Four reasons not to call the cops
Involving the police to report an individual for breaking self isolation or social distancing rules is a bad idea. This policy will jeopardize marginalized and/or racialized Nova Scotians.
Month: March 2020
Martyn Williams: Pedestrians should not be targeted on Halifax’s cramped and narrow sidewalks
Martyn Williams: “People will need more space and new measures to be able to walk safely and responsibly. A change to our spatial priorities will help bring home the message that everyone should keep a safe two-metre distance from others, without the need for large fines that few can afford to pay.”
Media Release – COVID-19 response needs to be approached with a disability lens
Press release: The Council of Canadians with Disabilities reminds all levels of government, community organizations and businesses responding to the COVID-19 crisis that all planning needs to be done using a human and disability rights lens.
Government should do much more to protect institutionalized people with disabilities during the pandemic
We rightly hear a lot about the COVID-19 related risks faced by people incarcerated in Nova Scotia’s jails and prisons. What is more or less forgotten is that the 800 to 900 citizens labeled as living with disabilities who live in institutions in this province are facing the very same risks.
Community Services abandons most vulnerable in time of crisis
Today Kelly Regan, Minister of Community Services, joined the daily COVID-19 government press conference to discuss what her department is doing to help income assistance recipients and other low income people. Not very much at all, it turns out.
PSA: Your rights at work and the COVID-19 outbreak
A COVID-19 mini guide compiled by the Halifax Workers Action Centre: Can your boss send you home, do you still get paid, and what supports are there? Also, can you refuse unsafe work?
PSA: Black Lives Matter Solidarity Fund NS
A fundraising campaign to create a Black Lives Matter Solidarity Fund for Black people in Nova Scotia who need support during these unprecedented times has been initiated.
Calling for poetry and short fiction submissions (and illustrators)
These are very difficult times for people who make their living in the arts sector in Nova Scotia. To do our tiny little thing to help, the Nova Scotia Advocate, in yet another bad business decision, commits to featuring (at least) one poem or piece of short fiction each month, for the next five months. And we pay.
Nova Scotia Advocate: Call for pitches, now more than ever
With our province in the midst of a pandemic, just a reminder that the Nova Scotia Advocate is always looking for writers who bring different perspectives to the table. And, thanks to our many wonderful donors, we pay.
Why some Canadian prisoners should be released during the coronavirus pandemic
“Prisoners are an often forgotten part of the public, and prisons are a public health disaster. Now is the time to decarcerate for good. Reducing the population behind bars is a first step to protecting prisoners from COVID-19, and supports creating alternatives to prison in the long term,” writes Martha Paynter.