As summer winds down and the first day of school approaches on Thursday, September 4, students and families are once again preparing for fall!
As we settle back into school-year routines, or just get ready for cooler (and hopefully wetter) weather, we know that this season can bring added challenges for some families. If you or someone you know could use support with school supplies, Parker Street Food & Furniture Bank is offering a helpful back-to-school program—visit https://parkerstreet.org/back-to-school/ for more information.
It’s been a hot, dry summer and wildfires continue to burn across Annapolis County. Our thoughts are with the firefighters and community volunteers, and those who have lost their homes during this very challenging season. Please continue to follow the burn ban and stay out of the woods until we have some extended rain. Additionally. please continue to be mindful of water use. Unfortunately the rain we did have last weekend somehow missed most of our farmers, and in addition to the fires our current drought is hitting the agricultural producers in this province very hard. Luckily we have an incredible farmer’s market here in Dartmouth, and access to local food year round at O’Bees in Alderney Landing. This is a time when consumer choices can make a real difference for our food producers. Please consider spending your dollars to support the families working hard to provide food for us!
There’s no shortage of arts and culture to enjoy in Dartmouth South this fall! I’m especially looking forward to Coal Bowl Queen at Eastern Front Theatre, a hilarious and heartfelt new play that celebrates Cape Breton spirit and small-town dreams. Over at The Craig Gallery, two exciting new exhibits are on now: Eames + Dee Maggio: Playing with Fire and The Backlands: Artists Respond to a Landscape Worth Protecting, both showcasing incredible local talent and thought-provoking work. And if you have creative teens in your life, be sure to check out the MacPhee Centre for Creative Learning, registration is open for their fall programs! There’s so much happening close to home, hope to see you out there.
This Labour Day, we honour the contributions and achievements of workers across Nova Scotia. It’s a day to recognize the strength of collective action and the essential role that workers play in building and sustaining our communities. At a time when the cost of living—especially housing, transportation and food— is far outpacing wages, and dollars need to stretch further and further, the fight for fair pay, guaranteed hours, and safe working conditions remains as urgent as ever. Everyone deserves a wage they can live on, the ability to take time off when they’re sick, and the security of knowing their rights will be respected on the job. We continue to stand with workers and support their right to organize, advocate, and negotiate for a better future. Together, we can keep building a province where work is respected, and every worker is treated with fairness and dignity. Happy Labour Day!
The Nova Scotia Legislature will return to session in late September, and as always, I want to hear from you. If there are issues, concerns, or ideas that are top of mind for you or your family, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m honoured to represent Dartmouth South, and the more I hear directly from members of our community, the better I can advocate for what matters most. Your voices, experiences, and insights help shape the work I do in Province House—and they make that work more effective and grounded in the real needs of our community.
Wishing students, educators, and families a smooth and successful start to the school year. As always, if you need assistance, please reach out to my office at 902-406-2301 or claudiachender@nsmla.com.
Have a wonderful weekend,
Claudia
