.
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
