Over the last few weeks, since Parliament has been adjourned, I’ve been busy connecting with folks right here at home— engaging with constituents, businesses, and community leaders across Dartmouth—Cole Harbour and HRM.
With the boundary changes, our riding has grown significantly since the last election—now home to around 100,000 constituents!
One especially meaningful moment was joining members of the Africville community to celebrate the opening of the new Marine Container Examination Facility (MCEF) at the Port of Halifax.
This isn’t just another building. The work happening at the MCEF is essential to keeping Canadians safe and supporting our economy. CBSA officers at this new facility are on the front lines—stopping the flow of weapons, drugs, and stolen vehicles, and helping keep dangerous contraband out of our communities. From March 2024 to July 2025 alone, officers intercepted 189 stolen vehicles, nearly 2,000 kg of cannabis, and over $200 million worth of narcotics.
The MCEF is also playing a key role in ensuring the smooth, secure flow of Canada’s supply chains—supporting Canadian businesses as they grow, trade internationally, and create good jobs here at home.
But what made this facility’s opening especially meaningful was standing alongside members of the Africville community to celebrate the naming of the building: Africville Seasides.
This land carries deep significance. It is part of the historic Africville community—displaced by racism, but the spirit of Africville lives on through the resilience of its people and the strength of the families who for over 120 years on this land built a vibrant, close-knit community rooted in history, pride, and deep connection to one another.
The name “Africville Seasides” was chosen by community members to honour their championship-winning hockey team, which played in Canada’s first and only all-Black men’s league in the early 1900s.
A powerful name, for a place with powerful meaning.
Learn more:
https://www.canada.ca/…/celebrating-the-opening-of…
