Chender Wants to Give Families a Break

HALIFAX – Today, Dartmouth South MLA Claudia Chender was elected Leader of the Nova Scotia NDP. During her first speech as leader, Chender called on the Houston government to give families direct support, starting with a $500 payment to help with the cost of living.

“Five hundred dollars is a few tanks of gas, a few grocery carts of food, part of a month's rent, or a few power bills. That’s real help that people can count on. Across the province people are struggling to pay their bills as the cost of living keeps getting higher,” said Chender. “New Democrats have real solutions to the problems real people are facing.”

Since taking office nearly a year ago Premier Tim Houston has failed to fix the cost-of-living crisis and more people today are without access to primary care than when he took office. The cost of gasoline is double what it was at this time last year.

“When it costs people more to get to work than they earn while there, something is very wrong,” said the NDP Leader. ”Tim Houston is sitting on a tax windfall; and only the NDP is offering a real solution for families, that will help them now.”

The province of Quebec is also offering a direct support payment of $500 for eligible people.

“I have a message for Nova Scotians - the NDP has your back. Today, I am proposing a use for the gas tax and HST windfall that puts money into the hands of people who need it,” said Chender.

“Nova Scotians aren’t looking for excuses as to why the government is choosing not to help during this time. They are calling out for help and the NDP is listening and ready to take action.”

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