HRM’s Municipal Operations unit is a bad place to work, especially if you’re Black, queer or a woman, says an independent consultant who reviewed the workplace for diversity and inclusion. African Nova Scotians experience harassment and racism, homophobia is a problem, and only 4 percent of the full time workforce are women. Ongoing cutbacks are part of the problem.

A collective agreement signed earlier this week between Adsum House and its employees, members of CUPE, will ensure that all employees of Adsum for Women and Children will earn at least a living wage. This is likely a first in Nova Scotia. It’s part of a deliberate strategy, says executive director Sheri Lecker. “Sometimes you cannot wait until all pieces of the puzzle are there. This is one of those times.”

“This is a time people are afraid to talk about racism, afraid to talk about racial discrimination, afraid to utter the words systemic discrimination, but we should not be afraid of it. Because it is alive and well in 2016 in Nova Scotia.” A quick report on today’s anti-racism rally.