In memory of Robert Devet (d. September 27, 2021), founder, publisher and editor of the Nova Scotia Advocate. This site is preserved as an archive of the Advocate’s journalism from 2016 to 2021, and as a tribute to Robert’s work. No new articles are published, and comments, forms and search are closed. Read the tribute →

After supporting income assistance clients as a Senior Law Student at the Dalhousie Legal Aid Clinic, Katie Brady felt compelled to write an open letter to minister Kelly Regan of Community Services. In the letter Katie identifies three areas where the department could and should do better: too much paperwork; a lack of compassion; and policies that are changed without warning, let alone input from advocates and clients. Read this letter carefully, the examples are mind boggling, and the stakes are high.

Kendall meets up with a young woman, at one time on income assistance, who continues to turn her life around. A touching story with a definite Christmas flavour.