Dear << Test First Name >>,
Spring is always a season of renewal, and it’s a reminder that meaningful change is possible when communities stay engaged, informed, and connected. I’m proud to represent Dartmouth South and to bring your priorities and concerns with me into every discussion at Province House.
The Spring Legislative Session began on Monday, February 23rd and has been eventful to say the least! MLAs are now debating the provincial budget and key policy decisions that will shape the year ahead. The budget includes significant changes to public services, staffing levels, and departmental spending, alongside ongoing discussion about energy costs and oversight of Nova Scotia Power. One of the major things that I have been discussing in this session is the need for greater transparency and accountability around spending, energy regulation, and proposed reductions to programs and services. Unfortunately due to the cuts in the arts and culture sector many beloved Dartmouth organizations will be impacted, including the MacPhee Centre for Creative Learning, the Dartmouth Heritage Museum, the Dartmouth Senior Service Centre and many others.
As your representative for Dartmouth South, I encourage you to follow these debates closely and share your perspectives. Whether you support or question the direction being taken, your voice matters. Please reach out to my office, participate in public discussions, and make your views known so they can be brought forward at Province House.
There are lots of events coming up in Dartmouth South. The $1 or Less Market is back at the Dartmouth Seniors Service Centre on March 7th. A Li'l Affair at The Sanctuary Arts Centre is a vibrant celebration of International Women's Day and the legendary Lilith Fair musical festival on March 7th. Eastern Front Theatre is offering a March Break Camp for children ages 5-12 - registration is open now! See below for more events!
Women and gender-diverse Nova Scotians deserve better health care. For too long, women’s health has been underfunded and overlooked with only seven percent of Canadian research funding dedicated to women’s health, and a recent survey from the IWK Health Centre showing that 70 per cent of respondents feel the system is not meeting their needs. We are seeing cuts to women’s health research, trauma-informed care, and support for caregivers at a time when more than 15,000 women are waiting years for routine services like mammograms. This is not about partisanship; it’s about fairness, evidence-based decision-making, and ensuring that everyone can access the care they deserve. A comprehensive provincial women’s health strategy is urgently needed so progress doesn’t depend on changing priorities. If you feel comfortable, I encourage you to share your story. When people speak out about their experiences, it helps shine a light on the gaps in our system and strengthens the call for meaningful, lasting change.
The emails you send, the stories you share, and the conversations we have at community events truly shape the work I do every day. Thank you for staying engaged and for caring about the kind of province we’re building together. Please keep reaching out, your voice matters more than you might think.
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
