By Rafah DiCostanzo, MLA
Happy Spring, Clayton Park West! Recently, the Nova Scotia Legislature was back in session. I am happy to share with you some important updates from this past House session. Should you have any questions, or wish to discuss anything, please feel free to reach out to our office. We are always happy to hear from our constituents!
OUR FOCUS
As official opposition, our caucus had the opportunity to hold the government accountable on the promises they made to Nova Scotians. The focus of our questioning and advocacy during this session focused on affordability, our pandemic response, the economy, equity, and the environment. I was also proud to have brought forward various concerns on behalf of our community and am committed to following up on these.
COMMUNITY ADVOCACY I continue to hear from many of you that have concerns over Park West School and Rockingham School. I, too, am concerned about this issue. Prior to the House session, I was able to meet with the Minister of Education to share what I am hearing from our community. Having not heard any new updates following this meeting, I once again brought these concerns to the floor of the Legislature and will be meeting with the Minister of Education and the Minister of Public Works to receive answers for our community. I will keep you updated with what I hear through my social media channels. Furthermore, the majority of people who contact my office for assistance do so for healthcare related cases. I was able to ask important questions on this topic, including helping to advocate for increased mental health supports for my constituents. To see exactly how I advocated for our community, please follow my social media channels where I post videos of my time in the Legislature for all to view.
GENERAL OVERVIEW Our caucus knows that life is expensive, and it is becoming more so every single day. Unfortunately, the budget presented by the government has not done enough to address these concerns. Nova Scotians need support related to affordability. Our team was united on this front and spoke up during our opportunities to ask questions and debate. Furthermore, I am proud to be a part of a team that presented fifteen important pieces of legislation that would greatly benefit the lives of Nova Scotians. Examples of this work includes legislation to waive the deed transfer tax for first-time home buyers, introduce a province-wide school lunch program, and expand the eligibility threshold for government assistance programs. As always, our office is here to assist you, and hear your concerns and ideas. Please reach out to our office if there is any way we can be of assistance!
