NDP Caucus

Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri
3640 Hwy #3 Unit 9
Barrington Passage

Wednesday
157 Water Street
Shelburne

Tel: 902-637-3200 / 902-875-9090 Fax: 902-637-3530

Before being elected as MLA for Shelburne in the 2006 Nova Scotia general election, Sterling Belliveau was a self-employed fisherman and was twice elected as Warden of the Municipality of Barrington. He has served on various boards and committees related to the fishery. In June of 2009, Sterling was sworn in as the Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture and Minister of Environment.

Sterling understands the desperate need for a rural strategy in Shelburne County that includes: 

* addressing the health care issues like shortage of doctors and long waiting periods

* dealing with transportation issues like the fact that Highway 103 still needs to be finished and a developing a better paving and road maintenance program for rural communities

* removing of the HST on the essentials of life, like home heating costs

* providing a capital gains tax break and improved loan access for fishermen

* ensuring that the long term care access needs in Western Shelburne County are met.

Sterling is married to Luella Jean (Cameron). They have two children.
 

119 Pelham Street, P.O.Box 1509, Lunenburg
B0J 2C0
Tel: (902) 634-9110 / 1-877-634-9110 Fax: (902) 634-8489

Pam Birdsall was elected to the Legislative Assembly on June 9, 2009. She is a longtime resident of Mahone Bay and has been the co-owner and operator of Birdsall-Worthington Pottery Ltd. for 30 years.

Before becoming an MLA, Pam was a founding member of the Mahone Bay Business Association, now known as the Mahone Bay and Area Chamber of Commerce. She has also chaired the Mahone Bay Sustainability Committe and has been a member of various boards and community groups such as the Mahone Bay's Planning Advisory Committee (PAC) and the Second Story Woman's Centre. Pam is a recipient of the Women of Excellence Award from the Halifax Progress Club.

Pam is deeply involved with the arts community and was a founding member, past Vice-President and Chair of the Nova Scotia Designer Crafts Council Standards Committe. She is the mother of two children and lives in Mahone Bay with her husband Harry.

11 Telegraph St, PO Box 69 Canso NS
B0H 1H0
Tel: (902) 366-3033 / 1-888-465-7575 Fax: (902) 366-3858

20 Dunrovin Ave, PO Box 129 Stewiacke NS
B0N 2J0
Tel: (902) 639-2277 / 1-877-582-0277 Fax: (902) 639-9776

Gary Burrill was elected to the Legislative Assembly in 2009. He is a United Church minister who has been serving Upper Musquodoboit since 1990.

Prior to entering the ministry Gary edited New Maritimes, a magazine of regional politics and culture. He has lectured in Atlantic Canada Studies and Maritime social history and is the author of numerous articles and essays on Maritime issues and the book Away: Maritimers in Massachusetts, Ontario and Alberta An Oral History of Leaving Home.

Gary received his Bachelor of Arts and M.A. degrees in sociology from Queen's. He also holds a Masters of Divinity degree from Harvard University.

Gary helped found the Arimathea Funeral Cooperative in Upper Musquodoboit, the first funeral home cooperative in the province. He assisted in organizing the construction of the wooden playground on the church grounds at Upper Musquodoboit.

Gary and his wife Debbie have four children.

43 Carten Street, Liverpool, NS
B0T 1K0
Tel: 902-354-5203 or 1-888-354-5203 Fax: 902-354-5247

Community

Having grown up and lived in Nova Scotia all of my life I have lived in Mill Village Queens County Nova Scotia over 24 years.

My husband and I own and operate Millennium Gardens and Farm, which is a small Farm and Garden centre. We offer farm fresh produce and meats as well as offering the experience of growing and living on a small farmstead.

For much of my 24 years in Mill Village Queens County I have been an active community member and volunteer.

I currently serve as a Member of the Mill Village Ladies Auxiliary in support of the Mill Village Volunteer Fire Department. The Ladies Auxiliary supports the local Fire Department by way of fundraising events, and organizing behind the members who offer their time to the safety of Community. Funds raised through the Auxiliary go towards the operational, training and equipment needs of the Fire Department.

I serve as a proud member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #38, supporting and honouring our past members of the Canadian Forces.

I was a Past president of the Home Support Workers Union Local 3885. In my capacity as President I supported and advocated for the Members of Local 3885, helping to negotiate a first working contract with the Employer and the Local membership.

For three years I sat on the Region of Queens Areas Planning Advisory Committee. My role included representing the communities, their values, and expectations around planning and land use, assisting with the Region’s goal of a county- wide planning and by-law strategy.

I have volunteered and participated over the years in many Community events and non-profit organizations. Bringing enthusiasm, commitment and dedication while serving the communities of the Region of Queens.

Experience

I ran in a Municipal Election in 1998 for the position of District Councillor, having not been successful I still pursued my interests in volunteering and working in the Communities.

In 2003 I ran for the first time Provincially, coming in second to the incumbent. I was elected as the MLA for Queens in the 2006 Provincial election, becoming the first female and first New Democratic representative to be elected in over 53 years. I was re-elected in the Provincial election of June, 2009.
 
I currently serve as Caucus Chair and I am Ministerial Assistant to the Minister of Transportation & Infrastructure Renewal. As well I serve on several Government Caucus Committees; Jobs and the Economy, Policy and Priorities, and the Standing Committee on Economic Development.

In 2005 to 2006 I worked with Forth Generation Capital and the Scotian Windfield network. My role involved organizing and networking with community groups and Government exploring opportunities for the development of renewable wind energy.

In 2003 until 2005 I worked as a Rural Outreach Assistant for the NDP Caucus. In my capacity as Outreach Assistant I assisted in organizing, collecting and disseminating information on Government policy and data collection for a large geographic area in the South Western and Southern ends of the Province.

Prior to 2003 I was employed as a Residential Counselor with Queens Association for Supportive Living for two years and for 8 years I worked as a Home Support Worker with Region of Queens Home Support. In both of these positions, I provided personal care, and assisted the elderly and people with physical and mental challenges with their day- to-day living needs in their home environments. I provided guidance, assistance, compassion and care to both Clients and their families.

From 1992 to 1996 I owned a small incorporated company – Natural Goodness Food Products Limited- developing an all natural frozen food product- while the company was not successful I learned a wealth of information and experiences, from developing business and market plans, scoping out equipment and food production lines, product and package development, negotiating partnerships, financing and Government funding as well as acquiring safe food handling, production and quality standards and small business experience.

As well as my working experience during that time I also served as;

- Former President of the Sou' Wester Windfield Board
- Former community consultant with the Medway River Historical Society
- Former committee member with the Medway Area Community Association

Family

My husband Scott and I live in Mill Village, Queens County Nova Scotia, and have three children, Mark, Kelsey and Nick.

www.vickiconrad.ca

3397 Plummer Avenue, New Waterford, NS
B1H 1Z1
Tel: 902-862-9550 Fax: 902-862-9501

On March 24, 1998, Frank Corbett joined 18 other New Democrats in the Legislature, forming the largest NDP caucus in Nova Scotia todate.  He was re-elected in 1999, 2003, 2006 and again in 2009. In June of 2009, Frank was sworn in as the Deputy Premier, Minister of the Public Service Commission and Minister of Communications Nova Scotia.

Frank, was born and raised in New Waterford. Prior to his election, he worked as a News Cameraman with ATV (Atlantic Television). Frank was educated at St. Agnes High School in New Waterford.

An active trade unionist, Frank is the former president of CEP (Communications, Energy, and Paperworkers Union), Local 914 M (ATV); past Regional Vice President of NABET (National Association of Broadcast Employees and Technicians); former Staff Rep for NABET; and a past CLC (Canadian Labour Congress) representative.

Frank is also an avtive community volunteer. He is a member of the Board of Directors for the Childrens' Aid Society, he spearheaded and produced the Christmas Daddies show for 10 years, and he served on the Board of the 100th Anniversary of St. Joseph's Church in Lingan.

Frank's involvement in the Party is long. He's been a Party member for over 25 years, involving himself at every level. He worked on campaigns, both federal and provincial, and has been active on the constituency executive.

Frank has served as the NDP Energy critic and House Leader.  As the NDP Labour critic, he was active in demanding improvements to Workers' Compensation and Occupation Health and Safety regulations and introduced legislation to improve collective bargaining rights in Nova Scotia.

Frank lives in New Waterford with his wife Joan and their two children, Steven and Erin.

971 Cole Harbour Road, Cole Harbour, NS
B2V 1E8
Tel: 902- 462-5300 Fax: 902-462-5306

Darrell Dexter has been the leader of the Nova Scotia NDP since June 2001, and in June 2009 he was elected Premier of Nova Scotia. He was first elected to the Nova Scotia Legislature as MLA for Dartmouth Cole Harbour in 1998. Before his election as an MLA Darrell was a very active Dartmouth City Councillor, elected in 1994.

A practicing lawyer before he entered public life, Darrell also holds degrees in education, and journalism. He also served in the Canadian Navy as a Command Information Officer for Maritime Forces Pacific, and as sub-lieutenant in HMCS Yukon and HMCS Qu'appelle.

A pragmatist, Darrell is known for his skill in negotiating a better deal for Nova Scotia’s families. This skill was evident in the NDP’s successful campaign to end the practice of charging seniors for healthcare in nursing homes. This policy, one that Darrell has called “draconian,” was finally brought to an end in the 2004 budget introduced in a minority government.

Darrell’s political perspective is a product of his own experiences growing up in Milton, Queens County and living in Nova Scotia. He knows the challenges families face, and he believes that the political process should deliver results that make life better for families.

The son of a sheet metal worker and the first member of his own family to go to university, Darrell supports a tuition freeze as the first step in making sure that all young Nova Scotians have equal access to post-secondary education. As a lawyer with considerable experience in insurance law he has fought for the fairest and lowest auto insurance rates for Nova Scotia drivers. As one of the many urban Nova Scotians who grew up in a rural area, Darrell cares deeply about in rural communities and has fought for the investment that is necessary so more young Nova Scotians can have the option to stay and flourish in rural Nova Scotia. As a partner in his own business, and as a former Chair of the Dartmouth Downtown Development Corporation, Darrell is at home in the business community, and understands the realties of meeting payroll, managing growth, and exploring new markets.

Darrell is married to Kelly Wilson and has a son, Harris. As the Premier of Nova Scotia, Darrell is committed to the future of a strong and growing Nova Scotia, where everyone can live, raise a family, work, do business, and retire.

Suite 103, 6009 Quinpool Road, Halifax, NS
B3K 5J6
Tel: 902-425-8521 Fax: 902-429-6082

1492 St.Margarets Bay Road, Lakeside, NS
B3T 1B3
Tel: 902-876-2472 Fax: 902-876-2192

In the spring of 1998, voters in Timberlea-Prospect elected Bill Estabrooks to the Legislature. He was re-elected in 1999, 2003, 2006 and again in 2009. In June of 2009, Bill was sworn in as the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal and the Minister of Energy.

Before his election, Bill was a school teacher and dedicated community volunteer. He has taught at various Halifax schools, including Sir John A. Macdonald High, Sackville High and Brookside Junior High.

Bill is the past president of the St. Margaret’s Bay Lions Club, president of the Mariners Junior Hockey Team and the St. Margaret’s Master Hockey League. Bill continues to serve the community as an active Lions Club member. He is actively involved in Oldtimers’ Hockey.

Bill has been recognized on several occasions for his deep commitment to making a positive contribution to his community. He was three times voted teacher of the year, received the Lions International Presidents’ Recognition Award and received the Medal of Bravery from the Governor General for an act of personal heroism. Some of his personal interests include being a motivational speaker to Youth as Our Future and the Estabrooks family genealogy. Big Brothers, Big Sisters recognized Bill with the Inspire Public Service Award for community leadership.

Bill cares deeply about continuing public access to coastal properties and rising property assessments. He has travelled extensively across the province and has been very active attending public hearings.

The Estabrooks Family has lived at 4909 St. Margaret’s Bay Road for more than three decades.

758 Victoria Road, Sydney NS
B1N 1J6
Tel: 902-564-9161 Fax: 902-564-9975

Gordie Gosse is a life long resident of Whitney Pier. In 2003 he became the NDP MLA for Cape Breton Nova. He was re-elected in 2006 and again in 2009.

Gordie is a third generation steel worker who worked in the industry for 18 years. Like many others, he has been forced to make career changes and became the Executive Director of the Whitney Pier Youth Club. Gordie loved working with youth of his community, but was also involved in many other activities. He sat on the Whitney Pier Memorial Junior High School Advisory Council and the Youth Resource Association.

Gordie has also sat on the Health Studies Working Group (J.A.G.), the Community Health and Safety Advisory Committee, and the Board of Directors of the YMCA. As a testament to his unwavering community involvement, Gordie was voted the 1998 Kinsmen Citizen of the Year and recently was recognized for outstanding dedication to Children and Families by the Children's Aid Society.

Gordie has an ongoing concern for health care in his community, as well as the employment concerns that play such a powerful role in this area.

He resides with his partner Susan King and their son Daniel in Whitney Pier. His adult son Gordie lives in Halifax.

8985 Commercial St, Suite 2, New Minas NS
B4N 3E3
Tel: (902) 681-3741 Fax: (902) 6816261

1490 Main Rd, PO BOX 152, Eastern Passage
B3G 1M4
Tel: 902-465-3180 Fax: 902-465-3179

Becky Kent was elected to the Nova Scotia Legislature in a by-election on October 4, 2007. Becky has been a resident of Eastern Passage for 23 years, while raising her three sons, operating a small business and being an active volunteer in her community.

Becky began her political career as an HRM Councillor. She represented Woodside and Eastern Passage from October 2004 to October 2007.

Becky is originally from Shelburne, NS. After earning her psychology degree from Saint Mary's University, she worked for Nova Scotia Power and later owned and operated a pre-school in Eastern Passage. She volunteered with Scouts Canada for 10 years, along with many other organizations, including the Downtown Dartmouth Business Commission, United Way and the Prince Arthur SAC.

Becky has a strong interest in sport and health promotion, and has been a coach with the Eastern Passage Soccer Association. As a well-known community advocate, dedicated volunteer and professional, Becky has worked tirelessly on behalf of many schools, and local and provincial organizations.

115 Maclean St, New Glasgow NS
B2H 4M5
Tel: (902) 752-7677 Fax: (902) 752-7922

Ross Landry was elected to the Legislative Assembly in 2009. In June of 2009, he was sworn in as Minister of Justice and Attorney General.

Ross was born and raised in Trenton. He attended the Atlantic Police Academy and has worked for the Sydney and New Glasgow/Trenton Polices Services and the RCMP. As an RCMP officer, Ross developed and delivered national and international training courses for the Proceeds of Crime Branch.

Ross has a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Manitoba, a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Regina and Bachelor of Laws from the University of Ottawa. He also has three certificates in Advanced Mediation and Negotiation from Harvard Law School.

Ross has been a member of many boards and groups including the Pictou County United Way, the Bikeways Project and the Pictou County Unites Transportation Committee. He is an avid cyclist and in-line skater, enjoys regular kayaking and hiking and teaches spinning classes at the YMCA in Pictou and New Glasgow.

Ross and his wife, Dianne have three adult children and one granddaughter.

3115 Veith Street, Halifax
B3K 3G9
Tel: 902-455-2926 Fax: 902-455-3929

First elected to the provincial legislature on March 24, 1998, Maureen has represented Halifax Needham for the past 11 years. In June of 2009, Maureen was sworn in as Minister of Health, Minister of Health Promotion and Protection and Minister of Gaelic Affairs.

Maureen has been hard-working and accessible. She has devoted many hours to working with members of her community to improve neighbourhood safety, local schools, recreational and cultural venues, affordable housing, health services, assistance for training and post-secondary education and small business.

Prior to her election, Maureen was a faculty member at the Maritime School of Social Work, where she taught social policy and community development. Maureen was educated at St. Francis Xavier (B.A.), Dalhousie (M.S.W.), and Warwick (Ph.D.)

Maureen's past employment includes social work at the Nova Scotia Hospital (Adolescent Services), advocacy at Dalhousie Legal Aid, and community development with the North End Clinic and the North End Parent Resource Centre. She has also worked as a researcher with CBC - 1st Edition and with a group of university faculty members who published Vanishing Jobs: Canada's Changing Workplaces.

Maureen has been a committed community activist and volunteer with a variety of organizations such as the Halifax Credit Union, Bryony House, the John Hugh MacKenzie Seniors Housing Co-op, and Ad Sum House.

Maureen hails from Antigonish County, and resides in Halifax's historic Hydrostone area.

P.O. Box 330, 202 Highway 2, Unit 5, Enfield
B2T 1C8
Tel: 902-883-7308 / 1-888-827-2212 Fax: 902-883-7627

Honourable John MacDonell Minister of Agriculture Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations John MacDonell was raised in Enfield, Hants County on the farm that has been in the family since 1877. He and his family continue to operate a family farm that includes sheep, a team of Canadian horses, numerous waterfowl, and Giant Canadian Geese.

He is often described as a strong advocate for the agriculture industry and farmers in the province.

Having earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Acadia University and a Bachelor of Education degree from St. Mary's University, he taught biology at Hants East Rural High School in Milford for 15 years.

In 1998, he was elected as a member of the legislative assembly for Hants East and has been re-elected by his constituents in every election ever since.

Since entering politics, he served as the critic for Agriculture and Natural Resources.

In June 2009 he was sworn in as Minister of Agriculture. He has also served as Minister of Natural Resources and in January 2011 he was sworn in as Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations.

Minister MacDonell is committed to building and maintaining strong relationships with the agriculture industry and representing their concerns in government.

He is married to Leslie and has three daughters, Lydia, Hillary and Kelton, and one son, Edward.

1905 Main Street, Box 914, Westville, NS
B0K 2A0
Tel: 902-396-1853 Fax: 902-396-1803

Clarrie MacKinnon has stood for public office eight times at the municipal, provincial and federal levels of Government. He was first elected to Pictou County Municipal Council at the age of 24 in 1970, and was elected to East Hants Municipal Council in 1979, 1982, and 1985. Clarrie has also served as Vice-Chair of the Colchester-East Hants School Board for eight years.

Clarrie MacKinnon became the MLA for Pictou East in 2006. In 2009, he would repeat victory in Pictou East and achieve one of the highest percentages of popular vote in the Province.

Before being elected to the Nova Scotia Legislature, Clarrie worked in many fields: news media, public relations and in senior positions of both the public and private sectors of the fishing industry.

The Pictou East MLA has a BA with a major in Political Science from Mount St. Vincent University and a Master of Marine Management from Dalhousie University. He has worked on a PhD in Earth, Oceans and Planetary Science through the University of Cardiff in Wales, UK.

Clarrie sits on the Legislature’s Public Accounts committee, Local Bills Committee and is Chair of Nova Scotia’s Veteran’s Affairs Committee.

Clarrie lives in his hometown of Westville with his wife Mary K (MacLellan). They have three grown children and three grandchildren.

135 Portland Street, PO BOX 534, Dartmouth, NS
B2Y 3Y8
Tel: 902-463-6673 Fax: 902-463-4973

401 Main St (Centre Sq.), PO Box 157 Kentville NS
B4N 3W4
Tel: (902) 678-6880 Fax: (902) 678-6945

Jim Morton was elected to the Legislative Assembly in 2009. Prior to becoming an MLA, Jim was the Manager of Addiction Services for Annapolis Valley Health.

Jim has more than 30 years of successful leadership experience in health services settings, not-for-profit organizations and business in Saskatchewan, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. 

Jim was born in Kings County and raised on a family farm in Somerset. He was educated locally, and graduated from Central Kings Rural High School, Acadia University and Dalhousie University.


A Note About Jim

Strong Ties to Kings North

Jim’s commitment to Kings North is based on strong personal ties and deep family roots. Born at the BFM in Kentville, Jim grew up on a family farm in Somerset and attended local schools. Jim studied at Acadia University, then Dalhousie University, graduating with a Masters Degree in Social Work. He began his career as Director of Social Work at Kings County Hospital in Waterville.

His career then took him to Saskatchewan and New Brunswick, before returning to Kings County to work for Annapolis Valley Health where he was the Manager for Addiction Services. Since 1999, Jim and his wife Donna McGrath have been residents of Kentville.

Strong Sense of Community

Jim Has always been active in his community, doing his part to make a difference. He served as President of the Central Kings Rural High School student council and was a member of Dalhousie University’s student government. He went on to volunteer as a director on various community and business boards, including SIGN in Yorkton Saskatchewan, OMISTA Credit Union in Moncton, the New Brunswick Mental Health Commission and the Kings Regional Development Authority.

Jim has also been a leader in his profession, serving as the President of the New Brunswick Association of Social Workers and an executive member of Family Service Canada. Jim has been recognized more than once for his contributions to the social work profession, receiving the Raoul Leger Memorial Award, the Canadian Association of Social Work Distinguished Service Award and the Family Service Canada Award for Service.

A History of Leadership

Jim has been a leader in a variety of settings which have brought him into contact with people from all walks of life.

As a manager in several hospital and health service environments, Jim has seen for himself the challenges faced by health care providers. He was also CEO of a not-for-profit family service agency for a decade, leading it through a recession to become a financially viable and well-established service provider. As a clinical therapist for twenty-five years he has helped hundreds of individuals and families cope with personal, social and financial problems. Jim knows first-hand the challenges faced by small business, having operated a successful human service consulting practice for six years.

In all of these roles, Jim has met the challenges head-on, encouraging others to work with him to find constructive, concrete solutions guided by clear ideals and goals. Jim applies the same positive approach to his work as the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Kings North.

Jim was elected as the MLA for Kings North on June 9, 2009. Among his overall responsibilities he is the Chairperson of the Nova Scotia Legislature’s Standing Committee on Community Services.

Jim Morton at a Glance

1951 – Born at Blanchard Fraser Memorial Hospital, Kentville, NS
1957 – Attended 3-room Somerset School
1963-1964 – Completed Grade 6 at the ‘new’ Somerset District Elementary School
1970 – Graduated from Central Kings Rural High School
1973 – Graduated Acadia University (Bachelor of Arts: Major - Philosophy)
1975 – Graduated Dalhousie University (Master of Social Work)
1975 – 1977 – Director, Social Work Department, Kings County Hospital, Waterville, NS
1977 – 1981 – Social Worker, Yorkton Psychiatric Centre, Yorkton, Saskatchewan
1981 – 1990 – CEO, Family Service Moncton, Moncton, New Brunswick
1990 – 1993 – Director, Social Work Department, The Moncton Hospital, Moncton, New Brunswick
1991 – 1999 – Owner, Consultant – James E. Morton Associates, Moncton, New Brunswick
1999 – 2001 – Problem Gambling Specialist, Annapolis Valley Health, Kentville, Nova Scotia
2001 – 2009 – Manager, Addiction Services, Annapolis Valley Health, Kentville, Nova Scotia
June 9, 2009 - Elected Member of the Legislative Assembly for Kings North
June 2009 – Appointed Chairperson, Standing Committee on Community Services

Other Highlights

• Cub Scouts, Berwick NS
• Somerset Youth Group - 1964-1970
• Army Cadets – West Nova Scotia Regiment, Central Kings Rural High - 1964–1970
• President, CKRH Student Council 1969–1970
• Social Work Representative, Dalhousie University Graduate Council – 1974-1975
• Board Member, Canadian Mental Health Association, Kings County Branch, 1975-1977
• Council Representative, Nova Scotia Association of Social Workers, 1976-1977
• Board and Executive Member, Society for the Involvement of Good Neighbours, Yorkton Saskatchewan, 1978-1981
• President, Yorkton Chapter, Saskatchewan Association of Social Workers – 1978-1980
• Council Representative, Saskatchewan Association of Social Workers, 1978-1980
• Member of the Board and Executive, Family Service Canada – 1983-1989
• Member, Moncton Chamber of Commerce, 1986- 1999
• Active Member of Provincial Council, New Brunswick Association of Social Workers, 1982-1999
• President New Brunswick Association of Social Workers - 1991-1993
• Cub Scout Leader – Moncton, NB - 1989–1991
• Active Executive Member, Kings North NDP Riding Association, 2000-present
• Member, United Church of St. Paul and St Stephen, Kentville, NS 2002-present
• Board Member, Kings Regional Development Authority, Kentville, NS, 2003-2009
• Participant – Post Graduate Program Friedman 1994-1995
• Participant – Post graduate Program, Bowen Center for the Study of the Family, Washington, DC. 1997-1998
• Member – Nova Scotia Association of Social Workers – 1999-present
• Clinical Member-American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy – 1984-present
 

273 Windsor Junction Road, Windsor Junction, NS
B2T 1G7
Tel: 902-860-4004 Fax: 902-860-0197

Percy is a well-known resident of Waverley- Fall River - Beaver Bank, with a long history of professional accomplishments and community volunteerism. In June of 2009, Percy was sworn in as the Minister of Economic and Rural Development, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Heritage and Minister of African Nova Scotian Affiars.

Before being elected to the Nova Scotia Legislature in 2006, Percy was the Director of Dalhousie University’s Diversity Initiative and has also acted a Black Student Advisor. 

He is the recipient of human rights award from the Human Rights Commission of Nova Scotia for his work bringing communities together through sport.

As an entrepreneur, Percy has been the President and majority owner of his own investment and holding company as well as a consulting company.

Over this career, Percy has also been employed as a university professor, a civic employee at City Hall, a hockey scout with the International Hockey League and the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and Director/Owner of the Jet Journal, a local publication.

Percy is deeply involved in the community as a volunteer. Over the years, he has held a number of voluntary positions, including an Executive Member of the Riverlake Residents Association; a member of the Board Directors of the Black Business Initiative; Vice-President of National Access Awareness Week; Vice President of Network for Entrepreneurs with Disabilities, a member of the Board of Directors of King’s-Edgehill Alumni Association, a Board Member of the Team Work Co-operative; a member of the Halifax Black Community Workshop, a member of the Board of Directors of the Dartmouth East Black Learning Centre and a member of the Metro Committee for Persons with Disabilities.

Percy has long been involved in local sports organizations. He has coached a number of hockey, fastball and softball teams at the local community level, as well as the provincial team at the Canadian nationals.

Percy’s involvement with minor ball and hockey programs in the area has given him the opportunity to interact with kids and parents of all ages.

Percy and his partner Debbie Paris have three children, Jason, Joel and Jacqui. They have all attended, or are still attending, school in the riding. As a parent and educator, Percy has a strong grasp of the issues and challenges in the education system in the riding and at the provincial level.

49 Water Street, Pictou, NS
B0K 1H0
Tel: 902-485-4550 Fax: 902-485-7088

Charlie Parker was born and raised on the family's farm at Durham, Pictou County, and has been active in his community throughout his life. He is a consensus builder and believes that working with people to find solutions will build strong communities. He served for four terms as a municipal councillor in the Municipality of Pictou County.

Charlie has worked in real estate sales, owned and operated a garden centre business for a number of years, and taught at the junior high and elementary school levels.

He is a graduate of West Pictou District High School, obtained his Bachelor of Science from Acadia University and is a graduate of the Nova Scotia Teacher's College.

Charlie is a member and Past President of the Westville Rotary Club, is actively involved with his church, and is active around issues of the environment and forestry. He is a past Board member of Riverview Home, and has served on the Board at Valleyview Villa. He currently serves as a director of Landsdowne Outdoor Recreation Development Association (LORDA) - a park for seniors and the disabled.

Charlie is an avid curler and continues to enjoy the sport. He is also a former Boy Scout Leader. Charlie lives with his wife Marilyn in Loch Broom, Pictou County. They have two grown children and two grandchildren.

In 1998 voters in Pictou West chose Charlie as their MLA and he held the seat until the 1999 election. Charlie was re-elected in Pictou West in 2003, 2006 and again in 2009. Also in 2009, Charlie became the Speaker of the Nova Scotia Legislative Assembly.
 

213-9977 St Margarets Bay Rd, RR2 Hubbards NS
B0J 1T0
Tel: 857-3378 or 1-877-740-3378 Fax: (902) 857-3386

Denise Peterson-Rafuse was elected to the Legislative Assembly in 2009. In June of 2009, she was sworn in as the Minister of Community Services and Minister of Seniors.

Denise is a lifelong resident of Chester. Before becoming an MLA, she was Program Coordinator for the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia in Hants, Lunenburg, Queens and Shelburne counties. She has also worked as a mortgage consultant for Premiere Mortgage Centre and she worked for the Halifax Regional Municipality for 10 years.

Denise has volunteered on many Chester Municupal Council Committee and ran for a seat on Chester Municipal Council in 2004.

Denise is married to Wayne and they have a son, Brandon.

7907 Hwy #7, Unit 2, Musquodoboit Harbour, NS
B0J 2L0
Tel: (902) 889-2112 Fax: (902) 889-3190

Sid Prest was elected to the Legislative Assembly in 2009. Before becoming an MLA, Sid worked in the family operated lumber and forestry business and has been employed by the HRM in various departments including Planning and Development, Community Services and Environmental Management Services.

Sid is the past chair of the Board of Trustees of Duncan MacMillan High School. He is an active member of the Mooseland and Area Community Association and the Mooseland and Area Citizens on Patrol. He has also served as Vice-President of the Provincial Municipal Law Enforcement Officers Association.

Sid is a long-time advocate for sustainable forestry and environmental practices.

989 Young Avenue, Halifax, NS
B3H 2V9
Tel: 902-444-3238 Fax: 902-444-3278

On June 13, 2006, the voters of Halifax Citadel first elected Leonard Preyra to the Legislative Assembly.

Leonard Preyra immigrated to Canada with his parents and nine siblings from Mumbai, India, in 1968.

Leonard has a Ph.D. in political science from Queen's University, an M.A. in international political economy and history from the University of Toronto, and a B.A. (Hons.) in Economics and Political Science from the University of Toronto.

Prior to his election in June 2006, Leonard was Chair of the political science department at St. Mary's University in Halifax. He is also past-president of the SMU faculty union, and an active coalition builder on post-secondary education issues.

Leonard is very active in the community. He has served as advisor to the "Save our High School Immersion Program" (SOHIP) executive, as a soccer coach for the Halifax City Wanderers, and a founding member of the North West Arm Coalition, among other volunteer involvements. Recently, Leonard has been active in opposing the closure of elementary schools in Halifax Citadel.

On a national and provincial level, Leonard's advice has been sought out and valued in many arenas. He served on two Royal Commissions on RCMP Security Service and Electoral Reform and Party Financing; he may be familiar to regular television news watchers as an often-quoted political commentator and media analyst; and he is a respected feminist scholar and activist, sexual and gender harassment advisor and a consultant on technology and political mobilization, especially marginalized women.

Leonard has two children: Kate and Ben.

410 King St, Bridgewater NS
B4V 1B1
Tel: (902) 530-8080 Fax: (902) 530-8081

Gary Ramey was elected to the Legislative Assembly in 2009. Prior to becoming an MLA, he taught high school, university and college for more than 30 years.

He's a member of the Gulf of Maine Institute project and former board member of the Bonny Lea Farm. He has a Ph.D from the University of Alberta, an M.A. from Mount Saint Vincent University and a B.Ed and B.A. from Mount Allison University.

Gary also plays keyboards in the rock band, Twist of Fate.

47 Williams Lake Road, Halifax, NS
B3P 1S9
Tel: 902-477-4100 Fax: 902-477-4810

Michele Raymond has lived in Halifax Atlantic since 1963 and has worked tirelessly to make it a better place for all residents. In 2003 she became Halifax Atlantic’s new NDP MLA.

Educated at Yale and Dalhousie, Michele has been active in a variety of local, municipal and provincial issues to preserve and protect the diverse communities of Halifax Atlantic and its distinctive quality of life. She founded the Urban Farm Museum Society of Spryfield in 1996, and has recently been working to reactivate the Northwest Arm ferry.

Michele has worked with the Nova Scotia Museum and the HRM Heritage Advisory Committee and is currently the vice-president of the Heritage Trust of Nova Scotia.

She is a member of the Northwest Arm Heritage Association, has served as President of the Mainland South Heritage Society and sat on the Captain William Spry Centre's interim board and the John W. MacLeod school site-planning committee. Michele has a law degree and Canadian Securities Institute certification.

She works as an editor and researcher, and has recently co-authored a book on the Northwest Arm. She has been awarded the Queen's Jubilee Medal.

30 1/2 Church St, Amherst NS
B4H 3A8
Tel: (902) 667-9812 Fax: (902) 667-9811

Brian Skabar was elected to the Legislative Assembly in 2009. He's recently retired, after 31 years in the Federal Public Service, having worked in various front line and management positions within the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Health Canada.

Amherst has been home to the Skabar family for 21 years. He graduated from the University of Winnipeg in History and Economics and from Lakehead University with Honours in Social Work. Brian is the former President of Union Locals in Thompson, MB and Amherst, NS for the Public Service Alliance of Canada. He has also served on the Board of Directors of the Cumberland YMCA.

Brian is an avid amateur athlete and enjoys cycling, jogging and spending time at the gym.

He has four children: Lindsay, Thomas, Margaret and Lauren.

275 Main St, Suite 102, Antigonish, NS
B2G 2C3
Tel: (902) 863-0444 Fax: (902) 863-0218

Maurice Smith was elected to the Legislative Assembly in 2009. Previously, Maurice was a lawyer with Nova Scotia Legal Aid and Senior Counsel and managing lawyer in the Antigonish/Port Hawkesbury office.

He has been actively involved in the community through a number of organizations, including: Chair and founding member of Antigonish Town and County Palliative Care Society, founding and current Board member of L'Arche Antigonish Foundation, Board member of Crumbs From The Table and Board member of Recovery House.

Moe has also been involved in the past with the Board of the Festival Antigonish Summer Theatre, St. Francis Xavier University Art Gallery, Guysborough Antigonish Pictou Arts & Culture Council, the Naomi Society, the Canadian Association for Community Living, and Antigonish and Area Homemakers Society.

7105 Chebucto Rd, Suite 101, Halifax, NS
B3L 4W8
Tel: 902-453-5556 Fax: 902-453-4566

Graham was elected to the Legislature in the March 6, 2001 by-election and re-elected in 2003, 2006 and 2009. In June of 2009, he was sworn in as the Minister of Finance and Minister of Acadian Affairs.

A Rhodes scholar, originally from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Graham came to Halifax in 1986 to attend Dalhousie Law School, graduating in 1989. He practiced law here, first in private practice - then as General Counsel to the Workers Compensation Board in 1993.

After further legal studies, he accepted a job as Research Director for the Nova Scotia New Democratic Party Caucus office in 1998.

Graham is a married father of two children.

1651 Sackville Drive, Middle Sackville NS
B4E 3A9
Tel: (902) 864-5310 Fax: (902) 864-8681

Mat Whynott was elected to the Legislative Assembly in 2009 for the constituency of Hammonds Plains-Upper Sackville. At the age of 23 he was elected as the the youngest MLA in Nova Scotia history*. In June of 2009 he was named the Government Caucus Whip and serves on the legislative committees of Public Accounts, Human Resources and Assembly Matters.

Before becoming an MLA, Mat was an Outreach Assistant at the NDP Caucus office. He was a guest speaker at an international conference in Trinidad and Tobago and he has represented Canada at the United Nations, speaking at the UN's World Program of Action for Youth. From 2004-2008 he was appointed by the Government of Nova Scotia to be the Co-Chair of the Nova Scotia Youth Advisory Council. He has also served on federal and provincial government committees for tobacco control.

In 2006 Mat was selected for an all-party group to travel to the Middle East in conjunction with the Canada Israel Committee to learn, first-hand, about the conflict.

Mat has been involved with many groups and organizations including the Knox United Church Council in Lower Sackville, Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Dal/IWK Adolescent Mental Health Committee and the Sherbrooke Lake United Church Camp. Mat has also been working with the Cobequid Community Health Board in conjunction with the Youth at Risk Network to establish a Youth at Risk Centre for the Cobequid Health Region.

Mat is also currently majoring in political science at St. Mary's University. He lives in Lucasville with his wife Charlotte.

*note: confirmed by the Nova Scotia Legislative Library

Suite 105, 51 Cobequid Road, Lower Sackville , NS
B4C 2N1
Tel: 902-864-0396 Fax: 902-864-8409

Dave Wilson has lived in Sackville for over 30 years. Voters in Sackville-Cobequid first elected Dave to the Legislature in 2003 and he was re-elected in 2006 and in 2009. In June of 2009, Dave was named deputy House leader.

Before his election, Dave was a well-respected, dedicated health care professional. He worked for 8 years as a paramedic in the community of Sackville.

As an opposition MLA, Dave has performed the critic roles for Heritage and Culture, Tourism, Heritage Act, and Housing and Communications until August 2005, when he was named the critic for Health.

He sits on several committees in the Nova Scotia House of Assembly including:
* Public Accounts
* Veteran Affairs (vice-chairman)

Dave contributes to the community through his volunteer work with local organizations:
* Volunteered as a firefighter with the Sackville Fire Department and with HRM Fire and Emergency Services
* Has held several key executive positions with the Sackville Volunteer (vice-chairman) Firefighters
* Educates local elementary students and local Boy Scout / Girl Guide groups on the emergency health system
* Volunteer for the last 16 years for Remembrance Day Poppy Campaign
* Volunteer at community events providing medical treatment
* Volunteer for the camp day at local Tim Hortons
* Volunteer for the Nova Scotia Firefighters Burn Treatment Society
* A supporter of such charities as the Cobequid Service Centre, Beacon House, IWK Children's Hospital, Heart and Stroke Foundation, Big Brothers and Sisters
* An associate member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Calais Branch 162, Lower Sackville
* Held the position of Provincial Treasurer for the NOVA Scotia College of Paramedic

Dave was educated at Sackville High School and Saint Mary's University. He received his Diploma as an Emergency Medical Technician at the School of Allied Health - School of Emergency Health Services at the Victoria General Hospital, Halifax.

Dave and his wife Penney have two young children: Jacob and Taylor.

BMO Building, 35 Commercial St, Suite 212, Truro NS
B2N 3H9
Tel: (902) 897-9266 Fax: (902) 897-1841

Lenore Zann was elected to the Legislative Assembly in 2009. Prior to becoming an MLA, Lenore was a award-winning actor, writer and producer with 33 years of experience in film, TV, radio and theatre.

Lenore mentors and coaches aspiring performers and entertains at Schools, Seniors Homes and various Community events. She also counsels victims of abuse and addictions. She has fund-raised for the Special Olympics, Christian Ministries, Colchester School Bands Program, The Marguerite Centre (for abused women) and The Phoenix House.

Lenore is currently spearheading a project to turn the old Normal College into a School for Performing Arts.