Facing the same threat of coronavirus, a new order issued by Dr. Strang institutes more accountability for nursing homes than for institutions for people with developmental disabilities. That leaves Community Services off the hook, and that is wrong, says human rights lawyer Claire McNeil. As well, protocols around isolation of infected residents need to be revisited.
Howard Ramos, Alan Walks and Jill Grant on Canada’s rising neighborhood and income inequalities, further exposed through the COVID-19 crisis. “A better policy would be to immediately build social housing and affordable rental units. Governments should also continue pandemic-induced policies like limiting loopholes for eviction from commercial and private rental housing.”
The Halifax Workers Action Centre created this guide to the Canada Emergency Response Benefit.
Media release; Nova Scotia Federation of Labour President Danny Cavanagh says there are still too many gaps in emergency relief programs to keep food on the table and pay the bills for many workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Martyn Williams: The Coronavirus crisis has brought to the forefront a perennial problem often swept under the carpet or pegged for gradual street redesigns over decades: How can we enable pedestrians of all ages and abilities to move around safely?
Letter: “In a demonstration of next-level tone deafness, Matt Whitman, a Halifax city councillor is calling for lay-offs.”
KJIPUKTUK (Halifax) – During this horrible pandemic people who live with disabilities face unique challenges. Maybe you are self isolating but you can no longer rely on your homecare worker visiting regularly. Or maybe you are institutionalized, non-verbal and no longer able to communicate with staff because a caregiver you rely on is no longer allowed to visit. We talk with Sherry Costa, provincial coordinator for the Nova Scotia League for Equal Opportunities (NSLEO) about these and other issues.
Kendall talks with William, a man who is poor and living with anxiety and depression, about both the practical and mental health challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Five unions representing health care workers providing care during the COVID-19 pandemic are calling on government and employers to sign onto a safety protocol that would ensure these frontline workers feel protected and supported during this unprecedented time.
It appears that Halifax Regional Police are asking people walking on trails for ID to prove that they live in the neighborhood. They have no right to do that.