News release issued by the Offshore Alliance: The federal government plans to break their promise to “make environmental assessments credible again” by weakening federal offshore oil and gas regulations for oceans off Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador and in the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
Members of a mental health and addiction peer support group here in Halifax are worried about wait times and the lack of client-centered supports. The position of Senior Director for Mental Health and Addictions becoming vacant offers an opportunity to do better than last time, their open letter states.
News release: A coalition of groups and citizens is raising the alarm about reopening the fracking moratorium following the Nova Scotia Department of Energy’s under-the-radar release of their Onshore Petroleum Atlas.
Speech by Julie Chamagne at a rally in support of Abdoulkader Abdi, on the occasion of the Justin Trudeau Town Hall in Lower Sackville. Abdoul Abdi is a Somali refugee who fell through the cracks and faces immanent deportation to either Somalia or Saudi Arabia. He has ties with neither country. You can help.
El Jones provides this quick update on Abdoul Abdi, the refugee who is at high risk of deportation to Somalia or Saudi Arabia, even though he has lived in Canada since he arrived here as a young boy. The speed at which they are moving suggests they are prioritizing deportation over all other issues, and despite the severe human rights issues in this case, they are pushing forward.
From Bill Swan’s excellent Faces of Pharmacare website we feature the story of a Nova Scotia woman faced with a $3500 monthly bill for the life saving medications she needs. In her case a solution was found in the end, but “I succeeded because I was determined, persistent and angry enough to take action. I knew how to explain my case. I knew how to write convincing letters. I’d been a bureaucrat and a consultant. Many people are too sick to advocate together with their doctors; many people are intimidated by the system; they know it is not fair but feel powerless to influence decisions.”
The Community Agenda for Social Assistance Adequacy and Reform was developed by a network of first voice, social justice workers and allies who have demanded an overhaul of the social assistance program here in NS. The group wants the rates raised immediately and it lists a nine-point blueprint to reform the system. They’ve given the government until Jan. 15 to respond, but the initiative needs as many voices and supporters for this action. If you are interested in learning more and becoming an ally to this progressive change please contact the people listed at the bottom of the document.
This leaflet was handed out by Liane Tessier’s supporters prior to the public apology issued to her by Halifax Fire on Monday, December 18. It is well worth a read.
A letter by the coordinator of Women’s Centers Connect expressing support for a broad coalition of community groups who want Community Services to increase income assistance benefits and engage in meaningful consultation.Community Services Connect is an association of the nine community-based women’s centres in Nova Scotia.
Media release issued by a coalition of environmental and indigenous groups going to court in Newfoundland and Labarador to argue they should be allowed to proceed with a lawsuit challenging an oil and gas exploration licence.in the Gulf of St. Lawrence.