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Dear Resident:
On
January 11th, 2011, I had the honour of accepting the invitation of
Premier Darrell Dexter to join his Cabinet. I was sworn in as the Minister for
a new department, the Department of Communities, Culture and Heritage. It has
been really exciting to be at the ground level of a new department that
oversees cultural and heritage activities, the provincial archives
and library
and gaming in Nova Scotia.
The legislative session just ended with this government continuing to make life better for todays families. Since being elected in 2009 the Nova Scotia Legislature has sat a total of 139 days keeping our commitment to putting the legislature back to work for Nova Scotians. This exceeds the number of days the legislature sat for the entire period that Rodney MacDonald was Premier.
At the two year anniversary of our election I am very proud of the work that this government is doing to achieve a better life for Nova Scotians. In 2009 the NDP campaigned to Make Life Better for Todays Families - weve lived up to this commitment by achieving our campaign commitments, such as:
Launched a 5 year Road Plan
Launched
a 10 year Farm Strategy
Created 250 new seats at the Nova Scotia Community College targeted to high demand trades and professions
Increased the provinces renewable energy targets to 25% by 2015 and 40% by 2020
Ended security deposits for seniors in long-term care facilities
Created the Graduate Retention Rebate - a tax rebate for newly graduated university students worth $15,000 over six years
Expanded the program Caregiver Benefit Program by $1.85 million
Helped to cover travel and accommodation expenses arising from out-of-province medical care
Increased the number of nurse practitioners to augment care in nursing homes
Created a Personal Alert Assistance Program and provided up to $480 per year for eligible seniors to purchase a personal alert device
I
look forward to my new role as Minister of Communities, Culture and Heritage
and the challenges that lie ahead. I continue in my role as a member for the
Province of Nova Scotia on The Council of
State Governments - Eastern Region and I am looking forward to hosting my
colleagues from across the Eastern Region as they visit Nova Scotia for The Council of State Governments annual conference in August.
Again, I want to thank you for your continued support and encouragement.
"What we desire for ourselves, we wish for all. To this end, may we take our share in the world's work and the world's struggles."
J.S. Woodsworth

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Watch for my Political Speak column in The Weekly News - Bedford-Sackville |
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Don't forget those in need over the holidays
(appearing in the December 22, 2011 issue) It's good to be home for the holidays. As always, the community of Sackville-Cobequid looks beautiful this time of year. Recently I had the privilege of attending a variety of Christmas dinners, concerts and other festivities in our area and enjoyed every minute. We all deserve a little holiday fun, but it's also important to remember that the holiday season can be very difficult for people in need. Fortunately there are many organizations in our community that provide support to individuals and families in need of assistance. If possible, I urge you to consider donating to charity in your holiday giving. For more information on local organizations, feel free to contact my office at 864-0396. As you prepare to take part in festivities, it's important to plan ahead and find a safe way home. A gathering should not end in tragedy, and lives can be saved if people just exercise good common sense: spend the night, take a taxi, or if possible, walk home with a friend. Arriving home safe is always the best gift you can give your loved ones. As a former paramedic, I know all too well how horribly drinking and driving can end. Even if you are well below the .08 level of alcohol in the blood that is accepted as the legal level, you may still be impaired. Driving while above .08 per cent blood alcohol in the bloodstream is a criminal offense. But you can be impaired with one drink and can be charged and convicted with less than .08 in your bloodstream if you show other symptoms of impairment. If you witness someone driving under the influence, do not hesitate to call 9-1-1. I wish you and your family a merry Christmas, and all the best in 2012. As always, feel free to contact my office at 864-0396, or by email at davidawilsonmla@eastlink.ca with any comments or questions you may have.
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| Business Address: |
Constituency Office: |
| NS New Democratic Party Caucus Office 1660 Hollis Street, Centennial Bldg, Suite 1001 PO Box 1617 Halifax NS B3J 2Y3 |
David A. Wilson MLA Constituency Office 51 Cobequid Road Suite 105 Lower Sackville NS B4C 2N1 |
| Phone: (902) 424-4134 Fax: (902) 424-0504 Email: dave@davidawilsonmla.ca |
Phone: (902) 864-0396 Fax: (902) 864-8409 Email: dave@davidawilsonmla.ca |