What's Happening
This page features information on current issues in the media, in the Nova Scotia Legislature and in our communities.
July, 2012
New affordable housing units have opened in Chester. The $685,000 project was jointly funded 50-50 by the province and the federal Economic Stimulus Program.
"On a scale from one to 10 it’s a 20."
- Tenant of one of the new units
Read the story on southshorenow.ca.
June 26, 2012
Community Services Minister Denise Peterson-Rafuse presents a $25,000 grant from the province to Joe Lively, president of the Brain Injury Association of Nova Scotia and a brain injury survivor.
The money will help the association develop a website.
January 12, 2012
Community Services Minister Denise Peterson-Rafuse on CBC Radio's Information Morning (Mainland NS) discussing Alice Housing.
Minister Denise Peterson-Rafuse was on CBC's Information Morning (Mainland Nova Scotia) Thursday, Jan. 12 at about 7:45 a.m. In the interview she explains a partnership between Community Services and Alice Housing, a second-stage housing group for women and their children leaving domestic abuse. The Minister recognizes the valuable contributions that many organizations are making across the province to support women who are facing domestic violence. Listen below.
The audio file of this interview is no longer available.
December 8, 2011
Community Services Minister Denise Peterson-Rafuse on CBC Radio's The Current, "Poverty in Canada: A National Call-in"
Minister Peterson-Rafuse discussed government's commitment to making life better for Nova Scotian families. She explained how over the last year government has introduced some of the most significant improvements in decades to programs aimed at helping low-income Nova Scotians get the support they need.
Listen to the archived show on the CBC site
November 2011
New Video Highlights Success of Riverbank General Store
People with disabilities in Queens County are making a difference in their community, while gaining work-related skills, thanks to the Riverbank General Store. The sucess of the store, which is located beside the Medway River in Mill Village, is highlighted in a recent video (see below).
Sponsored by the Queens Association for Supported Living (QASL), the store gives people with disabilities an opportunity to gain work-related skills and participate more fully in their community. Queens Association for Supported Living offers several vocational, life skills and community-based employment programs as well as residential Disability Support Program. The general store features a bakery and café, as well as grocery items, including free range and organic products. Its gift shop showcases the work of local artisans, as well as items produced by participants in another QASL program, Penny Lane Enterprises.
The province invested $150,000 in start-up funding for the profitable, fully sustainable venture. Community Services Minister Denise Peterson-Rafuse says the Riverbank General Store is a perfect example of the exceptional programs around Nova Scotia that help make life better for people with disabilities.
QASL - Riverbank General Store from The Picture House on Vimeo.