MLA Report – June 2026

Rod Wilson, MLA Halifax Armdale

Dear Constituents of Halifax Armdale,

June 21st and the beginning of summer is here! I hope everyone is looking forward to some well-earned time with family, friends, and community events across the riding.

Health, Health, and More About Health Care in Nova Scotia

The last month has been busy traveling across the province as NDP Health and Long-Term Care Critic to meet and listen to the concerns of the CUPE long-term care workers who were on strike for up to eight weeks. As you may know, approximately 5,000 long-term care workers in 56 nursing homes across Nova Scotia have been without a contract for two years. Each nursing home is a union local of CUPE and voted individually on the initial offer from the government. There was a unanimous “no” in response to the offer by the CUPE bargaining team, which led to a strike vote at each local. The locals at each nursing home could not go on strike until there was an Essential Services Agreement in place. I understood this was challenging for some nursing homes, as they were often operating with staff shortages and any further reduction due to a strike would be challenging. I also understood union, government, and nursing home owners worked collaboratively and in good faith to ensure essential services were met.

During the strike, I met with long-term care workers on the picket line from Cheticamp to Yarmouth. Their messages were the same. They loved their work, and “their residents” were the reason they went to work. Their current wages, which had not increased in two years, along with the rising cost of living during that same time, meant many workers could not pay their bills or even afford to pay for gas to drive to work. One worker told me that after paying her mortgage and car payment, she has $83.00 to live on until the next payday to pay her electric bills and buy groceries. I met many workers who had been working for over 30 years, and their monthly net incomes were less than their rent. Others spoke about staff leaving the nursing home to go to work at a local Co-op, making $5 an hour more.

The workers deemed the government’s offer would not put them any further ahead for the future, and their current situation was not sustainable. The government stated other unions had accepted the offer on the table. This was true, and the offers accepted included a “me-too” clause. This meant when CUPE, a much larger union with more resources to negotiate, went to collective bargaining and reached an agreement, the agreement reached by CUPE would apply to the agreement they had reached.

The strike was long and tough for everyone involved. I was impressed with the workers’ determination to get back to work to care for their residents, and their resolve to reach a fair agreement that would not only allow them to stay in their workplace but also make their work attractive to new staff. Having wages that retain experienced staff and recruit new staff is essential to long-term care. The sector is short-staffed now, and as the province builds new sites and increases the number of beds available, there will be a tremendous need for staff. I was reminded that people provide care to seniors, beds do not.

As a family physician who spent a lot of time in nursing homes, I saw long-term care workers as colleagues. People work together to meet the needs of seniors regardless of their role. I have never heard “that’s not my job” in a nursing home. If a resident needs something, people jump into action to meet their needs.

I am told the current proposed agreement that is now under review by each local is being received with mixed responses, ranging from “it’s okay” to “we are going to be no further ahead in three years.” Being on the picket line for eight weeks in rain, snow, and wind was demoralizing for many people. People were left exhausted. The decisions are now in the hands of each union local. I worry that without sufficient support now, Nova Scotia may not have the people to look after our seniors in the future. I said often to the CUPE workers, “I respect you for taking a stand on what you need to do the job you told me you love.” 

Dietary housekeeping and laundry workers were asking for a $5/hour raise to be competitive with workers in acute care and other areas. The concern is that long term retention and recruitment will be affected because people simply cannot afford to work in their chosen field. Investing in buildings doesn’t work if you don’t invest in the people who do the work. 

I want to say to all the CUPE workers who went out on strike. You should be proud of your fight for better for all. Good luck with your deliberations.

The Nova Scotia health-care sector has many challenges and potential changes in the coming year. The Nova Scotia Nurses Union contract expired in 2025 and they are ready to bargain. Nurses in New Brunswick now make significantly more than many nurses do in NS. The current government contract with the NS paramedic union, IUOE Local 727, expires this October. The Master Agreement with Doctors Nova Scotia (DNS) expires in March 2027.  DNS is preparing to enter into negotiations with the government this fall.

It will be interesting to see how the government negotiates and what it will offer to retain and recruit NS health care workers who are in great demand across Canada, in the face of billion-dollar deficits and massive cuts in other sectors happening now. I hope the government participates in good faith, and no other health care workers have to endure eight weeks on a picket line.

AND

As the Long term critic, I try to stay engaged with community groups for seniors in the community and keep my ear to the ground on issues it was pleasure to attend the Alzheimer’s Society of NS Walk on May 30th and the Caregivers NS AGM on June 8 2026 Both groups provide much needed support to seniors and their families. At the same time both organizations are working on their strategic plans/ I am looking forward to  learning about their future plans and how I can help support their valuable work.

It was an honor to be asked to join the Armdale Kiwanis Royal Canadian Air Cadet Annual Review. I was impressed with the pride and discipline the cadets displayed with their drills. Their practice and hard work over the last year paid off! I was also impressed with how many women and people from different cultures and communities are now part of the Air Cadets. I know the experience you all gain in Air Cadets will serve you well in all future endeavours . My office is also planning a Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser to help support the work and training in August. The date and location to be determined asap. 

My office has a number of events planned for the month of July. Events where we can meet, chat and enjoy a pancake or a burger . 

Rod in the Community

This past month I had the opportunity to attend a number of wonderful community events across Halifax Regional Municipality.

• Participating in the Walk for Alzheimer’s at the Oval
• Attending the Caregivers Nova Scotia AGM at the Canada Games Centre
• Joining friends and colleagues for the 41st Annual Lobster Dinner & Auction in support of the Dartmouth General Hospital Foundation

Thank you to all of the volunteers, organizers, donors, and community partners who make these events possible.

At the last sitting of the Legislature, I also introduced legislation to raise the Caregiver Benefit to $800 to better support caregivers across Nova Scotia.

What Does an MLA Do During the Summer?

I often get asked what an MLA does during the summer when the Legislature is not sitting.

The summer is homework time.

It is the time when I try to meet as many people in the riding as possible to hear your thoughts, ideas, and concerns. Like most homework, it takes effort and time to do properly.

That is why throughout the summer I will either be hosting or attending community events every weekend, while also knocking on doors throughout the riding.

Some of the best conversations happen over coffee, pancakes, or burgers.

If your family, neighbours, or community group are getting together this summer and would like me to attend and hear your concerns or ideas, please contact the office. MLAs can sometimes help support neighbourhood events as well.

Community Conversations

Is there a topic you would like discussed at the community level from different perspectives?

I continue to hear concerns about:

• Development/ Neighbourhood infrastructure
• Housing
• Healthcare
• Traffic and pedestrian safety
• Cost of living pressures
• Neighbourhood infrastructure

Please continue to share your thoughts with me.

Community Canvassing

From June 21st through Thanksgiving, I will return to door knocking on Friday and Saturday afternoons across the riding.

Upcoming Areas:

• 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, street, or neighbourhood, or meet with you and your neighbours, please contact Robert at 902-943-0221.

Community Events

Weekly Coffee Corner – Open Hour with Rod

Fridays at 1 pm – Tim Hortons on Osborne

Every Friday that I am able, I host an open Coffee Corner at Tim Hortons on Osborne.

This is an informal hour to sit, talk, and share your thoughts on the issues that matter to you and your neighbourhood.

A special shout out to the wonderful group of senior women who meet daily at 10 am — especially Dorothy, who is usually holding court with a big smile.

Accessibility and community connection are part of my responsibilities as your MLA, and I look forward to seeing you there whenever possible.

July 1 – Canada Day Breakfast

In Support of Club Inclusion

8 am – 11 am

July 11 – MLA Coffee Tent

Arm Boardwalk off Spinnaker

9 am – 12 noon

July 16–18 – Halifax Pride

Looking forward to seeing many of you there.

July 25 – 2nd Annual Halifax Armdale Community BBQ

Dingle Park

1 pm – 4 pm

Everyone is invited to our 2nd Annual Halifax Armdale BBQ.

Last year we had over 100 people join us, and this year we are adding a few more activities to make the day even more fun.

If you ever wanted the chance to bucket splash your MLA, this may be your opportunity.

Our BBQ team will be serving burgers beginning at 12:05 pm.

Rain or shine — we hope to see you there.

Traffic and Community Safety

Residents along St. Margaret’s Bay Road continue to raise concerns about speeding and traffic volume, particularly near the Best Western Chocolate Lake area.

People are concerned about the risks to seniors, families, and children trying to safely cross the street or access bus stops.

I will continue bringing these concerns forward in meetings with municipal councillors and staff.

If you would like a lawn sign reminding drivers to slow down on your street, please contact our office at 902-943-0221 and we will arrange delivery and installation.

Community Support

This month I am proud to support and highlight:

• Club Inclusion
• Chebucto Heights Elementary School
• Joan’s Table – Shelter Nova Scotia
• Afterwords
• Bell Curling Team
• U13 Lacrosse
• Afrifest
• Nova Multifest

Group of the Month – Club Inclusion

Club Inclusion brings people together to explore new opportunities and have fun with friends.

Drop-In Club is a space where everyone is included. Together, they are building pride and making sure that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs), physical barriers, and Autism can grow, connect, and thrive as individuals and as a community. No matter what your interest or ability, you are welcome.

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 want to thank the volunteers, coaches, players, and everyone who came out to honour Fraser’s legacy.

Nova Scotia Legislature Update

The Nova Scotia Legislature is currently not sitting and will not return until called by the Premier.

Unlike many other provinces, Nova Scotia does not operate with a fixed legislative calendar.

The Nova Scotia NDP continues to advocate for a Legislature schedule set through legislation rather than solely at the discretion of the Premier, regardless of political party.

The summer is a busy time for all of us. With outdoor events, water activities, travel, and community celebrations comes additional risks on our roads and in our communities.

I hope everyone has a fun and SAFE summer.

Please be careful out there.

Rain or shine, I look forward to meeting and speaking with many of you during the coming weeks — whether at a community event or at your door.

Until we have a chance to meet, please be well.

Gratefully,
Rod Wilson
MLA, Halifax Armdale