News brief: White supremacists plan another Nova Scotia campaign (updated)
The white supremacist National Citizens Alliance (NCA) continues to make efforts to get established in Nova Scotia after earlier attempts failed miserably.
Why the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia is just as important as healthcare, an interview with Robin Metcalfe
Lots of people got angry when the provincial government announced it set aside $80 million in support of a new building for the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia. Healthcare is in crisis, they say, and spending money on something as unnecessary and luxurious as art at this time is a very bad idea. To further explore why art matters from a societal point of view, and indeed functions as a major economic engine all on its own, I met with writer and St. Mary’s University Art Gallery director Robin Metcalfe, who has thought deeply about these matters.
Feds rushing tailor–made Alton Gas regulations while not allowing for sufficient public scrutiny, environmentalists say
“When we checked around, we noticed that even for more minor regulatory changes the department offers longer comment periods. They also offer discussion documents and information sessions before a notice is posted in the Gazette,” says Sadie Beaton, Community Conservation Research Coordinator at the Ecology Action Centre.
Nova Scotia’s Community Health Centres want to be part of the solution
Community Health Centres in Nova Scotia are doing terrific work, way beyond the 15 minute face to face with a physician, yet stable government funding remains an issue.
Unions, management and councillors must be held accountable on workplace racism, says lawyer
“What bothers me the most in all of this is that city lawyers advanced this argument that the racist slurs directed at Y.Z. were protected under free speech provisions.” We talk with Equity Watch spokesperson and lawyer Connor Smithers-Mapp about how unions, councillors and management continue to evade the issues of racism, homophobia and misogyny at the City’s workplaces.
PSA: Black feminist panel discussion – Sisters in the struggle
PSA: Wednesday, May 22, Sisters In The Struggle, a Black Feminist Panel Discussion about the yet-to-be-heard story of Black Women in the Feminist Movement in Nova Scotia during the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s.
Joanne Larade, disability rights advocate, passes away
“In the end I can say that what I have learned about myself is how incredibly strong I am, because I have to be,” said disability rights advocate Joanne Larade in February at a panel on the lack of suitable housing for people with severe disabilities. At the panel she explained what it is like to find yourself, at the age of 42, living among people with dementia, many twice your age. Joanne passed away early last week.
‘It makes us sick, it affects our children, and it needs to stop’ – African Nova Scotians and allies rally against racism in Nova Scotia
Early this afternoon some 50 African Nova Scotians and their allies (and 4 very visible cops) gathered in downtown Halifax , to once again call attention to the racism that pervades Nova Scotia politics and society. Speakers included Kirk Johnson, Jason MacLean, Angee Bowden, Raymond Sheppard, and many more.
People from Labrador, Florida and Nova Scotia rally at Emera shareholders meeting in Halifax
This afternoon some 40 environmentalists, including from Florida and Labrador, rallied at the new convention centre in Halifax to deliver a message of climate justice to Emera shareholders meeting inside.
Documentary tackles effect of deafening seismic blasts on whales and other sea life in Nova Scotia’s offshore
A documentary about whales and narrated by Ethan Hawke premiered this morning at a press conference in Halifax. Environmentalists are extremely worried about the damage done by offshore seismic blasting. We report on the press conference and include a link to the video and a full transcription of the remarks by Mi’kmaq film maker Eliza Knockwood.