Elizabeth Smith-McCrossin, MLA Cumberland North
Weekly Constituency Update
September 7th, 2026

Global

Flooding in Nepal – My thoughts are with the people of Nepal and neighbouring areas following the catastrophic flooding and landslides in the Himalayan region. More than 1350 people have lost their lives, 5000 remain missing including many international tourists. Rescue teams continue the difficult search for survivors, including people believed to be trapped in hydroelectric tunnels.

The pictures of entire communities devastated by water, mud and debris are heartbreaking. Events like this remind us how quickly life can change and how important it is for countries to come together during times of tragedy.

We keep the people of Nepal, the families who have lost loved ones, those still searching for family members, and the rescue workers in our thoughts and prayers. There are many ways to donate to the relief efforts if anyone is able. 

National

Trade Dispute with US – Canada continues to face significant uncertainty in our trading relationship with the United States. Negotiations between Canada and the United States broke down, and the tariff dispute has escalated. Canada has announced retaliatory tariffs in response to American measures.

For Cumberland North, this issue is particularly important. Agriculture, manufacturing, forestry, transportation and small businesses throughout our region depend on strong and predictable trade relationships.

I continue to strongly support protecting Canadian agriculture and our supply-managed sectors, including our dairy farmers. Canadian food security and the livelihoods of our farmers should not be bargaining chips in international trade negotiations.

Many of our manufacturers are also impacted. Diplomacy and professionalism is needed now more than ever.

Provincial

Flooding in Cape Breton – I am deeply saddened to learn of the tragic death of a woman in Cape Breton during the devastating flooding this past weekend.
I extend my heartfelt sympathies to her family, friends and community as they mourn this terrible loss.
My thoughts are also with everyone impacted by the flooding, including those facing damage to their homes, businesses, roads and other vital infrastructure. I am grateful to the first responders, emergency personnel, volunteers and neighbours working to protect and support their communities during this difficult time.
Cape Breton, and all affected areas, are in our hearts.

Land Registration Office Move – Over the last couple of weeks, several issues have highlighted concerns I continue to raise about decision-making becoming increasingly centralized in Halifax and the impact those decisions can have on rural communities.

One recent example is the decision to move the Land Registration Office from Amherst to Truro with very little notice to the community. However the more I learn, the more questions get raised. There is very little being done in the Truro office, and many believe that there will be very little available for land registration in all the Northern Zone.

Nova Scotia includes rural, not just urban. 

This is not simply about the location of a government office. It affects employees, lawyers, surveyors, planners, businesses and members of the public throughout Cumberland County. There will be extra costs associated with the move of services and guess who will be paying, you the customer. 

I continue to believe government services should be strengthened in rural Nova Scotia and not continually moved away from our communities.

Government uses taxpayers money to complete the work of all the departments. Taxpayers deserve to be given information and not kept in the dark. Information should be provided to the public about the land registration services.

Addiction Services – I am hearing increasing concerns around addictions, homelessness, public safety and the impact on communities. We need compassion for people struggling with addiction, but compassion must include helping people get well. I will continue advocating for significantly greater investment in rehabilitation so people who want freedom from fentanyl, crystal methamphetamine and other highly addictive drugs can access help when they are ready. Success cannot simply be measured by the number of naloxone kits distributed, supervised consumptions or harm-reduction contacts. We must also measure how many Nova Scotians get well, remain in recovery, regain stable housing, reconnect with their families and return to healthy lives.

We need to bring people together rather than allowing these issues to divide our communities. The enemy is not the person struggling with addiction, the business owner, the shelter worker or the neighbour. The real enemy is the illegal drug trade that is destroying lives, families and communities. 

School Lunch Program Expanded – Students in all 372 public schools in our province will have access to healthy, affordable lunches beginning Tuesday, September 8, as the final phase of the Nova Scotia School Lunch Program gets underway. This year the program is rolling out to include students at the high school level meaning it will now be available to over 133,000 students. This is something I advocated for and in the fall of 2021 this government voted against a notice of motion I tabled to bring this forward. I am glad to see they have changed their mind on this important topic.

Senior Care Grants – Grant applications are available at my office and also at this website link – https://www.novascotia.ca/apply-help-household-healthcare-and-home-heating-costs-seniors-care-grant
Contact my office if you need assistance. 902-661-2288

Legislature Bans Reversed 
“It’s OK to change your mind.” 
Those were the lyrics peacefully sung to MLAs during the protest at Province House last spring and today, I think they are worth remembering.
I want to thank Speaker Danielle Barkhouse for rescinding the bans that were issued following that protest. I believe this is the right decision.
Democracy is not weakened when people speak up. It is strengthened when people are heard, when decisions can be reconsidered, and when our democratic institutions remain open and accessible.
There must absolutely be rules and respect inside the Legislature. Protest cannot prevent the House from doing its work.
But respect goes both ways.
I was there that night, and I witnessed interactions where protesters were taunted by elected representatives. In my view, that contributed to the escalation.
I also hope this whole situation causes some reflection about how government conducts the people’s business.
Trying to move highly controversial legislation through at midnight, while members of the public were still appearing before the Public Bills Committee the next day to have their voices heard, was not, in my view, respectful of the democratic process. I believe that frustration was also part of what led to the protest.
Healthy democracies need healthy legislative practices.
That means reasonable sitting hours whenever possible. It means giving the public a meaningful opportunity to participate before legislation is pushed through. It means respectful behaviour from protesters, government, opposition and Independent MLAs alike.
And it means remembering something very basic:
Province House is the People’s House.
I encourage Nova Scotians to come and visit their Legislature.
I know Halifax is a long drive from Cumberland North, but if you happen to be in Halifax while we are sitting, please reach out to me. Come watch Question Period or debate, see Province House and say hello. I would love the opportunity to introduce you to some of my colleagues.
We are there to serve you.
And perhaps one lesson from all of this is one we could all use from time to time:
 It’s OK to change your mind. Thank you Speaker Danielle Barkhouse.

Cumberland North

Infrastructure Concerns – The need to address our deteriorating infrastructure continues to be one of the biggest concerns. The closure of Upham Bridge on Trunk 6 in Bayhead has created significant challenges for residents, businesses, commuters and first responders.

I have received many messages from people in both Cumberland and Colchester counties regarding the lengthy official detour, road conditions, vehicle damage, increased traffic and safety concerns.

I wrote directly to the Minister of Public Works outlining these concerns and spoke with the Deputy Minister. I also travelled to the site to see the situation firsthand and provide an update to residents.

The Department of Public Works has confirmed that work is underway to get the bridge repaired as quickly as possible. I will continue to follow this closely and to press for solutions that minimize the impact on residents and businesses.

I have also continued to advocate regarding reductions in road maintenance and paving throughout rural Nova Scotia. Our roads are basic infrastructure. Safe roads are not a luxury for rural communities.

Roads and Bridges: The Numbers Are Not Adding Up
The condition of our roads and bridges is not simply a local rural frustration, it is becoming a serious provincial infrastructure issue. Here in Cumberland North, I will continue pressing for significantly more paving on Trunk 6 and for an urgent, durable solution to the Upham Bridge. At the same time, my staff and I have been digging into the provincial numbers: what Nova Scotia is actually budgeting each year compared with what is required to maintain roughly 15,000 km of paved roads, 8,400 km of gravel roads and more than 3,200 bridges. The gap between the size of the responsibility and the work being completed is deeply concerning. This summer, residents across the province have seen far too little asphalt laid and far too little gravel-road maintenance completed. In the weeks ahead, I will be sharing more of what we are finding. Government cannot continue managing critical infrastructure by allowing deterioration to outpace repair.
Please report road problems. If you see dangerous potholes, washouts or other provincial road hazards, contact the Department of Public Works Operations Contact Centre at 1-844-696-7737 or tir-occ@novascotia.ca. It is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Reporting matters because it creates a documented record that the Department was made aware of the problem.
If your vehicle has been damaged by a provincial road, Nova Scotia has a Vehicle/Property Damage Claim process. Government advises motorists to submit the claim form along with supporting documentation such as vehicle registration, repair invoices or estimates and photographs where possible. Claims can be submitted to risk@novascotia.ca. Importantly, the province says pothole claims may be paid where it can be established that the Department knew about the pothole and failed to repair it within its applicable maintenance standard—another reason why reporting dangerous road conditions is so important.
Residents can also contact Minister of Public Works Fred Tilley directly to share concerns about the condition of our roads, the lack of paving and gravel work, Trunk 6 and the Upham Bridge:
Minister Fred Tilley, Department of Public Works
Phone: 902-424-2297
Email: publicworksminister@novascotia.ca
Please consider copying my office on correspondence regarding roads in Cumberland North. The more documented evidence we can bring forward from residents, businesses, truck drivers, school-bus operators and emergency responders, the stronger the case we can make for government to properly fund and prioritize this essential infrastructure.
I will keep asking the questions, presenting the evidence and applying the pressure. Our rural roads and bridges are not optional infrastructure, they are how we get to work, school, medical care, farms, businesses and one another. 

Interprovincial Barriers – Living next to New Brunswick means we see barriers differently than someone living in Halifax. Whether it is being denied access to healthcare in the neighbouring province, young athletes denied the ability to play on a hockey team across the border, not being able to transport goods like food and alcohol between provinces, tolls – new and old, employment or simply going about everyday family life, these barriers have real consequences.

Recently our Premiers travelled to Nunavut to work on removing interprovincial barriers. Let’s start by tearing down the barriers hurting people right here at the Nova Scotia–New Brunswick border. They don’t need to travel to Nunavut to do that. 

Healthcare Advocacy – My office continues to get requests from constituents for assistance navigating our healthcare system, including access to physicians, specialists, medications, treatment and services. I also continue advocating for people who have been waiting far too long for care and for workers injured on the job who are struggling to access approved treatment and effective pain relief.

Much of my constituency work continues to involve healthcare navigation. Behind every file is a person or family trying to get the help they need.

Too many of the situations are devastating. People deserve to have access to healthcare and not die waiting for it. When that does happen, families should be able to report failings and expect answers. That has not happened effectively according to many families that have contacted me, especially since Premier Houston removed the Board of Directors for Nova Scotia Health and in doing so also removed the Independent Quality Improvement and Safety Committee as part of the governance structure.

I continue to hear from patients and families who feel they have nowhere meaningful to turn when serious problems occur within our health-care system. Internal complaint and review processes have an important role, but patients also need confidence that concerns are being examined fairly, independently and with appropriate accountability. I am continuing to look closely at how patient safety, quality of care and unresolved complaints are overseen in Nova Scotia, and whether the current system is providing families with the transparency and recourse they deserve.

Public Safety and Residential Tenancies – We receive calls from tenants who experience sometimes difficult situations with a residential tenancy. We recently spoke with a tenant who had serious concerns for their personal safety. My office contacted provincial officials regarding the situation; however, this case has raised important questions about what options are available when landlords or tenants believe there is an immediate safety risk but are facing lengthy waits for a Residential Tenancies hearing.

Interprovincial Hockey Barriers – I recently worked with local families who have children who wants to play on a hockey team in New Brunswick but are encountering barriers involving provincial hockey organizations.

This is another example of how living in a border community creates challenges that people elsewhere in the province often do not experience. I have written to hockey organizations advocating for a Maritime approach to hockey that puts young athletes ahead of provincial boundaries.

Supporting a Local Family – Our community has come together to help a grandmother raising her grandchildren who was facing the possibility of losing her home. I am continually amazed by the generosity of people throughout Cumberland County. When someone needs help, our community has a remarkable ability to step forward. Thank you to everyone who offered support.

Cumberland County Exhibition – A wonderful week has wrapped up at the Cumberland County Exhibition!
Thank you to all of the participants, exhibitors, organizers, volunteers, supporters, families and visitors who helped make this year’s Exhibition such a success. Events like this take an incredible amount of work behind the scenes, and they are such an important part of our agricultural heritage and community life here in Cumberland.
I especially enjoyed attending 4-H Day, touring the barns, seeing the animals and projects, and stopping to chat with so many familiar faces along the way. It is always encouraging to see our young people learning, competing and carrying forward the traditions of agriculture in our communities.
My only mistake was forgetting my boots, so I toured the barns and took in 4-H Day in my high heels!
Congratulations to everyone who participated, and thank you to everyone who helped make another Cumberland County Exhibition a memorable one.

Sandy and Brian Wood accepted an award on behalf of Brian’s Mom, Edie Wood. Edie has sadly passed away but made such an impact on the lives of so many youth in 4-H. She even taught me how to macrame and decorate cakes back in my youth.

Recent Events
Trade and Economic Development – I recently met with representatives regarding an upcoming visit by a delegation from Belgium who will be in Cumberland County in October for the unveiling of the Scheldt Pocket Warrior and opening of the new Nova Scotia Highlanders Regimental Museum. Government representatives from Belgium have expressed interest in a Nova Scotia trade mission while they are here.
I have reached out seeking provincial involvement because this presents an opportunity to build relationships between Nova Scotia and Belgium while honouring the extraordinary historical connection created through the sacrifice of our Veterans.

Preparation for the Legislature Reopening – My team and I are focused on preparing for the Nova Scotia Legislature, which resumes Tuesday, September 8. There are many issues I intend to raise during the upcoming sitting, including:

• Healthcare access and long wait times
• Women’s lack of access to healthcare
• Emergency Department pressures
• Addictions treatment and rehabilitation
• Public safety, Crime and illegal drug trafficking
• WCB injured workers not getting approval for medical care
• Non-Disclosure Agreements continue to be used to silence survivors of sexual assault
• Rural roads and bridges need work now
• The Upham Bridge closure and needed repairs
• Cuts to rural roadwork as shared by RoadBuilders Association
• The removal of government services from Cumberland County – Visitor Information Centre and Land Registration Office
• Education, student safety and Educational Assistant support, Staff Safety, Increase Violence in Schools
• Interprovincial barriers between Nova Scotia and New Brunswick
• Protection of our agricultural sector and supply management
• Affordability
• Government accountability and transparency
• and more

And, as always, I will continue listening.
The issues I raise in the Legislature come from the conversations I have with you.
Please continue reaching out to my offices in Amherst and Pugwash. Whether you are experiencing a problem personally or see an issue affecting our community more broadly, I want to hear from you.

Audio Update – For those of you who may not know, I also do a weekly update, similar to this one, on CFTA Tantramar Radio, FM 107.9. It is broadcast each Monday at 12:30 pm. You can listen to all past episodes online on my website here. My office is 902-661-2288 and located at 5 Ratchford St in Amherst Monday thru Friday and Wednesdays in Pugwash at the Pugwash Village Hall. 

Birthday and Anniversary Wishes
I would like to extend birthday and anniversary greetings to anyone celebrating this week, including:

• Monday, August 31 – Leeya Hicks
• Tuesday, September 1 – Natalie Gilroy and Aya Latif
• Wednesday, September 2 – Tracy MacDonald Coates and David McNairn
• Thursday, September 3 – Nancy Letcher and Tristan MacEachern
• Friday, September 4 – Howard Gotell and Marlene Haynes
• Saturday, September 5 – Daren White and Donna Landry Letcher

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:

Daphine McWhirter         Kathryn Smits 

Julia-Ann Allen Wambolt          Donna Johnson

If anyone else has lost a loved one, please accept my sincere condolences.

Upcoming Events

September 3 – First Day of School
September 7 – Labour Day Holiday
September 8 – Nova Scotia Legislature Resumes
October 12 – Thanksgiving

Take care of yourself, body, mind and spirit and seek ways to serve others. I believe 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.