Latest news with #DarrenFisher
Cision Canada
16-07-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
Celebrating the opening of Halifax's new Marine Container Examination Facility
HALIFAX, NS, July 16, 2025 /CNW/ - Today, the Honourable Darren Fisher, Member of Parliament for Dartmouth—Cole Harbour, on behalf of the Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Public Safety, along with senior officials from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), the Halifax Port Authority and the Africville community, celebrated the opening of the new Marine Container Examination Facility (MCEF) in Halifax, Nova Scotia. This new examination facility, constructed by the Halifax Port Authority with funding from Transport Canada's National Trade Corridors Fund and funding from the CBSA, represents an investment into Canada's future, and a commitment to the safety and security of Canadians. In addition to allowing for improved flow of supply chains and secure trade, it enables Canadian businesses to compete and grow in international markets, improves efficiency and safety for CBSA employees and operations, and contributes to continued growth for port operations in Halifax. Halifax's new Marine Container Examination Facility is home to the CBSA's Container Examination Team and Waterfront Cargo Inspection Unit, and is located on the shores of the Bedford Basin, adjacent to the PSA Halifax Fairview Cove Terminal near the former Africville community. The 2,700 square-metre Envision-Verified Certified building replaces the former MCEF warehouse located in the Burnside Industrial Park, which required shipping containers to be transported across the MacKay Bridge for examination. The work taking place at the new MCEF is critical to protecting Canadian communities and trade partner communities from the impacts of transnational organized crime, while facilitating the smooth flow of Canada's critical supply chains via the Port of Halifax, one of Canada's most vital marine gateways. High-risk shipping containers are referred for examination at the MCEF by the CBSA's National Targeting Centre, as well as the CBSA's Waterfront Cargo Inspection Unit in Halifax. CBSA officers based at the facility then conduct comprehensive examinations of the containers and cargo to look for drugs, weapons, stolen vehicles and other dangerous contraband being imported to or exported from Canada. Officers also ensure compliance with Canada's food, plant, and animal regulations. Large quantities of illicit drugs and stolen vehicles are regularly intercepted by CBSA officers at the Marine Container Examination Facility. From March 1, 2024 to July 1, 2025, CBSA officers at the Marine Container Examination Facility intercepted 189 stolen vehicles, 1957kg of cannabis leaving Canada, and $208M worth of narcotics. The facility's name, Africville Seasides, honours the history, vibrancy and resiliency of the people of Africville. Africville community members selected the building's name in honour of their hockey team, the Africville Seasides, which played in the first and only all-Black men's ice hockey league in Canada and won two championships in the early 1900s. Quotes "Through investments in facilities like this one, our government is strengthening the integrity of Canada's borders, our economy and our communities, while reaffirming our commitment to stand firmly against organized crime. Canada's ports must never be entry points for violence, addiction, or fear. They must be gateways for opportunity, trade, and prosperity that benefit all Canadians." - The Honourable Darren Fisher, Member of Parliament for Dartmouth---Cole Harbour, on behalf of the Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Public Safety. "Investments in infrastructure like this facility make our economy more resilient and keep our communities safe. Our ports are vital to our economic growth, and this site will strengthen enforcement and support the efficient movement of legitimate goods that drive Canada's economy." - The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Transport and Internal Trade "CBSA officers working at this facility carry out vital, intelligence-driven work while facilitating the smooth flow of Canada's critical supply chains via the Port of Halifax, one of Canada's most vital marine gateways. With the collaboration of both the Agency's National Targeting Centre and the Waterfront Cargo Inspection Unit, they intercept narcotics, stolen vehicles, and other dangerous, prohibited goods before they reach Canadian communities or are exported to foreign ports. This new examination facility allows our officers to build on the incredible work they've been doing for years, to continue keeping Canada and Canadians safe." - Jennifer Lutfallah, Vice-President, Commercial and Trade Branch, Canada Border Services Agency "Through the cutting-edge work happening right here in Halifax at the Africville Seasides Marine Container Examination Facility, the CBSA is disrupting the activities of transnational criminal organizations and playing a vital role in keeping Canada safe and prosperous." Quick Facts Construction of the new Marine Container Examination Facility began in summer 2022 and was completed in early April 2025. Operations started on April 7, 2025. The Government of Canada invested $7 million under the National Trade Corridors Fund and $879,000 via the CBSA'S Fit Up and Funding Accountabilities.
Global News
24-04-2025
- Politics
- Global News
Canada election 2025: Dartmouth—Cole Harbour
See more sharing options Send this page to someone via email Share this item on Twitter Share this item via WhatsApp Share this item on Facebook Dartmouth—Cole Harbour is a federal riding located in Nova Scotia. This riding is currently represented by Liberal MP Darren Fisher who first took office in 2015. Fisher collected 24,209 votes, winning 53.06 per cent of the vote in the 2021 federal election. Voters will decide who will represent Dartmouth—Cole Harbour in Nova Scotia during the upcoming Canadian election on April 28, 2025. Visit this page on election night for a complete breakdown of up to the minute results. Candidates Liberal: Darren Fisher (Incumbent) Conservative: Isabelle Obeid NDP: Keith Morrison Green: Rana Zaman People's Party: Michelle Lindsay Libertarian: Joseph Shea
Yahoo
26-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
The governments of Canada and Nova Scotia announce investments in reducing homelessness and an agreement to address unsheltered homelessness
HALIFAX, NS, Feb. 26, 2025 /CNW/ - The federal government is investing over $14 million to support communities in addressing homelessness in Nova Scotia, through Reaching Home: Canada's Homelessness Strategy and the Unsheltered Homelessness and Encampments Initiative (UHEI). Through Reaching Home, the federal government is supporting Halifax in preventing and reducing homelessness with an investment of more than $8.7 million allocated to the Affordable Housing Association of Nova Scotia (AHANS). This brings the total allocation for Halifax through the Designated Communities stream of Reaching Home to $52.6 million over nine years from 2019-20 through 2027-28. As the Designated Community Entity in Halifax, AHANS works closely with stakeholders and community members on the front lines seeking to end homelessness in the region. This much needed funding will be invested in infrastructure and supports that work with some of the most vulnerable in our community to find suitable housing, and end the systemic challenges that contribute to chronic homelessness. Additionally, the federal government and the Government of Nova Scotia announced that an agreement to support people living without homes has been signed as part of the Unsheltered Homelessness and Encampments Initiative (UHEI). Under this agreement, the Government of Canada will contribute $5.3 million over two years. The Government of Nova Scotia will match this contribution. Funding will support the implementation of a Community Encampment Response Plan (CERP) that is tailored to the specific needs of Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM), and includes expanding outreach services, expanding and stabilizing shelter capacity, and strengthening collaboration with partners. Federal funding provided through this agreement is part of a $250-million commitment, outlined in Budget 2024, to address the urgent issue of encampments and unsheltered homelessness across Canada. Housing provides stability and security and serves as the foundation for overall well-being. Everyone has a right to safe housing, regardless of their circumstances. Every Canadian deserves a safe and affordable place to live. More agreements with provinces and territories are expected to be announced in the coming weeks. Quotes "We're committed to working with all orders of government to better support people who are unhoused, and we know that strong community partnerships make a real difference. There are many factors that can lead to someone losing a safe place to live. That's why we need to work together to make sure no one falls through the cracks. By expanding outreach, increasing shelter capacity, and building culturally responsive partnerships, we can provide immediate help while tackling the root causes of homelessness. These investments and efforts will help ensure that people across the province get the support they need as we work toward lasting, inclusive solutions to end homelessness." The Honourable Darren Fisher, Minister of Veterans Affairs, Associate Minister of National Defence and Member of Parliament for Dartmouth-Cole Harbour "Safe and stable housing is the foundation for a better future. Through this joint investment, we are not only addressing the immediate challenges of homelessness but also laying the groundwork for long-term solutions that will help more Nova Scotians secure permanent housing and the support they need to thrive." The Honourable Scott Armstrong, Minister of Opportunities and Social Development, Province of Nova Scotia "AHANS is privileged to be the community entity for Reaching Home in Halifax. The Government of Canada, through the creation, stabilization and support of the Reaching Program, has supported our community to deliver a coordinated, community led response to chronic homelessness in our region. This system prioritizes resources for those most at risk, and is a cornerstone of our mission to end homelessness in Nova Scotia. By putting service providers and community members at the front of a person centered approach to reduce and ultimately end homelessness here. This funding will be used to enhance the system, and fund infrastructure and supports for those who need them the most." Michael Kabalen, Executive Director AHANS Quick facts Reaching Home was launched in April 2019; the program supports the goals of the government's National Housing Strategy, and complements Solving the Housing Crisis: Canada's Housing Plan. Those goals include: supporting the needs of the most vulnerable people in Canada; improving access to safe, stable and affordable housing, and reducing chronic homelessness. Through Reaching Home, the federal government is investing $5 billion over nine years to address homelessness across Canada. The Unsheltered Homelessness and Encampments Initiative (UHEI) builds on existing programs like Reaching Home. The UHEI will help reduce the number of people experiencing unsheltered homelessness, particularly those living in encampments. It is based on the deployment of a Community Encampment Response Plan (CERP) in each targeted community, adopting an approach that promotes housing stability with support services to ensure the dignity of individuals. Since 2015, the federal government has helped almost two million Canadians find a place to call home. Associated links Reaching Home: Canada's Homelessness Strategy Canada's National Housing Strategy Canada's Housing Plan Follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn Web: Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada SOURCE Department of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities View original content: Sign in to access your portfolio
Associated Press
08-02-2025
- Politics
- Associated Press
Minister Fisher and AFN National Chief reaffirm partnership to support First Nations Veterans
Renewed partnership with Assembly of First Nations strengthens access, recognition, and culturally relevant support VANCOUVER, BC, Feb. 7, 2025 /CNW/ - First Nations Veterans have proudly served Canada in times of war and peace, yet many continue to face systemic barriers when accessing the benefits and recognition they deserve. Today, the Honourable Darren Fisher, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, reaffirmed Canada's shared commitment to First Nation Veterans and their families by working in partnership with the Assembly First Nations (AFN). Alongside National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak of the Assembly of First Nation and Chairman Percy Joe of the AFN Veterans' Council, Minister Fisher reaffirmed this shared commitment through an updated and co-developed Letter of Understanding (LOU). This renewed partnership builds on previous efforts to address long-standing systemic barriers to accessing Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) programs and services. The renewed agreement outlines four priority areas: To ensure meaningful inclusion of First Nations culture in AFN and VAC-led commemorative ceremonies and events To document and share the history of those who served To provide culturally-appropriate supports to Veterans To address barriers to access VAC programs and services This renewed partnership builds on the progress made in collaboration with the AFN and strengthens VAC's commitment to working alongside the AFN and its Veterans Council on key initiatives. As part of Canada's ongoing efforts toward Reconciliation, this partnership takes meaningful action to ensure First Nations Veterans receive the recognition and support they deserve. Quotes 'First Nations Veterans have served Canada with courage and dedication, but too many still face barriers in getting the support and honour they deserve. We've made progress, and this renewed partnership is another step forward. By working alongside the Assembly of First Nations and the AFN Veterans Council, we're making sure First Nations culture is reflected in commemoration, Veterans' history is preserved, and support is easier to access.' The Honourable Darren Fisher, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence 'First Nations Veterans have made significant contributions in service to Canada, yet for too long, their history and experiences have been overlooked, and access to support has been a challenge. This renewed Letter of Understanding is an important step in making sure First Nations Veterans and their families receive the recognition, services, and culturally relevant supports they deserve. We look forward to continuing to work together to remove barriers, improve access, and ensure that First Nations Veterans are supported.' National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak, Assembly of First Nations 'We are proud to continue our journey in supporting Veterans, citizens, and communities. While there is still much work ahead, we have made strong progress and look forward to building a meaningful and positive partnership.' Percy Joe, Chairperson, First Nations Veterans Council Quick facts The first LOU was signed back in 2023 and laid the groundwork for stronger engagement, outreach, and commemoration. Since then, VAC and the AFN have worked together to expand outreach to First Nations Veterans, engage more First Nations communities in remembrance and tell more stories of First Nations people's military service. The AFN is a national advocacy organization that works to advance the collective aspirations of First Nations individuals and communities across Canada on matters of national or international nature and concern. The AFN Veterans Council represents all First Nations Veterans within Canada and the United States, as well as First Nations Veterans within the RCMP, the Department of National Defence and First Nations Peacekeeper societies. They have been mandated through Resolution 02/2020 to engage VAC to advance reconciliation and healing. In 2023, VAC established the Indigenous Veterans Engagement Team (IVET) which provides dedicated guidance and information on how to best meet the needs of, and engage with, Indigenous Veterans through training, access to information and resources.
