Claudia Chender

@claudiachenderns.bsky.social

Leader of the Nova Scotia NDP and MLA for Dartmouth South.

Two years ago today, all parties came together to recognize the epidemic of intimate partner violence in Nova Scotia. This declaration was an important first step, but it must be backed by action. Nova Scotians escaping violence need real support — including access to safe, affordable housing.

No one wants to live in a tent and no one wants to see people forced to live in an encampment. But this government took away unhoused Nova Scotians' legal right to the full income assistance rate — which could mean the difference between living in a tent or a home.

On World Suicide Prevention Day, we mourn those gone too soon and recognize those impacted by loss. Raising awareness and reducing stigma can help to reduce the instances of suicid. If you or anyone you know is having thoughts of self harm, reach out to the Suicide Crisis Helpline by calling 9-8-8.

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Thanks to the thousands of Nova Scotians who made their voices heard, the Speaker of the House has lifted her blanket ban on all members of the public who were present as some sang in protest from the gallery this spring. This was a fundamental overreach and we're glad to see it lifted.

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Somehow the first day of school is already here. Whether you feel ready or not, it's time to fill up backpacks and find new classrooms. To all students, families, teachers and staff: good luck today! I hope you have a great year.

Graphic with a large red apple on a turquoise background. White text inside the apple reads “Welcome Back to School.” The NSNDP and Claudia Chender logos appear at the bottom.

With no support from this government, the Upper Hammonds Plains Community Land Trust has done what this government can't or won't: they're building actually affordable, permanently non-market and community-owned housing.

As Donald Trump’s tariffs are threatening Canadians, it’s encouraging that the federal government is fighting back with their own counter-tariffs and offering more support to the businesses and workers who will be impacted.

Donald Trump’s trade war will harm Nova Scotian families, workers and businesses. His actions are especially damaging given our long history of trade, friendship and family ties with the U.S. and New England in particular.

Tim Houston's trickle-down housing plan isn't working. Building more expensive housing alone won't solve the affordability crisis. When we focus on building homes people can actually afford, creating good jobs, and growing our economy, real change is possible.

In the last seven years, Shelter Movers Nova Scotia has helped 1,100 survivors of gender-based violence — mostly women and their children — escape abusive relationships and start new lives across our province.

Claudia Chender stands smiling with four women at a community event inside a bright meeting space. The group faces the camera with their arms around one another, all wearing name tags. A framed photo hangs on the wall behind them, and large windows let in natural light.

Bonne Fête nationale de l'Acadie! 💙🤍❤️⭐ La Nouvelle-Écosse compte, partout dans la province, des communautés acadiennes dynamiques. Aujourd’hui, nous célébrons tout ce que les Acadiens ont contribué à notre province et rendons hommage aux générations qui ont su préserver ce patrimoine.

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Being a parent in one of the most expensive Canadian cities to live is already tough enough. If this government took the pressures of being a parent seriously, they wouldn't slash a program that was making students independent, reducing traffic congestion, and lowering the household gas bill.

This spring Tim Houston slashed our arts and culture sector and the aftershocks are still being felt in every corner of our province. Arts and culture is the bedrock of who we are as people and an economic engine for our tourism sector.

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Happy International Beer Day!🍻 Nova Scotia is home to an incredible craft beer industry built by passionate brewers, local businesses, & workers who create products enjoyed across our province and beyond. Today's a great day to support local & celebrate the craftsmanship that makes our beer special.

Graphic of a pint of beer filled with golden beer and topped with a foamy head. White text across the glass reads "International Beer Day." The NSNDP and Claudia Chender logos appear at the bottom on an orange background.

Happy Natal Day! 🧡 I love Nova Scotia and I'm especially grateful to live in Dartmouth. From our vibrant downtown to the neighbourhoods that make this community so special, Dartmouth is truly a place people are proud to call home.

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On Emancipation Day, we remember the abolition of slavery across the British Empire, and reflect on the lasting impacts of slavery. Today and every day, we recommit to eliminating anti-Black racism and building a better future for everyone.

Graphic with a black background featuring three large overlapping arcs in red, green, and gold across the top. Centered white text reads "Emancipation Day." The NSNDP and Claudia Chender logos appear in white at the bottom. The design uses the Pan-African colours to recognize Emancipation Day.

August is Acadian Heritage Month in NS. A time to learn about and celebrate Acadian heritage and culture. Vive l'Acadie! Pendant le mois d’août, nous célèbre la patrimoine acadienne ici en la Nouvelle Ecosse. Ne manquez pas la chance d’apprendre davantage sur et célébrer la culture acadienne.

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This spring I joined members of Nova Scotia Woodlot Owners & Operators Association to tour two sustainable woodlots. Our forestry sector contributes nearly $2 billion in economic activity and is deeply embedded in the fabric of our shared history.

Claudia Chender stands in a wooded area listening to a forestry worker in a grey hoodie, sunglasses, and baseball cap as he gestures while explaining conditions in the forest. Fallen branches and moss-covered logs cover the forest floor, with tall evergreen trees surrounding them.Claudia Chender smiles while speaking with an older man wearing a red plaid shirt and black cap in a recently harvested forest. The man gestures toward the surrounding landscape as they discuss the area, with cut branches, tree stumps, and standing trees visible in the background.

Nova Scotians expect their government understand how bad the housing crisis is—and to act urgently. So why isn't it happening? The Houston government has had five years, following years of Liberal neglect, but more and more families can't find a home they can afford.