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Former Preston MLAs analyze byelection results [VIDEO]

Former Preston area MLAs David Hendsbee (PC), Wayne Adams (Liberal), and Yvonne Atwell (NDP) participated in a live stream panel Tuesday as the polls closed for the Preston by-election. (Eastern Shore Cooperator & Nova Scotia Live Video)
Former Preston area MLAs David Hendsbee (PC), Wayne Adams (Liberal), and Yvonne Atwell (NDP) participated in a live stream panel Tuesday as the polls closed for the Preston by-election. (Eastern Shore Cooperator & Nova Scotia Live Video)

YouTube: “August 8, 2023 – The Eastern Shore Cooperator is pleased to provide live broadcast coverage of the Nova Scotia Provincial Preston Riding By-Election. The live online broadcast will be hosted by Richard Bell and a discussion panel with past riding MLA’s; Dr. Wayne Adams, Ms. Yvonne Atwell and Mr. David Hendsbee. Up to the minute results and in-depth panel discussions.”

Twila Grosse won Tuesday’s byelection, making her the first person of African descent to be elected for the provincial PC party. The next sitting of the legislative assembly will also be the first in Nova Scotia’s history where MLAs of African descent will represent all of the parties in the legislature.

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C MLA Elect for Preston, Twaila Grosse, at her campaign announcement even in June, 2023.

Twila Grosse said no decision yet on her role with African Nova Scotian Affairs, joining caucus [AUDIO]

Twila Grosse won Tuesday’s byelection, making her the first person of African descent to be elected for the provincial PC party.

The next sitting of the legislative assembly will also be the first in Nova Scotia’s history where MLAs of African descent will represent all of the parties in the legislature.

At her campaign announcement event in June, Grosse and Premier Tim Houston said they had had some preliminary discussions about her taking on the role of minister with African Nova Scotian Affairs. In an interview with the Examiner on Thursday, Grosse reiterated that no decision has been made on that matter.

“Now my focus is, in terms of being oriented, being set up as an MLA, getting going with regards to trying to seek solutions, and trying to get up to speed on some of the various issues and some of the things that need to be done in the riding,” Grosse said.

“I’m sure at some point that discussion will be had with regards to moving forward and sort of how I can contribute to our government.”

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Angela Simmonds & Portia Clark

Angela Simmonds talks leaving politics with CBC’s Portia Clark [AUDIO]

[AUDIO] – Angela Simmonds was elected as a Liberal MLA in 2021 to represent the Preston riding. She left about halfway into her first term, after running for the leadership of the party. Now, she’s taking on a new challenge! Angela Simmonds talks with Portia about her journey.
Aired: July 5, 2023

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Derico Symonds, a prominent activist and advocate dedicated to advancing the cause of Black and African Nova Scotian communities in Halifax. With years of experience in the provincial government's Department of Justice, Symonds has now taken on a new role as the Senior Justice Strategist for the African Nova Scotian Justice Institute. In his latest endeavor, Symonds is spearheading a series of community engagement sessions across the province, aimed at developing a comprehensive Black Justice Strategy. Join us as we explore his journey and the vital work he's doing to create a more equitable and just society for all.

DeRico Symonds: Legal Strategist talks Black Justice Strategy [VIDEO]

Derico Symonds, a prominent activist and advocate dedicated to advancing the cause of Black and African Nova Scotian communities in Halifax. With years of experience in the provincial government’s Department of Justice, Symonds has now taken on a new role as the Senior Justice Strategist for the African Nova Scotian Justice Institute.

In his latest endeavor, Symonds is spearheading a series of community engagement sessions across the province, aimed at developing a comprehensive Black Justice Strategy.

Halifax Transit Route 401.

East Preston resident says his community is underserved by Halifax Transit: “Even when they get it half right, they get it wrong”

Recent changes to Halifax Transit schedules mean inconvenient time changes for runs for bus service to and from the Black community.

Howard Benjamin.

East Preston Empowerment Academy is changing the careers of Black tradespeople

“We know that there’s a lot of people of colour who’ve been traditionally doing the concrete work in this province,” Benjamin said. “But there’s been very little-to-none that are actually Red Seal designated. Meaning they can never bid for that job, meaning they will always be subjugated to some other company, giving them second rate … subcontractor money.”

“Right now Nova Scotia’s booming in construction, and that community isn’t getting to take advantage of it like other communities are.”

Josh Crawford speaks about the donation center that’s opened in the historic church to help displaced people from the wildfires

Beechville Baptist Church steps up [VIDEO]

Josh Crawford speaks to Global News Halifax’s Amber Fryday about the donation center that’s opened in the historic church to help displaced people from the wildfires.

Posted June 5 2023 08:25am via: Global News Halifax

C MLA Elect for Preston, Twaila Grosse, at her campaign announcement even in June, 2023.

Twaila Grosse, first Black woman appointed as cabinet minister in Nova Scotia’s history

Twila Grosse, PC MLA for Preston, is now  Minister of African Nova Scotian Affairs and Minister of the Public Service Commission following a cabinet shuffle on Thursday.

This makes Grosse the first Black woman in Nova Scotia’s history to hold a cabinet position in the provincial government.

Photo: Angela Simmonds / Facebook.

Angela Simmonds resigns as Preston MLA, deputy Speaker

Angela Simmonds, the Liberal MLA for Preston, will be stepping down as a member of the provincial legislature. Her last day will be on April 1.

Simmonds made the announcement Wednesday afternoon in an open letter to her constituents.

“There are many different reasons people get into politics. For me, it has always been about the people. I wanted to help others believe in change and feel inspired to find the courage to make those changes a lasting part of our community. I wanted people to look at me and see opportunity within themselves,” Simmonds wrote in the letter.

“For me, this decision is necessary to stretch out the legacy of changemakers, lifting up new voices while also preserving my own. This experience has taught me a great deal, and I’m ready to take that knowledge into our community, create opportunities and make change — now.”