By: Hon. Lena Metlege Diab, Member of Parliament for Halifax West
As summer approaches, I want to congratulate all the students who are graduating and finishing their grades this year! To those moving on to work, new opportunities, college or university, I wish you nothing but success. And to all those starting at a new school in the fall, I hope you’re excited for new friends, teachers, and discoveries.
Last month, I had the privilege of helping to announce several federal investments in Halifax West’s organizations, businesses, and facilities. Through our Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF), we provided nearly $55,000 to the Fairview Legion to upgrade their building’s exterior and ensure its longevity as a vital community gathering space. The program also helped deliver the refurbished play area and basketball court between Fairview Heights Elementary and Fairview Junior High that was completed last fall. That project—which came in on time and under budget thanks to the hard work of HRM staff—benefitted from $56,000 in support from the CCRF and now serves the entire community.
I was also proud to share news of some key strategic investments we’re making in growing, innovative local businesses through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency’s Jobs and Growth Fund. In May, I unveiled almost $2.7 million in federal support to six Halifax West-based businesses to assist them with commercialization, increasing production, and creating jobs. One of the larger contributions I highlighted at Parkland Clayton Park was in Tenera Care. The firm is working to enhance the monitoring and contracttracing system they have developed to improve care at our long-term care facilities and will use this support to prepare for future international sales. Another local health care innovator, Sparrow Acoustics, is using a half million dollar contribution from the fund to improve the way health care providers identify and triage cardiac patients.
Finally, I recently welcomed Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino to Halifax to meet the hard-working team at the YWCA. During a visit last month, we highlighted the $1.8 million federal investment they are using to deliver their Open New Tab anti-cyberbullying project which helps support countless young people in our city and province. This is especially critical as our youth spend more and more time online, and we develop new strategies and interventions to counter intimidation and keep young people safe online.
I will continue to work to secure federal investments in our communities, and I encourage Halifax West businesses and organizations to get in touch if ever I can be of assistance.
