Nova Scotia New Democrat Caucus

Claudia Chender

Dartmouth South

Claudia Chender is the leader of the Nova Scotia NDP and MLA for Dartmouth South.

Caucus Spokesperson for: Intergovernmental Relations, and the Premier’s Office & Executive Council.

Claudia has a law degree from the University of Victoria and worked in business and publishing before running for office.

She was first elected in 2017 and before becoming Leader served as House Leader and Caucus spokesperson for Education, Justice, Status of Women, Economic Development, and Natural Resources and Renewables. She is the fourth woman to lead the NSNDP, carrying on the legacy of Maureen MacDonald, Helen MacDonald, and Alexa McDonough.

Claudia lives in the beautiful City of Lakes, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia with her three busy teens, husband Jamie, and their dog Digby.

Kendra Coombes

Cape Breton Centre-Whitney Pier

Kendra Coombes was elected as MLA for Cape Breton Centre in March 2020 and re-elected in August 2021. She served as CBRM Councillor for District 11 from 2016 to 2020.

Spokesperson for: Municipal Affairs, Labour, Labour Relations, Gaelic Affairs, Community Services, Public Service Commission, Youth, Public Works and serves as Deputy House Leader.

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 BA in Political Science and a certificate in Public Administration from Cape Breton University.

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

Susan Leblanc

Dartmouth North

Susan Leblanc was elected as MLA for Dartmouth North in May 2017 and re-elected in August 2021.

Caucus Spokesperson for: Health, Communities, Culture, Tourism & Heritage, Communications NS, Natural Resources and serves as House Leader.

As a former actor and co-Artistic Director of Zuppa Theatre, Susan has been a vibrant and dedicated advocate for the arts in Nova Scotia for over two decades. She has mentored countless young artists in the local, national and international theatre scene.

Since being elected, she has been a tireless advocate for the people in her community and across Nova Scotia, fighting for rent control, accessible child care, more affordable, adequate housing, Dartmouth’s lakes and better access to primary health care. She has challenged systemic anti-black racism in her opposition to street checks, and has been lobbying for satellite mental health services and more primary care options in Dartmouth North.

She cares deeply about Nova Scotia and her community of Dartmouth North, where she lives with her partner, her two children and her dog.

Gary Burrill

Halifax Chebucto

Gary was elected MLA for Halifax Chebucto in 2017 and re-elected in August 2021, he was MLA for Colchester-Musquodoboit Valley from 2009-2013. He served as Leader of the Nova Scotia NDP from 2016-2022.

Caucus Spokesperson for: Seniors and Long-Term Care, Service Nova Scotia and Internal Services, Fisheries and Aquaculture, and serves as Caucus Whip.

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 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. An ordained minister of the United Church of Canada, he has served congregations in the Musquodoboit Valley and in Sydney. He and his partner Debbie Perrott live on Poplar Street. They have four grown children.

Lisa Lachance

Halifax Citadel-Sable Island

Lisa Lachance was elected as MLA for Halifax Citadel - Sable Island in August 2021.

Spokesperson for: Environment and Climate Climate, 2SLGBTQ+ Affairs, L’nu Affairs, Mental Health and Addictions, Agriculture, Acadian Affairs, Advanced Education, Finance and Treasury Board, Economic Development, and Skills & Immigration.

Lisa is dedicated to building community and supporting economic development. For over 30 years, they have 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 launched a national youth mental health network at Dalhousie and started her own social innovation business. They are currently a PhD Candidate in Health at Dalhousie University.

Lisa lives in Halifax with their partner Heather, and their two children.

Suzy Hansen

Halifax Needham

Suzy Hansen was elected as MLA for Halifax Needham in August 2021.

Caucus Spokesperson for: Education and Early Childhood Development, Housing, African Nova Scotian Affairs, Office of Equity & Anti-Racism Initiatives, Immigration, Status of Women, Justice, Human Rights Commission, Elections NS, Accessibility Act, and serves as the Caucus Chair.

Suzy Hansen is a champion for her community. Born and raised in Halifax’s North End, Suzy is a grassroots organizer, community leader, and mother of seven beautiful children. In 2016, she won a seat on the Halifax Regional School Board for District 5 (Peninsula North/Fairview), where she advocated passionately for our students and schools. Suzy worked with Phoenix Youth Programs for a decade, supporting youth and community, and building trusting relationships between stakeholders and service providers.

Suzy was a member of HRM’s Community Mobilization Team, preventing violence by reducing distress, restoring unity and building resilience. Her board experience includes the Provincial Advisory Council on Education, Housing Nova Scotia, and Veith House.

With family ties to Africville, Suzy supports various initiatives throughout Halifax’s North End and the African Nova Scotian community, raising her voice in celebration, protest, and song.

Donate
Visit Website
- Connect
- Connect

Thanks for adding your name

Join the movement

Thanks for taking action