Burrill announces NDP spokesperson and Caucus roles

HALIFAX - The NDP is ready to hold the Conservative government accountable and get results for real people. NDP Leader Gary Burrill announced new spokesperson roles for the NDP Caucus today.

“Since the election we’ve seen the housing crisis get even worse. Tim Houston has said he is opposed to rent control, but this is the only solution to prevent people from getting massive rent increases whenever the state of emergency ends. The NDP will continue to push for permanent rent control to keep people from being forced from their homes,” said Burrill.

Suzy Hansen, newly elected MLA for Halifax Needham, will be the new Housing spokesperson. Hansen is also a former school board member, and will take on the Education and Early Childhood Development portfolio, along with African Nova Scotian Affairs. Hansen will also act as the Caucus Whip.

Lisa Lachance, newly elected MLA for Halifax Citadel-Sable Island, will be the new Finance spokesperson for the NDP caucus. Lachance is a former employee of the department. Lachance will also take on Mental Health and Addictions, Advanced Education, and 2SLGBTQ+ Affairs.

Claudia Chender, MLA for Dartmouth South, remains House Leader, and she returns as Justice and Status of Women spokesperson. Chender will also add Economic Development and Natural Resources and Renewables to her roles.

Kendra Coombes, MLA for Cape Breton Centre-Whitney Pier, a former municipal councillor, returns as Municipal Affairs, Labour, and Community Services spokesperson. Coombes will also take on the role of Deputy House Leader.

Susan Leblanc, MLA for Dartmouth North, remains Caucus Chair and Health spokesperson. Leblanc will add Environment and Climate Change to her portfolios.

“Our incredible team of MLAs is ready to get results for people. People voted for the NDP to make housing more affordable, to get access to mental health care, and for higher wages and paid sick days. We will continue to press on these issues as we work to find areas of common ground with the new government,” said Burrill.

You can view the full list of roles here.