Happy New Year! With 2012 in full swing, I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season with family and friends.  

The legislature wrapped up on December 15. Among the bills passed was one that will lower the speed limits in school zones to 30 kilometers per hour. That's quite a change from the current 50 kph and I urged the government to do extensive public awareness advertising before it is implemented. This change is similar to other provinces and will increase safety for the children. It isn't in effect yet, but I want to let everyone know that it is coming.

In my work as MLA I am also the Liberal Immigration critic. Immigration is important in our riding of Clayton Park as we are the most multi-cultural community in the province. On Monday, January 30th I am hosting a public meeting at the Keshen Goodman Library on Immigration and the role of a welcoming community. Details are below.  

I hope you will share this e-newsletter with others. It is a way for us to share news and events for our community. If you have an event or notice you would like me to include, please call me at 443-8318.

Clayton Park is known as the most culturally diverse community in Nova Scotia. I am proud of our multicultural character and believe that Clayton Park can and should be a model for others in becoming a welcoming community. The Nova Scotia Office of Immigration promotes programs and services that help us welcome newcomers to Canada. I will be joined at the public meeting by representatives from the YMCA Centre for Immigrant Programs, ISIS (Immigrant Settlement and Integration Services), and the Office of Immigration.

As the Liberal Immigration critic I know that there are many people who want to volunteer or get involved in helping newcomers. This meeting is a chance to learn about some of the things that are being done to help people adjust and thrive in Nova Scotia. The meeting will provide background and information about immigration to Nova Scotia and highlight some success stories.

Monday, January 30, 2012

7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.  

Keshen Goodman Library, Thomas Raddall Room

As MLA for Clayton Park I have been advocating for a February holiday since 2005. I continue to press for this holiday even though three premiers have turned it down so far. Nova Scotia has only five statutory holidays (the fewest of any province in Canada).  

Since 2005, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario and PEI have joined Alberta in celebrating a February holiday and British Columbia has announced they will add this holiday in 2013. Having a holiday in February has had many positive spin offs in other provinces. Winter carnivals and community festivals take place as families have a long weekend to relax. Having a chance to rejuvenate is good for individual health and wellness and ultimately helps us be more productive at work.

With provinces across Canada joining the trend, Premier Dexter should be considering this. You can show your support for the holiday by writing to Premier Dexter.     

Email: premier@gov.ns.ca

Mailing:  

Office of the Premier
PO Box 726
Halifax, Nova Scotia
B3J 2T3.  

Click here to see a recent article on the February holiday written by The Coast Kyle Shaw.  

To purchase tickets for $15, please visit the Bella Rose Arts Centre website or call 457-3239.