About Marilyn

Marilyn More became the MLA for Dartmouth South-Portland Valley in August 2003. She was re-elected in 2006 and 2009. Marilyn is the Minister of Education, Labour and Workforce Development, and Volunteerism.  Her experience as a teacher, school board member, and home and school member will prove useful in her new role as Minister of Education.  Her involvement both as a long-time volunteer and administrator within the voluntary sector provide a ready-made interest in the issues facing the voluntary sector. And her experience in community development, partnership-building, the NS Rural Team, lifelong learning, and healthy communities will support her in the Labour and Workforce Development portfolio.

Marilyn's involvement in Dartmouth organizations and community life started as a young child. Most recently she volunteered her time with the Dartmouth Heritage Museum Society, Dartmouth Historical Association, Dartmouth Harbourfront Trails Association and The Public Good Society of Dartmouth. The first woman elected to a school board in NS (1978), she served as Chair of the Dartmouth District School Board for a number of years. A former junior high teacher, she maintains a strong interest in public and lifelong education.  

The mother of two adult sons and proud grandmother of two, Marilyn has a strong sense of family and community. She practises commitment and caring for people of all ages and interests in every aspect of her work. She understands the issues facing today's families in all their different shapes and sizes.                        
"Working together, we can make a difference!"

Recognition:

• 1st female recognized as “volunteer” NS forest fire fighter - 1964
• First Gold D awarded by Dartmouth High School - 1965
• First woman elected to a school board in NS – 1978
• Honorary Life Membership – Nova Scotia School Boards Association – 1989
• Community Service Award – NS Department of Community Services – 1994
• Member of first group of community representatives to serve on Nova Scotia Rural Team - 2001

Work Experience:

June 2009 - appointed Minister of Education, Labour and Workforce Development, Volunteerism

2007-09 - Caucus Chair

2003 - 2009 - MLA - Dartmouth South - Portland Valley; Chair of the all-party Legislative Standing Committee on Community Services;

2003-06 critic for Community Services; 2006-09 Critic for Seniors, Voluntary Sector, Disabled Persons Commission, Status of Women;

2003-04 member of the Public Accounts and Economic Development Standing Committees, Party’s first female Party Whip in NS during 2006-07;

1992 – 2003 – Provincial Coordinator, Community Links – work included
      • NS Falls Prevention Coalition
      • Rural Volunteers Project
      • NS Network – Canada Volunteerism Initiative
      • Healthy Communities Network
      • Community Health Partners
      • Western Heart Health Partnership
      • Health Promotion Fund Review Committee – Capital District
      • Gerontology Association of NS
      • Community Health Promotion Network Atlantic
      • Metro Community Services Network
      • Chebucto Links
      • Family Caregivers Association of NS
      • NS Committee for Informal Caregivers Support   

1996 – 1997 – Acting Coordinator, Canadian Pensioners Concerned – NS

1989 – 1992 – Project Development Worker – Challenge in Participation Community Development Project – specifically worked with volunteers and staff on Long and Brier Islands, Shelburne County & Eastern HRM

1988 – 1991 – Member - Dartmouth Board of Health; Chaired committee which created Healthy Dartmouth initiative; served on City of Dartmouth Drug Task Force

1978 – 1988 – Elected in three city-wide elections to Dartmouth Board of Commissioners / District School Board; served as vice chair and chair; served on every committee; helped develop the Dartmouth Educational Goals initiative

1981 – 1986 – Nova Scotia School Boards Association – Board / Executive Member – Served on various NSSBA and joint Education Department/NSSBA/NSTU provincial committees, including 1986-89 Minister’s Advisory Committee on Public School Program and Education Week Committees

1969 – 1971 – Junior High Teacher – Prince Arthur Junior High

Past Volunteer Experience:

• Atlantic Child Guidance Centre Board of Directors
• John MacNeil School Review Committee, Co-chair
• John MacNeil & Bicentennial Home and School Associations
• Dartmouth Ward 4 Residents Association
• Christ Church Parish Council / Junior & Senior Choirs / Sunday School teacher
• Neighbourhood Watch
• Canadian Federation of University Women – Dartmouth Club
• Amnesty International
• Numerous health charities - fundraising

Education:

National Certificate – Voluntary and Non-profit Sector Management – Canadian Centre for Philanthropy / Henson College of Public Affairs and Continuing Education, Dalhousie University

Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Education – Dalhousie University

Dartmouth High School

Bicentennial Junior High

Notting Park / Park / Admiral Westphal Elementary Schools