Rod Wilson, MLA Halifax Armdale
Dear Constituents of Halifax Armdale:
I hope this letter finds you well as we head into the summer season.
This newsletter comes after a two-month gap due to:
- A legislative session that ran well into March and took up our office time seven days a week.
- A number of post-legislature commitments in April that delayed this newsletter.
NS Legislature
February 23rd – April 9th
Longest sitting since 2018.
The spring sitting of the Legislature began February 23rd to April 9th. The 2026–2027 provincial budget was put forward this session. With a $1.4 billion provincial deficit, I expect there will be cuts to funding and/or reductions in services.
The biggest and most important issues were the initial cuts to caregivers, community groups, the most vulnerable, heritage, and important community groups like Club Inclusion.
I was surprised to learn many ministers did not seem aware of the cuts and could not explain how they were decided. Having worked in government from 2017 to 2019, I know that ministers and senior staff were usually involved in submitting proposals to the Treasury Board, with a lot of negotiation before anything went to print.
Nova Scotians understand that tough decisions sometimes have to be made, but they deserve to know why and how their government is making those choices, and how their families will be affected. Families and workers cannot build a life here when they have no idea what the future holds or which services the Houston government might cut next. Their short-sighted decisions are hurting people’s livelihoods.
At the very least, Nova Scotians should be able to expect clear answers from their government.
Three questions remain unanswered:
- What was the budget process? It seemed as if the process had been outsourced to a third party and simply sent back for printing, since many cabinet ministers could not explain the process or who made the decisions.
- How was it decided that some programs were cut and others not? Again, who decided?
- When the cuts were reversed, why were some organizations spared and others not?
On budget day, I introduced the Caregiver Benefit Bill, which would raise the caregiver benefit from $400 per month to $800. This is a benefit that was introduced to support the thousands of caregivers in Nova Scotia. It is a small amount that is designed to help families who provide care themselves. The benefit has not increased since 2009 despite the costs of everything increasing drastically in that time.
The cuts affected things like community support groups, rural museums that bring needed tax dollars into smaller communities. Festivals such as the Cape Breton Celtic Colours is at risk of no longer taking place. Other culture and tourist attractions such as local theatres which prop up small businesses are now at risk. We will see the cuts and their impacts this summer. The budget tabled by the Conservatives also stated there will be cuts coming in future budgets as well.
If you, your workplace, or your community group have been affected by the cuts, I would like to hear from you and learn more about the impacts. I will be tracking and learning about these impacts before returning to the legislature in the fall.
CUPE Strike
There’s an ongoing strike by long-term care employees, and here’s what you need to know.
Three thousand workers at 56 homes are on strike, though essential services continue. That means residents are still being looked after, but the workers are holding the line for fair treatment.
These workers have been without a contract for three years. Three years.
Imagine showing up to a demanding job day after day, during a cost-of-living crisis, with no raise and no agreement in sight.
Housekeeping staff currently make $18.77 an hour, and the employer’s latest offer adds just 60 cents. To put that in perspective, they could walk into a McDonald’s or Home Depot tomorrow and earn more without the physical toll and emotional weight of caring for vulnerable residents.
So why are they still fighting? Because they care about the residents they look after.
These are people with complex medical needs, including dementia, who rely on familiar faces and gentle hands. Many of these workers are former nurses who could be working elsewhere for better pay but choose to stay because they believe in this work.
They want to stay. They want to keep doing this job. But they need a competitive wage to make that possible.
The government talks about opening new long-term care sites, and that’s fine, but new sites need staff. And staff need to be able to afford rent, groceries, and gas. Right now, many can’t.
The government needs to get back to the table and offer these workers a fair deal. Not a symbolic one. A real one.
Community Canvassing
In May and June, I will continue canvassing apartment buildings. From June 21 to Thanksgiving, I will return to knocking on household doors on Friday afternoons and Saturday afternoons.
Upcoming Canvassing Dates
- Ridgevalley — June 25th to 27th
- Walter Havill — July 3rd and 4th
- The “Pubs” — July 10th and 11th
If you would like me to visit your building or to set up a meeting with you and your neighbours, please contact Robert at 902-943-0221.
I can also meet with people in the evenings and on weekends, time permitting.
Community Conversations
Is there a topic you would like to see discussed at the community level from different angles?
I have been hearing concerns about development, traffic, and safety, along with the cost of living. Please let me know.
Community Events
1) Weekly Coffee Corners
A shout out to the ladies who meet every day at 10 am, an unofficial support group for senior women, many of whom are widows. You always look like you are having fun and Dorothy is usually holding court – a wonderful person with a big smile.
Every Friday that I am able I’m proud to host “Coffee Corner” at the Tim’s on Osborne at 1pm.
This is an open hour to sit, talk and share your thoughts on the issues that matter to you. Accessibility is part of my duty to the community.
Although I cannot make it every week, on those that I can I’ll post a notice around 11am each Friday.
Looking forward to seeing you there!
2) July 1 – Canada Day Breakfast
In support of Club Inclusion
🕗 8 am – 11 am
3) July 11 – MLA Coffee Tent
📍 Arm boardwalk off Spinnaker
🕘 9 am – 12 noon
4) July 25 – Annual Halifax Armdale MLA BBQ
📍 Dingle
🕐 1 pm – 4 pm
Watch this space for more details to follow.
Community Support
This month I am happy to profile and support:
- Royal Canadian Air Cadets Spryfield
- Chebucto Heights Elementary School
- Armview Storm Volleyball Team
- Joan’s Table: Shelter Nova Scotia
- Atlantic Book Awards
Group of the Month
Joan’s Table is a meal donation program for individuals who experienced long-term homelessness. Through community coordination, we make and deliver meals on a routine basis to tenants of The Herring Cove Apartments. Herring Cove Apartments is a supported living environment for individuals who identify as male and are experiencing long term Alcohol Use Disorder and have a history of homelessness. They provide supported, affordable housing to up to 12 people in the form of shared apartments, enabling tenants to create a sense of community. I personally deliver a meal each month to Herring Cove Apartments and encourage you to do the same. Joan’s Table is a part of Shelter Nova Scotia. You can make a donation to Joan’s Table here: https://www.joanstable.com/donate
Shout Out
A big shout out to Tracy Kinch and family, who hosted the Fraser annual memorial on May 8th.
I was honoured to participate and wish to thank the volunteers, coaches, players and everyone who showed up to honour Fraser’s legacy.
Until we have a chance to meet, please be well.
Gratefully,
Rod