Policy

(December 27, 2011) Halifax – Mayor Peter Kelly and two Councillors today threw their backing behind a private petition calling for HRM residents aged 65 and older to be allowed free Metro Transit rides one day a week during off-peak hours.

"Our seniors have worked hard all their lives to help build the community and they deserve this consideration,” said Mayor Kelly. “This is a way by which all of us can show how much they are respected and appreciated."

We must always remember, however, that politics is a partnership with the people and, today more than ever, the public demands more from their representatives, especially in terms of open, responsible government.

District 5 Councillor Gloria McCluskey and District 11 Councillor Jerry Blumenthal echoed the mayor’s sentiments. Councillor McCluskey observed that other centres much smaller than HRM give their older citizens a free transit day. "My sister uses it in Riverview, New Brunswick, and she tells me that seniors look forward to that day," she said. "Why can’t we offer the same?" Councillor Blumenthal noted that there are nine seniors’ manors in north-end Halifax. “Seniors need the chance to travel on Metro Transit and to be able to enjoy a free bus day,” he said. "What would it cost Metro Transit? Nothing, because buses are half empty between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m."

The petition was started by 83-year-old Dartmouth resident, Lorne Perry. He got the idea from Ottawa where system allows seniors to ride free all day Wednesday and after noon on Mondays and Fridays. Mr. Perry is the Nova Scotia representative for the League of Merchant Mariner Veterans of Canada. "Dealing with seniors each week, I know there are too many who must survive on the old age pension," he said. "Many are alone because their partners have passed on."

Mr. Perry said many older residents can’t always afford to take the bus. "They have paid their dues in war and peace," he said. "This is the least we can do for them because it would allow them to get out more; to do their groceries; or to visit someone." Mayor Kelly said he had signed the petition and urged all other members of Council to support the initiative.

The goal is to collect at least 1,000 signatures on the petition by the end of March, at which time Councillor Blumenthal will present it to Council. The petition is being circulated throughout the metro area and is also available online at www.seniortransit.ca and at www.peterkelly.ca as of December 28, 2011.

Contact: Peter Kelly
(902)-490-4010
Councillor Gloria McCluskey
(902)-490-7033
Councillor Jerry Blumenthal
(902)-431-7136
Lorne Perry
435-3996

When it comes to politics and elected officials, three words loom large in the minds of the public today: Integrity, transparency and accountability. And rightly so. I believe that this is the very least that residents should expect and demand from those they entrust with the future of their community and, indeed, their country. In fact, I’ll add three more qualifications: Trust, respect and honesty. To me, holding office is an honour bestowed; it’s an opportunity to serve; and it’s a commitment to the greater good, to be completed as honestly and professionally as possible.

We must always remember, however, that politics is a partnership with the people and, today more than ever, the public demands more from their representatives, especially in terms of open, responsible government.

HRM Council has been responsive to this changing expectation and we have already adopted a Code of Conduct to guide the way we do business on your behalf. Now that responsiveness is being taken a step further. I’m pleased to report that, this week, Council will review – and possibly adopt – an appropriate code-implementation process. Our Code of Conduct is based on the one originated by the Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities which, in turn, was initiated by HRM’s Councillor Linda Mosher. In fact, it was Councillor Mosher who brought the code to Council for our own consideration. In all, 34 of Nova Scotia’s 55 municipal units have adopted or adapted it.

I welcome this move to define ethical standards and have previously called for the appointment of an independent third party to develop a Code of Ethics for Council. In addition, Council and I have lobbied the province to consider strengthening the Municipal Government Act to allow municipalities to adopt a Code of Conduct with teeth.

The code which my colleagues and I have already adopted spells out clearly what is expected of us in terms of integrity, honesty and objectivity. It tells us how we must conduct ourselves and it explains the obligations we have to the public. However, one thing was missing: How would the code actually work? What about a complaint process? What would be the consequences if someone was found wanting? Council asked its Executive Standing Committee to come up with an implementation procedure and, as I mentioned, the result will be on this week’s Council agenda. So why now, if we’ve managed without a code for all these years? The fact is, despite my abiding belief in the honesty and integrity of the majority of elected officials, communities everywhere are facing greater challenges than ever before, making the business of government more complex. Quite simply, having a Code of Conduct is as much for the education of politicians as it is for the public.

It takes us to the next level of partnership with our residents.
I welcome your feedback on this or any other topic relating to our community. You can contact me at kellyp@halifax.ca or www.peterkelly.ca or by phoning 490-4010.

This weekend, a solemn world will mark the 10th anniversary of a shattering incident whose very date has become associated with tragedy: 9/11. I doubt that any of us will ever forget the events of that awful September morning when extremists attacked the U.S. using hijacked airplanes to kill more than 3,000 people. It was a day that changed history and before it was over, residents of the Halifax Regional Municipality found themselves on the front line.

Following the attack, hundreds of U.S.-bound aircraft were diverted to Canadian destinations, including the Halifax Stanfield International Airport. In all, 47 planes landed here and their 7,300 passengers suddenly became our unexpected guests. It was an overwhelming situation but our community was more than up to the challenge. Under the guidance of our Emergency Management Organization, HRM staff and a small army of citizens – men, women and even children - put their lives on hold and swept into action. Shelters were established in civic arenas and recreation centres; food supplies were arranged; medical care was organized; phone lines were set up so that the dazed passengers could contact their families to reassure loved ones. And while all this was happening, hundreds of residents donated blood to be sent to the American Red Cross.

Everything that could possibly be done was done - and then the residents of HRM did even more! Hundreds opened their homes and hearts to the newcomers, taking them in, welcoming them as part of the family.

The long weeks that followed were filled with so many incredible acts of kindness and compassion that I was left awed and humbled. I doubt I shall ever see anything that will make me more proud to be mayor of this wonderful community than I did during those dark days. And all those sacrifices made by HRM residents haven’t been forgotten. This Sunday, during a special ceremony at the Halifax Stanfield International Airport, U.S. Consul General Anton Smith will present a commemorative plaque on behalf of the American people, expressing eternal gratitude to everyone in HRM. It’s a thank-you from a grateful nation, and it’s for more than just the food, the shelter and the care; it’s a heartfelt expression of gratitude for the comfort and hope that so many vulnerable strangers found in our midst.

The history books have already documented the tragic events of what happened 10 years ago. What they can never completely capture, however, is the real story of 9/11. What survives is not the evil that was done that day, but what came after. I believe that what endures is the triumph of the human heart, the human spirit - as exemplified by the unselfish actions of the residents of HRM and those in other communities across Canada, 10 years ago this week.

You helped keep the lights of humanity shining. Thank you from the bottom of my heart! I welcome your feedback on this or any other topic relating to our community. You can contact me at kellyp@halifax.ca or www.peterkelly.ca or by phoning 490-4010.

One of the proud claims that you’ll see made about HRM is that we’re a great place “to live, work and play.” This week, I’d like to focus on that last word - “play.” One of the goals I set myself as mayor was to help bring about a sufficient supply of recreational facilities for all the residents of our municipality. Taking stock this week, I realize that this vision is well on its way to being realized. Let me share a few examples:

Actually, “popular” may be an understatement: When the track was opened to the public last winter, as many as 5,000 skaters a day flocked to use the ice with overall attendance surpassing 100,000 over the winter.

The tender for the next phase of the Oval has now been let and I’m optimistic that, weather permitting, the track will be ready for public skating by the end of the year and will be around for at least the next 25 years.

This facility is part of that vision I mentioned; in fact, it’ll be one of three major new recreational facilities materializing in less than a year.

The new Canada Games Centre opened in January and is already a firm favourite with all ages, especially seniors. The facility has already hosted provincial and regional basketball, volleyball and gymnastic events and is set for a lively fall aquatics program with 1,350 participants. With 50,000 user-visits each month, the centre is the setting for all kinds of activities, everything from birthday parties (an average of six bookings each weekend) to serving as the main practise venue for the Halifax Rainmen. All that, plus providing full- and part-time employment for 200 people.

Another part of the vision is the new BMO-4Pad Arena in HRM. Since it opened last November, the place has been humming with almost a million visits for hockey, sledge-hockey and ringette action. (Even during the summer, two surfaces have been kept busy with hockey games.) The arena is also home for the Halifax Roller-Derby Association.

These are three major new recreational facilities which everyone will be enjoying for years to come. They’re proof that HRM’s long-term recreation strategy is firmly on track; they’re also a testament to the visionaries who had a dream and made it happen. Because having a vision is one thing; turning that vision into a reality is something else. I welcome your feedback on this or any other topic relating to our community.

You can contact me at kellyp@halifax.ca or www.peterkelly.ca or by phoning 490-4010.

I’m crossing my fingers tightly and I’m sure you are, too. As we speak, somewhere in Ottawa a decision is being made that will have huge consequences for our municipality. Very soon now, we’ll all learn whether the Irving shipyard in Halifax gets to build the next generation of ships for the Royal Canadian Navy. If the answer is “yes,” I’m not exaggerating when I say that this contract would be the biggest economic opportunity ever to set down in our region. It would have an impact on many people, as I’ll explain. I’m sure you’re aware that the federal government is considering three bids (Halifax, Quebec/Ontario and Vancouver) for its $35 billion National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy. (Yes, that’s $35,000,000,000!) The lion’s share of that amount, $25 billion, is for 20-plus combat ships; $7.5 billion is earmarked for replacement vessels for the Canadian Coast Guard; and $2.5 billion is for maintenance work.

I want the $25-billion contract to come to our community because the Halifax Shipyard builds good ships, including naval vessels. (The yard is responsible for launching 80% of Canada’s existing combat fleet.)

I feel very strongly about this. I have been actively promoting the bid by Halifax Shipyard and have successfully sought the backing by the Atlantic Mayors Congress for it. I have lobbied, attended meetings, written letters and gone on record with Council as supporting the local bid.

Let me assure you that the stakes are huge. The Greater Halifax Partnership has done a study and here are some of the jaw-dropping conclusions: If the Halifax Shipyard wins the contract for the combat ships, at least 11,500 new jobs will be created in our region, starting as early as next year. Almost 7,400 of them will be in manufacturing; 2,000 in other commercial services; and about 1,100 in the wholesale and retail trade. (That’s more employment opportunity than your average Alberta oil-sands operation can offer!)

Just imagine the impact of all paycheques on HRM and Nova Scotia; just picture all the homes that’ll be needed; all the business for stores and services, both here and beyond. Think of the young people who won’t have to leave Nova Scotia to find work. The economic spinoffs are enormous and will spread because, in addition to all those regional jobs, thousands of others will be created across Canada.

And it gets even better because this contract will reinforce HRM’s position as a centre of shipbuilding excellence. All the cutting-edge research, innovation and development will continue to attract world-class companies and root them here. We have earned this opportunity because our region has a justifiable reputation for building fine vessels. It’s one that goes back generations and it’s built on the skills of our people. Those skills are still here, in abundance, ready to be put to work.

Can you hear us, Ottawa?
I welcome your feedback on this or any other topic relating to our community. You can contact me at kellyp@halifax.ca or www.peterkelly.ca or by phoning 490-4010.

March against violence on November 6 The upcoming We-Care March Against Violence will be the second in as many years and is expected to attract hundreds of HRM residents. The march starts at 2 p.m. Sunday, November 6 from the Cornwallis Street Baptist Church and ends at the Halifax Common, where a rally will take place. I hope you will come out and support this show of solidarity against all acts of violence and racism.

Remembrance Day is near
This is the month when Canada pauses to remember those who have served and sacrificed for their country, and who continue to do so, to protect our freedoms. I encourage you to take time on November 11 to attend a Remembrance Day service at a Cenotaph near you.

Hundreds to attend security forum in Halifax
For the third consecutive year, high-level politicians and government officials from around the world will be in town for the 2011 Halifax International Security Forum. More than 300 people from 40-plus democracies will be here November 18-20 to share common security concerns, reflect on lessons learned from 9/11 and discuss recent events in the Middle East. Among those expected our Canada’s Defence Minister, Peter MacKay; U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, Janet Napolitano; Israeli Defence Minister, Ehud Barak; U.S. Senator John McCain; and former U.S. secretary of state, Condoleezza Rice.

Season of celebrations approaching
As I’m sure you are well aware, the festive season is fast approaching. This is the time of year when it’s possible to get a real sense of just how much a community-of-communities HRM has become, thanks to many cultures and religions celebrating their beliefs and traditions and inviting the rest of us to enjoy with them. For a list of many of the events, I encourage you to go to http://visitors.halifax.ca/events.shtml Phone no: (902) 490 6776.

Guide for newcomers
Our Newcomer’s Guide to Halifax Regional Municipality has recently been translated into Arabic and will be launched officially on November 16. This brings to three the number of versions of this popular guide – English, French and, as I mentioned, Arabic, which is the third most-common language spoken in HRM. Given our increasingly cosmopolitan municipality, we hope eventually to have the Guide translated into Mandarin Chinese, Spanish, Farsi and Russian. The publication is full of very helpful information for newcomers – and even those of us who’ve been here a while. In its pages, you’ll find details about the local education system; our libraries; who to call in an emergency; how to navigate the transit system; and even how to start your own business. If you’d like a copy, please ask at your nearest HRM Customer Service Centre or download it at www.halifax.ca/newcomers Phone no: (902) 4904000.

Public Gardens to close December 2
Summer may be a distant memory however there’s still some time to enjoy the last of the season’s plants and flowers in the Public Gardens. This gem of a park will stay open until December 2, to allow everyone to enjoy a final visit or two. The Gardens officially opened in 1867, making them as old as Canada. They retain much of their Victorian charm, thanks to the dedication of concerned citizens and The Friends of the Public Gardens.

Some cynicssuggest that democracy only works at election time. In other words, politicians only pay attention to the peoplewhen they need the votes. I’d be naïve to think that’s never the case; however, I can assure you that, as residents of HRM, your voices are heard constantly. In fact, you might be surprised at just how much influence public input has in our municipality.

Let me give you just a few examples: