As summer draws to a close, it’s my pleasure to welcome students back to school in our vibrant Fairview—Clayton Park community. Whether you’re a parent sending your child off to elementary school for the first time, a junior high student excited for the next chapter, or a post-secondary student from across the globe studying at Mount Saint Vincent University, this is an exciting time of year. Back to school isn’t just about fresh starts and new notebooks; it’s also a time to reflect on the broader issues that impact our community—safety, housing, affordability, and the quality of education, which is the bedrock of opportunity for our young people.
Community Safety
As children head back to school, community safety must be a top priority for everyone. We need to ensure that our kids know traffic safety rules and have safe, established routes to and from school. Drivers, please remember that this is a critical time to exercise extra caution, especially in residential areas and school zones. Slowing down and being vigilant can prevent accidents and protect our most vulnerable community members.
Back-to-school safety is a shared responsibility, and it extends beyond just driving carefully. It’s also about fostering a safe environment where our children feel secure and supported, both in and outside of school. If you’re looking for more tips on how to keep our community safe as the school year begins, I encourage you to check out HRM’s Back to School Safety page.
Real Housing Solutions Needed
As students return to their studies, housing has become a significant concern, particularly for our post-secondary students. Nova Scotia is home to the largest number of universities per capita in Canada, but this year, the challenge of finding affordable housing has never been greater. The lack of action from the provincial government on this issue is deeply concerning. Students are forced into stressful situations, scrambling to secure a place to live while trying to juggle their academic responsibilities and, in many cases, multiple jobs just to make ends meet.
This housing crisis isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a barrier to education. When students are more focused on finding a roof over their heads than on their studies, we all lose. They are the future leaders and contributors to our economy, and their education should be their primary focus. As we head into the fall sitting of the legislature, I am committed to fighting for real, tangible solutions to the housing crisis that continues to plague our students and our broader community.
The Affordability Crisis Continues
The affordability crisis is another pressing issue that continues to impact our students and families. The cost of living has soared, with fuel, home heating, electricity, and food prices all reaching unprecedented levels. While the federal government has made strides in curbing inflation, the provincial government has failed to take meaningful action to alleviate the burden of these rising costs on Nova Scotians.
Students, in particular, are feeling the squeeze. High costs, coupled with insufficient action on tuition fee increases, mean that many of our future leaders are struggling to keep their heads above water. Instead of focusing on their studies and future careers, they are burdened with financial stress and the need to work multiple jobs to afford the basics.
The New School Lunch Program
It may be coming late but at least it is finally coming. This is the first thing I can report on that the Houston government almost got right. It just took too long to do and too long to get in place so our students won’t get a good start this September, they’ll have to wait until October to be guaranteed adequate nutrition.
I have been advocating for a universal school lunch program for a long time. I have spoken to this again and again. The Province finally did the right thing for our children but have again failed to implement this essential program on time. Half marks are better than no marks. But, one thing I know is that the value of good nutrition on education is not subjective and shouldn’t take a back seat to political games..
The Fight Continues for a Brighter Future Through Education
Education is the key to a brighter future, but for it to be effective, students need more than just access to schools and universities. They need a clear mind, good nutrition, a safe and stable place to live, and the time and space to fully engage with their studies. Unfortunately, since Premier Houston and his government took office, these critical issues have been overlooked.
As your MLA, I am committed to ensuring that housing, affordability, and quality education remain at the forefront of the provincial agenda. We cannot afford to ignore these challenges any longer. We need real solutions to the housing crisis, real action on affordability, and a renewed focus on education. Together, we can build a future where every student has the opportunity to succeed and contribute to our community’s growth and prosperity.