It was with sadness that I learned of the passing of former Nova Scotia Premier Dr. John Hamm. I had the privilege of visiting Dr. Hamm in their home in 2018 during the Progressive Conservative leadership race. Murray and I were warmly welcomed, and I left with a deep appreciation for his graciousness, humility, and willingness to share his knowledge and experience. He was attentive, thoughtful, and generous with his time. As a family physician for 30 years before entering politics, Dr. Hamm brought a practical, patient-centred perspective to public life. I often thought that must have been quite an adjustment, moving from the world of medicine into the world of politics, but Nova Scotia was fortunate that he chose to continue serving, just in a different way. Dr. Hamm will be remembered as a true fiscal conservative. Under his leadership, Nova Scotia achieved its first balanced budget in 40 years while also beginning the important work of reducing the province’s debt. He believed governments had a responsibility to live within their means and to leave future generations in a stronger financial position. One aspect of his legacy that has always stood out to me was his commitment to paying down the debt associated with the Cobequid Pass, with the goal of removing the tolls ahead of schedule using excess revenues. It reflected his belief that once an obligation had been met, the burden on taxpayers should be lifted. I also remember vividly hearing him speak at the Progressive Conservative Annual General Meeting in February 2019. It was an extraordinary speech—one that reflected his integrity, conviction, and unwavering belief in principled public service. That same evening, I had the honour of presenting Dr. Hamm with a copy of Roger Bacon: A Life in Politics, written by Morris Haugg. It was a fitting moment, recognizing two premiers who shared a deep commitment to Nova Scotia and to serving with integrity. Here in Cumberland County, many remember Dr. Hamm for launching the Read To Me! program at Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre, encouraging parents to begin reading to their children from the very first days of life—a simple but powerful initiative that continues to benefit families today. Dr. John Hamm was a man of integrity, grit, humility, and quiet determination. His legacy will endure through the fiscal foundation he helped build and the many lives he touched as both a physician and premier. Through a lifetime of service, he demonstrated that true leadership is about serving others. My sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing and working with him. May he rest in peace.
Elizabeth Smith-McCrossin, MLA Cumberland North Weekly Constituency Update Week of July 13, 2026
National
Labour Force Survey– For anyone who missed last week’s Labour Force Survey report, overall in June Canada added 18,000 jobs. Employment was particularly high among people between 15 to 24 years of age, rising by 33,000 jobs, and hirings in accommodation and the food services industry grew by 15,000. Some economists have attributed the boost in the hospitality sector to the football World Cup. Craig Lord from the Canadian Press has more on it here. On the other hand, the manufacturing sector, impacted by U.S. tariffs, continued to shed jobs, with the number decreasing by 17,000 in June. The industry has seen a decline of 61,000 jobs since January 2025. https://www.hilltimes.com/2026/07/13/wage-ministers-gather-in-new-brunswick/511624/
Nappan Research Farm – There is plenty of information circulating about the closure of the Nappan Research Farm – some of it accurate, some of it not. In order to provide clear, factual information, I have been sharing a series of articles The Truth About Nappan on my Facebook page. The fourth in the series focused on the work of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food as outlined below.
THE TRUTH ABOUT NAPPAN, TRUTH #4
Did you know that Parliament has already studied the proposed closure of the Nappan Experimental Farm?
The House of Commons Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food heard testimony from researchers, producers, universities, industry leaders and agricultural organizations from across Canada.
After hearing the evidence, the Committee produced a report containing 20 recommendations. One recommendation stands out. The Committee called on the federal government to: “…pause and reverse” the decision to close seven Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada research facilities, including the Nappan Experimental Farm.
The facilities identified were: • Lacombe, Alberta • Quebec City, Quebec • Guelph, Ontario • Scott, Saskatchewan • Indian Head, Saskatchewan • Portage la Prairie, Manitoba • Nappan, Nova Scotia
This recommendation was supported by Members of Parliament from all recognized parties represented on the Committee, including Liberal MPs. That raises an important question. If Parliament’s own Agriculture Committee recommended pausing and reversing these closures after hearing expert testimony, why is the federal government proceeding with the closures?
As Canadians, we should expect decisions affecting our food security and agricultural research to be guided by evidence. That is exactly what this Committee attempted to do. Here is the link to full committee report for anyone interested in reading it. Truth matters. Evidence matters. Agriculture matters.
I encourage you to read the rest of the articles on Facebook and share them with others who have an interest in what is happening with the Nappan Research Farm.
Provincial
New Brunswick Border Toll Survey– Over the past few weeks, 592 (as of July 15th) households have taken the time to complete the New Brunswick Border Toll Survey and share how a proposed border toll could affect their lives.
As the MLA for Cumberland North, it’s important to me that decisions affecting our region are informed by the experiences of the people who live and work here.
While this is not a scientific poll of everyone who crosses the border, it provides an important snapshot of the experiences of those who chose to participate. These are residents who regularly cross the border for work, medical appointments, education, shopping, family, recreation, and everyday life.
Over the coming days, I’ll be sharing some of the preliminary findings from the survey. My hope is that these results will help people better understand how a border toll could affect families, workers, patients, businesses, and our regional economy.
The survey is still open, and we want to hear from as many people as possible. If you regularly cross the New Brunswick border or know someone who does, please consider taking a few minutes to complete the survey by clicking the link below. Feel free to share it with others. Every response helps us build a clearer picture of what a border toll could mean for the people and communities of our region.
Thank you to everyone who has already participated. Your voice matters, and together we can ensure that the experiences of our border communities are part of this important conversation. Survey Link: https://nbtoll.working4you.ca
New Job for Former Nova Scotia Health President/CEO – Premier Tim Houston is defending his decision to appoint Karen Oldfield to lead his newly created Department of Accelerate Nova Scotia, with a salary reportedly over $300,000 per year, by pointing to the work she did as Interim President and CEO of Nova Scotia Health.
But Nova Scotians deserve to ask a very basic question: What is the Premier using to measure success?
The Auditor General reported that Nova Scotia Health awarded more than $3.7 billion in high-value alternative procurements (not tendered) since 2020-21, including almost $3 billion in 2024-25 alone.
That is public money. Taxpayer money. Health-care money.
The Auditor General also found Nova Scotia Health was inappropriately using that alternative procurement process and not following provincial procurement policy. In other words, major contracts were being awarded without the normal open, competitive tendering process Nova Scotians should expect when billions of dollars are being spent.
One example that deserves more public attention is the Varian cancer-care contract. This was a 10-year contract valued at $152 million for cancer-care equipment and software. I am hearing serious concerns from physicians that the oncology software created workflow and patient-safety concerns and that parts of it are now sitting on the shelf while work has shifted back into OPOR (One Patient, One Record – the new electronic patient record system).
If that is true, Nova Scotians deserve answers.
How much money has been spent?
What parts of the software are actually being used?
Was there value for money?
Were frontline oncology physicians and staff listened to before, during, and after implementation?
How many promised jobs were actually created?
And who is accountable when expensive health-care technology does not deliver what was promised?
This is not about being against innovation. Our health-care system absolutely needs improvement. But innovation without accountability is not leadership.
“More, faster” should not mean an open chequebook. Patients and patient care must come first.
The Premier’s excitement about Karen Oldfield and his new Department of Accelerate Nova Scotia should not distract from the very serious questions raised by the Auditor General about untendered health-care spending, lack of oversight, and whether Nova Scotians are getting value for their money.
Before celebrating new titles, new departments, and high salaries, the Premier should explain how billions of dollars were spent, what patients actually received for those billions of dollars, and who is ultimately responsible when health-care projects fail to deliver.
Cumberland North
Certificate of Courage and Bravery – Last Friday I had the privilege of presenting a Certificate of Courage and Bravery to Chad Stonehouse in recognition of his selfless actions during a house fire in Wallace early last Wednesday morning.
Shortly after 7:00 a.m., while working at the Wallace wharf, Chad noticed smoke rising over the hill. He immediately went to investigate.
When he arrived, he discovered the back of a home and the garage were already engulfed in flames. Believing someone was inside the home, Chad knocked repeatedly on the doors and windows until he woke the elderly couple, who had no idea their home was on fire. He helped them get out safely, while one of his co-workers moved their vehicle to a safe location.
Even after ensuring the couple was safe, Chad went door-to-door to alert neighbouring residents so they could evacuate if the fire spread. Within minutes, the Wallace Fire Department arrived on scene, bringing the fire under control and preventing neighbouring homes from catching fire.
Chad, who lives just outside Amherst with his beautiful wife Angela and works for Dexter Construction (Municipal Group), acted without hesitation. His quick thinking, courage, and concern for others made a tremendous difference that morning, likely saving the lives of this older couple.
Thank you, Chad, the people of Cumberland North and area are proud to recognize your bravery.
Roads and Public Safety in Cumberland North– One of the most common concerns I continue to hear from residents is the condition of our roads. While Cumberland North has many roads in need of repair, I am also hearing from people from across Nova Scotia who are experiencing the same frustrations in their own communities.
In Cumberland North alone, the list of roads requiring significant attention is far too long to include in one update. However, there are locations that have become especially concerning, and unsafe including sections of Trunk 6 (Amherst Head/Truemanville area) and the Livingston Bridge in Wallace. These are areas I hear about repeatedly from residents, visitors, and commercial drivers.
I encourage everyone to use extra caution when travelling these roads. If your vehicle is damaged due to road conditions, please report the incident and file a claim with the Department of Public Works. Every report helps document the extent of the problem and reinforces the need for action.
As your MLA, I will continue bringing your concerns directly to the Department of Public Works and advocating for the repairs our communities deserve. Rural Nova Scotians should not have to accept deteriorating roads as the norm. Safe roads are essential for families, seniors, school buses, emergency services, businesses, and everyone who travels them.
If road conditions in your area concern you, I encourage you to contact both the Department of Public Work’s Operations Contact Centre to report specific issues and the Minister of Public Works to share your concerns and ask that road maintenance become a higher priority.
Department of Public Works – Operations Contact Centre (24/7)
Together, our voices are stronger. The more Nova Scotians who report unsafe road conditions and advocate for improvements, the harder it becomes for government to ignore the need for better investment in our provincial roads.
Recent Events
Bordertown Biker Bash – Congratulations to everyone involved in making the 9th annual Bordertown Biker Bash such a success! A heartfelt thank you to the organizers, volunteers, sponsors, vendors, entertainers, and everyone who attended and supported this year’s event at the Amherst Stadium. Events like this don’t just happen – they are the result of countless hours of planning, hard work, and dedication by people who care deeply about their community. It is truly the people who have an idea and a vision, and then put their words into action, who make our community so great. Your commitment brings people together, supports local businesses, and creates memories that last a lifetime. I hope everyone now gets a well-deserved rest. Thank you again for everything you have done to make this year’s Bordertown Biker Bash another outstanding success. I look forward to seeing what next year brings!
The Work We Do – It is truly an honour to represent the people of Cumberland North, from Malagash to the outskirts of the Town of Amherst.
Every day, my office is contacted by people looking for help. While we receive concerns on many different issues, more than 80% of the people who contact us are looking for help accessing the healthcare they need. These situations are often urgent, time-sensitive, and heartbreaking. Families are trying to navigate a healthcare system that is in chaos, and many simply don’t know where else to turn. My staff and I do everything we can to help people access the care they need while advocating for improvements to a system that is failing too many Nova Scotians.
We also assist people with concerns related to education, housing, transportation, agriculture, justice, government services, and many other issues. Some matters can be resolved with a phone call or by connecting someone with the right department. Others take months, or even years to address because they require changes to government policy, legislation, or the way our public systems operate.
This week, I have been personally reaching out to constituents who still have open case files with our office. I want to check in, see how they are doing, and ask what more we can do to help. Every file represents a person or family who placed their trust in us, and I never want anyone to feel forgotten.
Some files involve people who have shared information with me confidentially because they believe there has been corruption, a misuse of taxpayers’ money, or other serious concerns that need to be brought forward but because of the culture of fear, they are not comfortable doing so themselves. Others involve parents who are doing everything they can to advocate for a child whose unique needs, gifts, or talents are not being met within our current education system. Every situation is different, but every one deserves to be heard.
If you have contacted my office and feel your concern has not yet been resolved or if you haven’t heard back from us, I encourage you to reach out. Summer gives us an opportunity to review outstanding files and make sure no one has slipped through the cracks. While we work hard to respond to every phone call, email, and message, we know that on particularly busy days mistakes can happen. If we missed returning your call or following up with you, please accept my sincere apologies and let us know.
Over the next two months, my staff and I will also be preparing for the fall sitting of the Legislature. We are reviewing the concerns that constituents have brought forward to identify those that are best addressed through policy changes or new legislation. We are researching solutions, meeting with stakeholders, and preparing proposals that we hope will lead to meaningful improvements not only for the people of Cumberland North, but for Nova Scotians across our province.
Thank you for the trust you place in me. Whether your concern is large or small, my team and I are here to listen, to advocate, and to serve the people of Cumberland North to the very best of our ability. Please never hesitate to reach out.
I would like to extend birthday and anniversary greetings to anyone celebrating this week, including:
Monday, July 13 – Elizabeth Mitchell and Kelly Thompson
Tuesday, July 14 – Marilyn Cameron and James Hand
Wednesday, July 15 – Tim Fahey
Thursday, July 16 – Shawna Ibbitson
Friday, July 17 – My grandson Beau McCrossin turns 3!
Saturday, July 18 – Abby Fisher
If you know of someone celebrating a special occasion and would like me to bring a certificate of recognition, please contact my office 902-661–2288. I would be honoured to help them celebrate.
Obituaries
I would like to extend my sympathies to anyone who has lost a loved one recently, including the family and friends of:
If anyone else has lost a loved one, please accept my sincere condolences.
Upcoming Events
July 24 – Christmas in July in Pugwash – Free concert with Signal Hill beginning at 7:30 pm followed by the Christmas Boat Parade at 9:30. Other children’s Christmas activities throughout the week of July 20-24 July 31 – Slamherst 2. Sure to be a fun time, all proceeds will go to local youth sports. Tickets available by contacting Curly’s at 81 South Albion St., Amherst August 3 – Civic Holiday August 7 to 9 – Pugwash Harbourfest, www.pugwashharbourfest.ca
Take care of yourself body, mind, and soul and seek ways to serve others, this is where true joy is found.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth
My Mission as MLA for Cumberland North is to represent you, the people of Cumberland North. I am an Independent MLA, and I work for you with a foundation in the principles of parliamentary democracy.
Building a stronger Cumberland North, Cumberland County, Nova Scotia and Maritimes is possible based on a foundation of the principles of:
– Truth and Justice – Determination and Dedication – Honesty – Being a Servant Leader & Empowering All People
Together, you and I can build a Stronger Cumberland respecting the courage and strength of our veterans and standing firm on the Four Pillars of:
– Excellence in Health Care – Affordability for All People – Solid Education for our Children, and – A Growing Economy by Supporting our entrepreneurs
Other important work includes addressing the increasing crime and illicit drug use, Maritime collaboration, protecting the Isthmus of Chignecto and standing for truth and justice for victims of sexual assault and family violence. These priorities are in line with my vision for building a stronger Cumberland and Maritimes.
