Lisa Roberts not seeking re-election; plans to seek federal NDP nomination in Halifax

HALIFAX - Lisa Roberts, MLA for Halifax Needham, will seek the federal NDP nomination for Halifax.

“Today I am announcing that I will not seek re-election in Halifax Needham, but will seek the nomination to be the NDP candidate for Halifax in the next federal election,” said Roberts. “I have loved representing the constituents of Halifax Needham since August 2016. It’s also been a great privilege to sit in Province House as a member of the NDP caucus.”

Roberts has played a major role in the NDP Caucus’ efforts on affordable housing, including the successful push for an eviction ban during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, and for rent controls. Roberts has served in a number of critic roles including fisheries and aquaculture, lands and forestry, and immigration, as well as on the Public Accounts Committee.

“Lisa has been an outstanding advocate for affordable housing, and I know she will continue to do so in all her future work,” said NDP Leader Gary Burrill. “Liberal governments both in Halifax and in Ottawa are leaving people in our communities behind. Lisa is a brave and diligent advocate for people who are struggling and she will continue to work hard to make sure people get the things they need.”

Roberts was first elected in a by-election in 2016, and was re-elected in 2017, both times with more than 50 per cent of the vote.

“While I don’t control the timing of either the provincial or federal election, I intend to continue working as the MLA for Halifax Needham for as long as possible, hopefully until the provincial writ drops,” said Roberts. “I want to thank the people of Halifax Needham for their support. I also want to thank my partner, Andrew, for his support in my making this decision, and I am so grateful for the encouragement of my NDP caucus colleagues as I pursue this path.”

A date has not yet been set for the federal nomination.