February a busy month for events

February is African Heritage Month and on Feb. 10 I had the privilege of attending the 15th Annual Rev. Dr. W.P. Oliver Night of Honour in Cherrybrook. The event not only commemorated the remarkable life of Dr. W.P. Oliver, but also served to recognize the contributions of those who continue his legacy of community work and volunteerism. This year the Black Cultural Association of Nova Scotia inducted four new members in what was a very moving ceremony. Those new members are Irvine Carvery, Wiley Cain, Carson Jackson and Dennis Jackson - all very deserving of the honour.

On Feb.28 I'm looking forward to hosting an African Heritage Month event in Hammonds Plains - Upper Sackville at the Emmanuel Baptist Church. Following the 11 a.m service parishioners and community members are invited to join me to salute the accomplishments and contributions of African Nova Scotians. There will be music and dancing, and historic artifacts will be on display. I hope you can drop by.

While Nova Scotians at home were celebrating African Heritage month, on Feb. 16 at the Olympics in Vancouver celebrated Nova Scotia Day. There were celebrations at Parade Square and Sackville Heights Elementary took part in the festivities via Skype and I was happy to help out by providing Nova Scotia flags for students to wave. The teachers did a great job preparing for the event and I think it's safe to say everyone had a great time. I certainly did!

With everyone focused on the Olympics this February, our NDP government fulfilled two major election commitments. Effective Feb. 10, seniors and their families will no longer be required to pay security deposits before entering nursing homes. These fees have long been an unnecessary burden. By removing them, we will allow seniors to remain in their homes and active in their communities longer; something from which we all benefit.

On Feb. 12, we made an investment in crime prevention and reduction by awarding $180,000 in lighthouse Grants. These grants will go to organizations across the province, including several in the HRM, that provide recreational, educational, life skill and cultural after school programming. By creating safe environments where youth can build their self-esteem, these organizations make their communities safer places to live, work and raise a family. Both of these initiatives add to the long list of commitments we have fulfilled over the past seven months.

Although there has been plenty of good news in February, headlines have been dominated by the controversial findings in the Auditor General's report. Suffice it to say people are concerned. I was not an MLA during the period outlined in the report, so I don't have much to add to the conversation. However, I will say that although my NDP government did not create the flawed system that managed MLA expenses, we will be the government that fixes it. I can assure you work is already well underway.
To discuss this or any issue with me please contact me at 864-5310 or mat.mla@ns.sympatico.ca.