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 Critic for: the Premier’s Office and Executive Council, Intergovernmental Relations, Trade, and L’Nu Affairs.

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 became leader of the NSNDP in 2021. She is the first woman elected to lead the Official Opposition in Nova Scotia, and the fourth woman to lead the NSNDP, carrying on the legacy of Maureen MacDonald, Helen MacDonald, and Alexa McDonough. She has previously served as House Leader and Caucus spokesperson for Education, Justice, Status of Women, Economic Development, and Natural Resources and Renewables.

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

Caucus Critic for: Municipal Affairs, Public Works, Office of Service Efficiency, and Military Relations.

Kendra Coombes was first elected in March 2020 and was re-elected in 2021 and 2024. She previously served as CBRM Councillor for District 11 from 2016 to 2020.

Kendra is a passionate advocate for affordable housing, public transit and health care, and she has championed initiatives that empower women, youth, and 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

Caucus Critic for: Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage, Service Nova Scotia, Status of Women, and Energy.

Susan Leblanc was first elected as MLA for Dartmouth North in May 2017. She was re-elected in August 2021 and November 2024.

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.

Lina Hamid

Fairview-Clayton Park

Caucus Critic for: Justice, Community Services, Office of Cyber Security and Digital Solutions, Immigration, and Youth.

Lina Hamid is a proud Sudanese-Canadian, vocal community advocate and mother. Through her various roles in non-profits, including as Senior Manager of United Way, she is committed to connecting with and uplifting her community. Lina has a proven track record of advocating for those who are most marginalized and ensuring equitable opportunities for all.

A passionate advocate for policies to eradicate poverty, Lina is driven to improve the lives of the residents of Fairview-Clayton Park by ensuring that everyone has access to the support they need to thrive. Lina fought tirelessly for rent control and is a lifelong advocate for policy changes to address racism and biases built into our systems. She is excited to dive into complex policy issues to find innovative solutions to improve the lives of Nova Scotians.

Lina learned very early in life how important strong representation is to a community. As MLA, Lina is dedicated to serving her community and advocating for and building a brighter future for all Nova Scotians in the Legislative Assembly and beyond.

Dr. Rod Wilson

Halifax Armdale

Caucus Critic for: Health and Wellness, Emergency Management, and Seniors and Long Term Care

A seasoned health-care provider, with over thirty years of experience as a nurse, physician, and health-care executive, Dr. Rod Wilson is a proven leader and advocate for improving health care.

He has provided vital services to Indigenous people across Canada, African Nova Scotians, members of 2SLGBTQIA+ community, people living with HIV and federal offenders on parole.

Dr. Wilson helped establish the Pride Health program at Nova Scotia Health, facilitated the creation of an evidence-based working group on Trans Health and successfully lobbied for a new sustainable site for the North End Community Health Centre. He has held leadership roles with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia, Doctors Nova Scotia, and the Department of Health and Wellness. He has also served on the governing council of the Nova Scotia Barrister Society.

Dr. Wilson is a dedicated volunteer, working with the Nova Scotia Advisory Commission on AIDS, the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia, Hospice Halifax, Canadian Mental Health Association, Adsum for Women and Children, and Shelter Nova Scotia.

Dr. Wilson lives in Halifax with his partner and two Labrador retrievers.

Krista Gallagher

Halifax Chebucto

Caucus Critic for: Economic Development, Agriculture, Gaelic Affairs, and Fisheries and Aquaculture.

Krista Gallagher was born and raised in the Annapolis Valley and is a graduate of NSCC.

Krista comes from an entrepreneurial family with two sets of farming grandparents. Shecontinues that legacy as a small business owner and a "Buy Local" champion. Her business, Local Source Market, promotes local food culture, farmers, growers and producers.

Krista is proud to represent Halifax Chebucto and work to build a better future for everyone, where no one is left behind. As a mother of a young child, she understands the need for a healthy community and wants to build a province where everyone can afford to live and access the health care they need.

Lisa Lachance

Halifax Citadel-Sable Island

Caucus Critic for: Finance, Environment, Natural Resources, Mental Health and Addictions, 2SLGBTQIA+ Affairs, and Acadian Affairs.

Lisa Lachance was elected as MLA for Halifax Citadel-Sable Island in August 2021. They were re-elected in November 2024.

Lisa is dedicated to building thriving communities 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 Dalhousie University, Lisa worked in the federal government on policy, finance, and international human rights. Following that, they launched a national youth mental health network at Dalhousie and started their 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

Caucus Critic for: Housing, Communications Nova Scotia, African Nova Scotian Affairs, Office of Equity and Anti-Racism, and the Human Rights Commission.

Suzy Hansen was elected as MLA for Halifax Needham in August 2021 and was re-elected in November 2024.

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, where she advocated passionately for 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.

Paul Wozney

Sackville-Cobequid

Caucus Critic for: Labour, Education, Advanced Education, and the Public Service Commission.

Paul Wozney was elected as MLA for Sackville-Cobequid in November 2024.

Paul brings more than 26 years of experience as a public school teacher, having taught at the elementary, junior high, and high school levels. A proud Herring Cove native and JL Ilsley High School graduate, Paul pursued higher education at Dalhousie, McGill, and Mount Saint Vincent Universities. He’s deeply dedicated to education and community leadership and has previously served as President of the Nova Scotia Teachers Union, Vice-President of the Nova Scotia Federation of Labour, and Vice-President of the Canadian Teachers Federation.

Beyond education, Paul is profoundly committed to his community. He has coached with the Nova Central Ringette Association and Sackville Minor Hockey and has served as a board member with Halifax Metro United Way. A passionate advocate for students, teachers, and families, and as a father raising his children in Sackville-Cobequid, Paul is ready to fight for a brighter future for all.

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