Liberal MLA says representation in government at forefront of concerns

‘It’s about making sure people feel like there are people listening and advocating for them,’ says Angela Simmonds

CITYnews halifax \ Tyler Dunne

Liberal MLA for Preston, Angela Simmonds, says her constituency lacks representation in the house, which affects not only those in her riding but broader Nova Scotians as well.

Simmonds says being one of few African Nova Scotian MLAs overseeing a diverse riding brings unique challenges that often fall out of the aid provided by cookie-cutter legislative solutions.

“When you look across the floor and you’re trying to explain the lived experience of those who look very different from you, it goes on kind of a tone-deaf where we can talk, but we aren’t being heard,” she tells CityNews Halifax.

Simmonds says one example of the challenges her riding currently faces is the lack of support for seniors. She says while government made amendments concerning housing, the changes do not go far enough to assist those in her constituency. She says legal title and ownership issues are ongoing, such as proving you’re renting from somewhere, even after the changes.

Simmonds thinks we will be stronger in the legislature and a stronger province when we have more representation that reflects Nova Scotia and its diverse population.