Iain Rankin

I joined Minister Tony Ince for a visit to the Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia to view their excellent exhibits honouring African Nova Scotian history. We also talked about the work that lies ahead for our province to right past wrongs and dismantle the barriers of systemic racism that exist in our institutions and broader society. Stay tuned this week for an upcoming announcement on my socially inclusive economic recovery plan.

Have a spooky and safe Halloween everybody!

Gloria McCluskey, former Dartmouth mayor and councillor: The strongest leaders are those who are upfront, who consult with people, who aren't afraid to admit when they've made a mistake and who work to do better next time. Iain is that kind of leader. Not one to shy away from a tough challenge, he is a young and assertive individual driven by his belief in our province and its people. I know as Premier he will listen to all of us, learn from all of us, and lead for all of us. Thank you for your support, Gloria.

Je suis ici à Grand-Pré - le centre de l'établissement acadien remontant au 17e siècle. Leur histoire débute comme une vie déterminée de pionnier, suivie d’une grande tragédie et continue comme une survie triomphante. Je suis fier d'être capable de parler en français. Je comprends très bien la nécessité de protéger la langue française et la culture acadienne. En tant que chef du parti libéral et le prochain premier ministre de la Nouvelle-Écosse, je m'engage de continuer ce ...travail importante à l'étranger et plus important ici en Nouvelle-Écosse. I am here in Grand-Pré - the centre of Acadian settlement dating back to the 17th century. Their story began as determined pioneers, followed by great tragedy and continues as a triumphant survival. I am proud to be able to speak French. I understand fully the need to protect the French language and Acadian culture. As the leader of the Liberal Party and the next Premier of Nova Scotia, I pledge to continue this important work abroad and most importantly here in Nova Scotia.

Grateful to have your endorsement Brendan. Proud of our work together to clean up contamination in Harrietsfield.

I enjoyed the best pizza and garlic fingers in Mabou tonight from MRI pizza Mabou River Inn Pizza. Small business owners work hard and as they face even greater challenges than usual in this difficult period it’s important that we all make an effort to support the small businesses in our communities. As Small Business Week comes to an end let’s think #smallbusinesseveryday!

Places like Banff have had success with safe wildlife corridors. Happy to be part of this project and see it come to fruition. "It's to reduce the number of wildlife collisions to increase human safety on the highway" said Lisa Doucette, a resource scientist with Lands and Forestry.

The Dog Company is an outstanding small business I'd like to shout out during Small Business Week. While out on the campaign trail, from Yarmouth to Cape Breton, this a great spot to leave Weston, to get him out to play. Obviously he agrees! #SmallBusinessWeek #SBW2020

Had to stop by to see the construction of Argyle's new municipal building. Argyle is leading the way on net zero buildings that are good for the environment and good for the pocket book! Integrating renewables and energy efficiency at time of construction is a model municipalities, businesses, and citizens can learn from to drive job creation in growing sectors of the economy and improve our building stock.

Thank you Zach Churchill, MLA Yarmouth for taking me to the Old World Bakery and Deli in Yarmouth where my eye was drawn to a menu with an amazing variety of fresh sandwiches. This is Small Business Week and given the challenges of the last few months I hope everyone will continue to show support for the small businesses in their communities. We are all in this together during this unprecedented time.

Congratulations to all of the impressive women who were successful in their municipal campaigns across the province, and a special acknowledgement of the gender balance that will be represented at HRM Council. I am also happy to see the first female mayor of CBRM elected, great job Elect Amanda McDougall - CBRM Mayor!

Heating Assistance Rebate Program Opens ----------------------------------------------------------------- Home heating costs can be difficult for low-income Nova Scotians to afford, which is why the Heating Assistance Rebate Program (HARP) is once again available. Applications are now open for the 2020-21 heating season. The program provides a rebate of up to $200 to low-income Nova Scotians who pay for their own heat.... "HARP helps many Nova Scotians heat their homes each year," said Chuck Porter, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing on behalf of Patricia Arab, Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Internal Services. "It's fast and easy to apply online and paper applications are available at many locations across the province, including our Access Centres." To qualify for the program, the income threshold is $29,000 for one-person households and $44,000 for households with more than one person. Quick Facts: -- applications are also available through Access Nova Scotia, Community Services offices and MLA offices -- more than 45,000 Nova Scotians received the heating rebate in 2019-20 -- applicants who have direct deposit arrangements with Canada Revenue Agency will receive their rebate through direct deposit -- the program closes March 31, 2021 Additional Resources: To apply for HARP online visit: http://www.novascotia.ca/heatinghelp Property Tax Rebate Program for Low Income Seniors: https://beta.novascotia.ca/apply-property-tax-rebate-proper For more information on other Nova Scotia home energy programs, visit https://energyassist.ca/

The leadership campaign trail took me to Port Williams, Wolfville, Bridgewater, Mahone Bay and Halifax over the last week where I enjoyed sitting down with folks and talking about everything from opportunities to grow our wine sector to the need for improved internet access. I’m enjoying listening to what is on people’s minds and learning about the issues in their communities -- that’s what politics is all about.