Kelly-Ann Callaghan

Since 2012, I’ve been actively working to create change. I started by raising donations for homelessness initiatives, initially with a modest goal of funding 30 emergency shelter beds. Year after year we raised more and more money for homeless shelters in Canada but the issue continued to get worse. The escalation of our housing crisis since then has been staggering – a testament to government failure. The poverty we now witness extends beyond tent encampments in other provinces; it is here in Nova Scotia and it puts additional strain on our healthcare and criminal justice systems. The issue is felt widespread, as people are pushed out of urban centres desperate for housing. The burden is felt by every Canadian. We need federal laws to ensure housing accountability from Provinces and Municipalities. Making certain that legislative barriers are removed to allow more types of housing in every municipality is essential to eliminating the gap, also known as the missing middle, in our housing crisis. Preventing unoccupied housing from sitting empty in urban core centres needs to be remedied. As well as eliminating the monopolization of the real estate market by mega corporations. 

To add more fuel to the fire, we are dealing with trade issues with our closest neighbouring country. Unity across Canada is necessary, as we defend our sovereignty. Interprovincial trade needs to be renegotiated as well as new trade opportunities explored with other countries. When the trade war is solved, we must then focus on our continual support of the local economy here in Nova Scotia. Giving extra support to small business owners who put the communities first will make us more self-reliant and stronger. As a co-owner of an advertising and marketing agency that works with specialized small retailers, I know how important a strong local economy is for a thriving community and small business owners are the pillars.

Finally I would not be running for the Green Party without a Green lens on every bill passed. I’ve witnessed climate change devastation in Nova Scotia firsthand—the fires, flash flooding, homes destroyed, and lives lost. I’ve seen volunteer firefighters struggle to protect our communities without proper compensation. We urgently need increased funding, better prevention tactics and more responsive crisis management.

The Green Party offers practical solutions for today’s challenges while securing a brighter future for coming generations. I’m committed to: 

Ensuring that every Canadian has the right to adequate housing.
Building a better Canadian economy.
Supporting local business owners and the local economy.
Ensuring no one is left behind.

I hope I can count on your vote to bring these crucial changes to Ottawa and plant hope for generations to come.