Judy Haiven reflects on the dangers faced by healthcare workers in the days of the pandemic.”In these times of crisis and uncertainty and fear, do the wages of any of the heroes make up for the dangers they face?”
Letter: The state of emergency recently declared in Nova Scotia in response to the COVID-19 pandemic raises many concerns, in particular that Black, Indigenous, and other racialized peoples, people living in poverty, and homeless, the mentally ill, and other vulnerable groups will not be disproportionately targeted.. We must embrace this crisis as an opportunity to develop and implement practices that produce inclusive and equitable public health and safety practices,
Kendall Worth on how income assistance recipients are coping with COVID-19.
Migrant, undocumented, low-waged, racialized organizations across the country, including No One is Illegal – Halifax/K’jipuktuk, are calling on Parliamentarians to ensure comprehensive income supports are immediately accessible to everyone regardless of immigration or previous work status. There’s also a link to an on line petition.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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?