THE BEDFORD BASIN REPORT

Heritage Day Free Community Skate

Dear Friends,

I hope this e-newsletter finds you safe and warm after the recent snow events. I’m so grateful for the crews that keep our roads and highways clear!

In just over a week, the NS House of Assembly will begin its Spring Sitting. In addition to passing legislation, we will also debate the government’s 2024-25 budget.

As Health critic, I’ll have a lot of questions to ask during budget estimates (when ministers have to defend their budgets) and Question Period. If you’ve experienced problems with the health care system (or any provincial government department or program), please do reach out to my office and I will be happy to pass along your concerns.

We also have the opportunity to speak about our fellow Nova Scotians who are celebrating milestones and achievements. During “Member’s Statements”, we can speak for up to a minute, and if you know of someone that deserves a mention in the House, please send the details to my office. I’m always happy to celebrate Bedford residents!

Submit a Members Statement today

Nova Scotia Heritage Day

This year’s honouree for Nova Scotia Heritage Day is William Hall, VC. Petty Officer Hall was a career sailor with the Royal Navy, and he was the first Nova Scotian and the first Black Canadian to be awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions under fire during the Siege of Lucknow.

While PO Hall’s contributions were overlooked for many years, that is changing. For example, the fourth ship in the Royal Canadian Navy’s Harry DeWolf Class is named after him; its keel was laid at the Irving Shipyard here in Halifax in February, 2021. You can read more about Petty Officer William Hall, VC, here.

To celebrate Heritage Day, you’re invited to a free Public Skate / Open House! Your Bedford MLAs and Halifax West MP will be on hand to chat, and we’ll have treats & hot chocolate from Subway for the open house in the mezzanine.

Thank you to Councillor Tim Outhit for providing the ice time. I look forward to seeing you there.

Learn more

The Healthcare Crisis

🏥 The February Need a Family Doctor Waitlist numbers are out and Nova Scotia has broken its own record, unfortunately, it’s not a good milestone. Read more...

Affordability Crisis

📌 The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation's rental market report for 2023 was released recently and Halifax had one of the highest year over year increases in rent in the entire country. Read more...

🍞 Many Nova Scotians are finding it difficult to make ends meet right now. Food costs are up, and there seems to be no end in sight. CBC has shared some insights on how N.S. grocery prices compare to other provinces. Read more...

Accessing Rebates & Grants

📅 Seniors can apply for help to cover the costs of household services, healthcare services, and home heating costs from the Seniors Care Grant. Grants are $750 for each qualifying household. Apply before March 31st. Read more...

💲 The Home Energy Assistance Top-up (HEAT) Fund in now accepting applications. This program supports Nova Scotians facing an emergency situation with home heating cost during the winter months. Read more...

🏡 Apply for the Heating Assistance Rebate Program (HARP) for help with the cost of home heating this winter. HARP rebates are $600 for each qualifying household. Apply before March 31st. Read more...

WHAT'S HAPPENING

Community Spotlight

Bedford Legion Bingo Night

Almost every Tuesday night, our Royal Canadian Legion Bedford Branch 95 calls ‘em as they sees ‘em — at their regular weekly bingo.

The Legion raises money at these games to help support veterans as well as other projects in the community. (For example, every year they provide numerous scholarships to graduating high school students.)

The Legion is also holding a weekly Chase the Ace draws this year. Tickets are $5 each, and you can purchase tickets at the Legion Monday - Friday from 4pm to 9pm, and Saturdays from noon until 5 pm. 

Learn more

What's on in Bedford Basin?

🥫 It has been one month since the Bedford Lions Food Pantry launched, the support from the community has been great. The pantry is currently requesting school snacks, readymade rice & pasta (examples, sidekicks, uncle bens rice), pet food, and personal care items. Read more...

📝 Students looking for summer job opportunities at the heart of Parliament can apply as a parliamentary guide as part of the Parliamentary Guide Program. Read more...

📘 The application process is open until February 28th for Halifax Regional Police's 2025 cadet class program. Read more...

❓ Last year Scott Manor House hosted a variety of events and they want to know what your favourite events were and what you would like to see more of. Read more...

🏫 February is registration month at HRCE! If your child was born between January 1 and December 31, 2020, they are eligible to begin school in September 2024. Read more...

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