New Democrat Candidates

Claudia Chender

Dartmouth South

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

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.

Cheryl Burbidge

Annapolis

Cheryl Burbidge is a dedicated health care worker and advocate with 38 years of frontline service.

A Licensed Practical Nurse, Cheryl currently works in the Emergency Department at Valley Regional Hospital. She is a strong community leader, having led 4-H groups for 15 years, serving as President of the Nova Scotia 4-H Leaders’ Council, and holding a seat on the Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture. She is also an active member of her CUPE Local’s bargaining team.

Cheryl and her husband keep horses and foster dogs from animal shelters. She is the proud mother of 3, and grandmother of 5.

Alec Stratford

Cole Harbour

Alec Stratford is a strong voice for Cole Harbour and a champion for compassion and inclusivity.

A social worker for the past 15 years, Alec has first-hand experience advocating for people from all walks of life. He will be a proud representative for Cole Harbour and a passionate voice for change.

Alec has served as both executive director and registrar for the Nova Scotia College of Social Workers and chair of the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives.

Throughout his career, Alec has been outspoken on a number of issues that affect Cole Harbour including housing, cost of living, food security, child welfare, mental health, and climate justice.

Alec lives in the Cole Harbour area with his partner and daughter. He is also a foster caregiver.

Holly Fraughton

Dartmouth East

Holly Fraughton is a passionate community advocate and believes strongly in the importance of public services.

For over a decade she has worked in communications for the labour movement, advocating for working people across the province. Prior to that, Holly worked as a journalist, reporting on a range of complex social issues. These professional experiences inspired her to give back to her community by volunteering for many local organizations over the years.

An active volunteer in her community she has been involved with trail protection and development, social advocacy, and arts organizations.

She has deep roots in the community, is an active community member, and mother to a school-aged daughter. Holly is ready to support the people and businesses of Dartmouth East as their voice in the Legislature.

Tammy Jakeman

Eastern Passage

Tammy Jakeman is a dedicated Education Assistant and fierce advocate for equity and justice for all.

Tammy works with students who require additional support outside their academic programming. It requires her to think outside the box and work collaboratively with others on all levels. As a community volunteer, Tammy has been part of the Southeastern Community Health Board, an organizer for the Flandrum Hill Community Garden, and helps with Eastern Passage Legion for Remembrance Day ceremonies, when asked Tammy always finds a way to work with countless other groups. She is an active leader of her union CUPE Local 5047.

A proud military brat and spouse, Tammy and her partner Ron have raised two amazing kids in Eastern Passage and loves calling the area home for the last 30 years.

Rod Wilson

Halifax Armdale

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

His work has provided vital service 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 NS Health Authority, 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 NS, Doctors NS, NS Department of Health and served on the governing council of the Nova Scotia Barrister Society.

Dr. Wilson is a dedicated volunteer, working with NS AIDS Commission, Mental Health Foundation NS, Hospice Halifax, Canadian Mental Health Association NS Division, Adsum Women and Children, and Shelter Nova Scotia.

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

Abby Cameron

Hants East

Abby Cameron spent more than a decade telling people’s stories in East Hants.

As a journalist and former editor of the Enfield Weekly Press and The Laker, Abby has a unique knowledge of the struggles and the triumphs of our communities.

She has hosted several candidates’ forums for all levels of government throughout the years with community partners and prides herself in bringing more attention to political issues in Hants East.

As MLA Abby will continue to work with the community and get results for Hants East

Joanna Clark

Inverness

Joanna is a dedicated advocate for youth, social justice and rural communities.

She got her start in organizing as a student. Joanna became involved in her student's union and later as a member of the provincial executive for the Canadian Federation of Students. Being both a recent graduate from university and a young mom in a rural community, she has developed a passion for issues young people are currently facing in our communities.

Over the past five years she has been involved in advocating for accessible and equitable post-secondary education, affordable childcare, and improvements on sexual violence prevention.

Gillian Yorke

Kings North

Elected in 2020 to Kentville Town Council, Gillian Yorke is a proven leader in Kings North and a champion for food security.

She has been a dedicated advocate in her community for years, starting her career supporting parks in the town. Gillian is a founding member of the Kings County Academy school cafeteria, the school lunch program that is operated by the Parent Teacher Association.

As a member of council, Gillian helped to hire a Community Crisis Navigator, who works to ensure the community’s most vulnerable citizens are directed away from the criminal justice system and toward mental health, homelessness, and addictions services. She has proven experience advocating for her community, and delivering on affordable, equitable solutions.

Gillian, her partner Jake and their three kids live in the Palmeter Subdivision of Kentville.

Mary Stewart

Pictou Centre

Mary Stewart is a passionate advocate for social justice and community empowerment, with a diverse background spanning across numerous communities and sectors.

Born in Pictou County Mary brings a wealth of experience as an artistic director in the not-for-profit live music sector and as an educator at Harris Institute, she honed her skills in programming and mentoring living in France, Halifax, Vancouver, and Toronto before returning to New Glasgow in 2020.

Mary's commitment to community involvement is evident through her various roles, including serving as a mentor for the 2024 Junos, a board member for the New Glasgow Jubilee, Chair of the Business Advisory Committee for the Town of New Glasgow, and a member of the Cancer Care Program Patient Family Advisory Council for Nova Scotia Health Authority. Additionally, Mary has dedicated her time to teaching music to youth in Pictou County, showcasing her passion for education and youth development.

With a strong foundation in advocacy and a proven track record of community engagement, Mary is dedicated to creating a more inclusive and equitable Nova Scotia for all.

Brian Skabar

Queens

A retired social worker and former MLA Brian Skabar will be a dedicated advocate for the people of Queens County.

Brian has spent 30 years serving the people of Nova Scotia. He has an in-depth understanding of the challenges communities are facing without proper access to primary care. Brian brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the role of MLA.

He and his partner are proud to be part of the community in Caledonia.

Alison Aho

Sydney-Membertou

Alison Aho is a strong community advocate and will be a dedicated MLA for Sydney-Membertou.

A criminal defense lawyer for Nova Scotia Legal Aid in Sydney for the last six years, Alison is a dedicated advocate for people from all walks of life. She will be a strong representative for Sydney-Membertou and a passionate voice for change.

The President of the Board of Directors of the Elizabeth Fry Society of Cape Breton, Alison is a dedicated volunteer advocating for social justice in her community.

Throughout her career, Alison has been outspoken on issues affecting residents in Sydney-Membertou including housing, cost of living, justice, and social determinants of health.

Alison lives in Sydney with her husband.

Rose Gillam

Timberlea Prospect

Rose believes that a sustainable, affordable, and progressive Nova Scotia is possible.

With her strong work ethic and hope for the future, she strives to ensure that our communities can be improved for generations to come.

A recipient of the Bill Estabrooks Award, the Amalgamated Transit Union Marcel Malboeuf Award, and a public policy major at Mount Saint Vincent University, Rose is a passionate advocate for safer workplaces, increased affordability, and more robust disability inclusion.

Rose believes that more young women should play a role in shaping politics and policy, and she hopes to encourage fellow youth to pursue politics and push for a better future for all.

Donna McCarthy

Waverley-Fall River-Beaver Bank

Donna McCarthy is an engaged community member and dedicated education worker.

She has spent 19 years working as an Education Assistant, and has recently moved to become an Assistive Technology Support Worker in the public school system. An active member of the Fall River community Donna has volunteered as a football manager, a Scout leader and as the first aid mom for Cheer events.

She is a former Chair of CUPE Nova Scotia’s Human Rights Committee. She currently serves as the chair of her local bargaining committee. Donna has helped CUPE sponsor events and panels focused on addressing anti-black racism within the workplace as well as STEM mentorship events for black youths.

Donna is proud to have participated in nearly every Pride Parade in Halifax, Yarmouth, Amherst and Truro for the past eight years and was particularly excited to join the first Pride Parade in Truro.

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