Change is what motivated me to run for election as your MLA, and one never really knows what we can accomplish if we simply put one foot forward towards change.
For me, this life lesson truly played out in the three sittings of the NS Legislature of 2022. As some may know, my family was devastated by the sudden loss of our granddaughter, Ruby, to stillbirth at 32 weeks in November of 2020.
This experience of immense loss weighed heavily on my mind when I was asked to put my name forward for election in 2021. With the blessing of my daughter and family, I put my best foot forward not knowing where I would land but knowing if I was successful, it must be for a reason.
In the first sitting of the NS Legislature in the Fall of 2021, as a new MLA, I introduced a Private Member’s Bill to improve bereavement leave for those who have suffered infant loss. And in the Spring sitting of 2022, the Minister of Labour, Skills & Immigration introduced and tabled my Private Member’s Bill, with subsequent unanimous final assent in the Fall sitting.
I am grateful to all MLAs in the NS Legislature for their support of Ruby’s Law, as it will become known. This gives us all hope that change can happen, especially when it impacts so many.
My family’s experience will help those Nova Scotians who will sadly find themselves experiencing infant loss and needing proper time to grieve, for which the NS Labour Code now recognizes.
According to the bill, the change will come into effect on or after January 1, 2023.
To know I have helped some in my role as a NS MLA, gives me hope for the future.