NS NDP Candidates

Gary Burrill

Halifax Chebucto

Gary was elected leader of the Nova Scotia NDP in 2016 and MLA for Halifax Chebucto in 2017.

A life-long campaigner against inequality, he is also an outspoken advocate for investments in mental health care, long-term care, and affordable housing. As the NDP’s spokesperson for the Environment and Climate Change, he has introduced several pieces of legislation to address the climate crisis, including Bill 32, the Green Jobs Act.

Gary is a graduate of Queen’s and Harvard. He has lived and worked across Nova Scotia as a community organizer, publisher, university lecturer, and United Church minister. He and his partner Debbie Perrott live on Poplar Street. They have four grown children.

Moraig Macgillivray

Antigonish

Moraig is both the descendent of an “old Antigonish family” and an Antigonisher-by-choice.

Born at St. Martha’s Regional Hospital, she grew up going to school in Truro while spending summers at Mahoney’s Beach. After graduating from St.FX, Moraig spent five years abroad teaching and writing before returning home to raise a family and start a small business in Antigonish.

Moraig now works at the Antigonish Women’s Resource Centre and Sexual Assault Services Association as a coordinator of youth programming aimed at ending gender-based violence.

Her passion for climate, racial and social justice has driven her to get politically engaged and this is why she's running to be the MLA for Antigonish. Moraig believes that the insights and problem solving skills she developed over her years as a teacher, world traveler, small business owner, youth programming coordinator and mother will make her an effective representative for Antigonish in the provincial legislature

Jacob Wilson

Bedford Basin

Jacob has spent most of his life in Bedford, growing up and working here.

As a child, his family was touched by severe disability, giving him firsthand experience of what happens when the government lets families fall between the cracks. Now, he is driven to make life better for all families, and that’s why he’s running to represent our community in the legislature.

His work and volunteer experience have seen him engaged with groups like the Workers’ Action Centre, Fight for $15 and Fairness, Solidarity Kjipuktuk-Halifax, and the Affordable Housing Association of NS’s homeless shelter. He is also a long-time construction worker and was recently hired as an organizer with the Public Service Alliance of Canada.

In his spare time, Jacob volunteers with the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul and is an active member of the local theatre and choir communities.

David Paterson

Bedford South

David is a teacher in Bedford and a disability rights advocate.

As the MLA for Bedford South he will fight to decrease traffic congestion, reduce overcrowded schools, and protect the environment as our community rapidly grows. David holds a Master of Education degree in Curriculum Studies alongside a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with a Minor in Economics.

Before teaching, David was a senior manager at Autism Nova Scotia where he supported Autistic youth and adults with autism to connect with paid employment opportunities and inclusive social programming.

In his spare time, David is a recreational flag-football player and a music enthusiast. As a teacher, he is known for integrating his love of music into the classroom, and always has his guitar on hand.

Kendra Coombes

Cape Breton Centre-Whitney Pier

Kendra Coombes was elected as MLA for Cape Breton Centre on March 10, 2020.She served as CBRM Councilor for District 11 from 2016 to 2020.

Kendra is a passionate advocate for affordable housing, public transit and health care, and she has championed initiatives that empower women and youth, and fight for seniors. Kendra has a Masters in Canadian Politics, a B.A. (Hon) in Political Science and a certificate in Public Administration from Cape Breton University. She has also worked as a policy analyst.

Kendra is a lifelong resident of Scotchtown, where she lives with her partner Matthew Brown and daughter Rory.

Barbara Beaton

Cape Breton East

Barbara Beaton is a health care professional who has worked as a Medical Laboratory Assistant for 18 years and was the owner/operator of Beaton’s Blood Collections.

She is an active community volunteer with organizations such as Meals on Wheels, the Good Food Bus, and the SPCA. Barbara is a singer/songwriter and actress and has performed in several theatre productions and television shows.

She is passionate about addressing child poverty, homelessness, and the living conditions of seniors in long-term care facilities, and building a thriving local economy in Cape Breton.

Janet Moulton

Colchester - Musquodoboit Valley

Janet is a community builder dedicated to keeping rural communities together.

She moved to Nova Scotia in the late 1970s, where she continued her career as a computer programmer and systems analyst with a degree in math and physics. After working for industry for 10 years, Janet taught technology to business students at the Nova Scotia Community College.

She is an active volunteer in our community, dedicating time to her church, the Musquodoboit Valley Bicentennial Theatre, and the Musquodoboit Valley Square Roots and Healthy Food projects. She believes in local farms and in helping those in need of healthy, sustainable food.

Now retired, Janet enjoys spending time on her woodlot, doing Tai Chi and with her four grandchildren.

Tyler Colbourne

Dartmouth East

Tyler is a dedicated and passionate community volunteer.

A Community Director with the non-profit Inspiring Communities, he has 16 years of experience working in the sector. Tyler shares his talents fostering social innovation, tourism, communications & marketing, and the creative arts. He graduated from Dalhousie with a Bachelor of Social Work.

Raised in a Nova Scotia military family, Tyler’s connections to Dartmouth run through two generations and for the last decade he has called Dartmouth East home. His service of others has been recognized having received the Caring Canadian Award in 2015 and the Sovereign Medal for Volunteers in 2016.

Tyler is committed to a just recovery, where leaders and community members work together to allow constituents to thrive in healthy environments with dignity and respect.

Claudia Chender

Dartmouth South

Claudia Chender was elected as MLA for Dartmouth South on May 30th, 2017.

A lawyer, former legal educator, and associate publisher of a non-profit media group, Claudia has a wide range of experience serving the Dartmouth South Community. She is a strong advocate for Dartmouth’s vibrant, locally owned and supported businesses.

Claudia is active as a volunteer, supporter and resource in the Dartmouth South community, and as a member of the Downtown Dartmouth Business Commission. She has been actively working to improve the Dartmouth General Hospital, improve access to child care and housing, and to protect our treasured Dartmouth Lakes.

Claudia and her husband Jamie are raising their three children in Dartmouth South.

Tammy Jakeman

Eastern Passage

Tammy Jakeman has lived in Eastern Passage, for 27 years.

She is married to her partner Ron, a lifelong resident of the Eastern Passage area, and together they’ve raised two amazing kids. She is also a proud military brat.

Tammy is an Education Program Assistant with the HRCE, working with students who require additional support outside their academic programming. It requires her to think outside the box and work collaboratively with others on all levels. As a community volunteer, Tammy has worked quietly behind the scenes, helping out where and when needed at the Eastern Passage Legion, the Buffalo Club, and the schools her children attended.

Tammy is a hobby photographer and enjoys capturing scenes from around her community. She’s a fierce advocate for equality and justice for all.

Joanne Hussey

Fairview-Clayton Park

Born in Cape Breton, Joanne is a long time resident of Halifax, raising her family here.

A graduate of Mount Allison University and the University of Leeds, her varied career in government and the private sector has included time as a researcher, project manager, and small business owner. An active member in our community, Joanne has volunteered time at her children’s schools, the Nova Scotia Midwifery Regulatory Council, the Discovery Women’s Network, and Square Roots Fairview Clayton Park.

Currently, Joanne works as a researcher for the Nova Scotia NDP, continuing her lifelong commitment to increasing access to early childhood education and women's rights.

John Morgan

Glace Bay-Dominion

John Morgan was born and raised in Glace Bay and served as mayor of the Cape Breton Regional Municipality for twelve years.

He is a past president of the Federation of Nova Scotia Municipalities and holds degrees in science, business and law.

John has spent decades fighting for the rights of the people of Cape Breton as a lawyer and poilitician.

Julie Melanson

Halifax Armdale

Julie is a long time resident of Halifax and proud to be an active member of our community.

Recently, in her role as President of Halifax Recovery Society, Julie worked with City Hall to have Halifax proclaim September 12, 2020, as the first annual Halifax Recovery Day, a day to celebrate recovery and break societal stigmas on mental health and substance use disorders.

Julie is also active in local sport, and is a long time player with the Anchor City Rollers, Halifax’s roller derby league. As well as playing, Julie has also served as a board member with the league, amplifying their work to support new players and charitable initiatives.

Julie is running to continue her work creating opportunities in our community, and to advocate around issues like affordable housing, community empowerment, and combating the climate crisis. Julie is also of proud Acadian and Guyanese descent.

Shauna Hatt

Halifax Atlantic

Shauna is a proud and long time resident of Spryfield

A fixture in the film and television community, Shauna has been a dedicated and tenacious supporter of the arts in Nova Scotia for over two decades. She’s worked on several local projects, most notably as a producer and production manager on Mr. D. Shauna fought valiantly to save local jobs from the Liberal government's decision to cut the Film Tax Credit, the ripple effects of which are still felt today.

Shauna is a mother of one, whose son has left the nest. She loves saltwater fishing and walking her foster dogs around the neighbourhood.

Lisa Lachance

Halifax Citadel-Sable Island

Lisa is dedicated to building community and supporting economic development.

For over 30 years, she has been active with local organizations such as Bryony House, Phoenix Youth Programs, Stepping Stone, and local school organizations. After earning two degrees at Dal, she worked in the federal government on policy, finance, and international human rights. Following that, Lisa managed a youth mental health network at Dalhousie and started her own business.

She is also a PhD candidate in Health, studying mental health services. Lisa loves exploring the Nova Scotia outdoors with her family. Lisa understands government, community, and small business. She knows from personal experience the challenge of supporting a family when governments steps away.

Lisa is ready to support our community as we emerge from the public health crisis and move forward together.

Abby Cameron

Hants East

Abby Cameron spent more than a decade telling people’s stories in East Hants.

As a journalist and former editor of the Enfield Weekly Press and The Laker, she has a unique knowledge of the struggles and the triumphs of our communities. It is this experience that will make her a great representative.

Mercedes Brian

Kings South

Mercedes is an environmentalist, entrepreneur, local food champion, committed public servant, and resident of Kings South since 1978.

She values evidence-based decision-making, and considering all voices. Her career has included teaching, real estate, and now making, selling and leading workshops on healthy fermented foods. She chairs the Halifax Brewery Farmers' Market Cooperative, supporting food producers across the province.

Mercedes served 8 years as Councillor for Wolfville. She was inaugural chair of the Environmental Sustainability Committee, sponsoring the Climate Emergency Declaration and innovative responses. Unstoppably hardworking, she also chaired the Audit and Planning and Heritage committees, along with the Kings Transit Authority and Point-to-Point Transit, where she championed improved transit throughout Kings.

A founding member of the Midwifery Coalition of NS, Mercedes works for a healthy future for all children. She is terrifically proud of her 4 strong-minded children, and she and her husband are having a blast with their grandchildren.

Jennifer Morrison

Northside Westmount

Jennifer Morrison is an educator with over 20 years’ experience.

She was born and raised in Westmount, where she now works as a classroom teacher. Jennifer has a Masters in Educational Counselling and worked as a guidance counsellor in several northside schools.

Volunteering was a large part of Jennifer's upbringing and this continued in her roles as former legion ladies auxiliary member, teacher liaison for the K-Kids of Sydney, union representative, and member of the equity committee for the Nova Scotia Tearchers Union.

Jennifer is a working mother of three boys with a desire to make positive and effective change for Northside- Westmount.

Lara Fawthrop

Sackville Cobequid

Lara Fawthrop is an experienced community builder.

She has been a teacher for the last 20 years, currently teaching Music, English and Healthy Living at Sackville High School. An experienced conflict mediator and restorative justice facilitator, her work focuses on mental health, anti-racism, diversity and inclusion in schools.

Lara is known for her community work, directing musicals, chairing community fundraisers, hiking Sackville’s many trails and singing at Knox United Church. She’s also an active member of the Friends of First Lake community.

Lara is passionate about ensuring people have access to the health care they need, and that our children receive the best education possible.

Madonna Doucette

Sydney-Membertou

Madonna Doucette is a grassroots community organizer with deep roots in the non-profit sector in the CBRM.

She is a vocal advocate for women’s rights and gender equality, the 2SLGBTQ+ community and child poverty in Cape Breton. Madonna is a proud past employee of the Ally Centre of Cape Breton and currently works with the Youth Project, where she offers educational workshops and queer support across the island.

Adrianna MacKinnon

Victoria-The Lakes

In her 30 years as an educator Adrianna MacKinnon has been welcomed into many communities all over the island; this has given her a unique understanding of the issues facing our communities.

Passionate about education, equality and developing local opportunity, Adrianna believes a brighter future is possible. She has the energy, enthusiasm and dedication to bring fairness, empathy and transparency to the role of MLA in the riding of Victoria- the Lakes.

Christina McCarron

Waverley-Fall River-Beaverbank

Christina has lived, worked and volunteered in WFRB for over 22 years.

She and her husband, Dana, have three adult children. She is a passionate environmentalist, an early childhood educator, and a health and fitness specialist.

Christina is a concerned advocate for people who are experiencing financial, emotional and personal difficulties.

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