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 →

Writing your will, it’s a grim topic, but you really have to do it, says DeRico Symonds, no matter whether you are rich or poor. Stephen Wentzell attended a workshop organized by Gamechangers902 in collaboration with lawyers at McInnes Coopers. That same legal firm offers a program to provide pro-bono legal services related to wills and estate planning.

Meet Elaine Cain, a North Preston resident who owns land in her community but doesn’t have a deed. She was born on the land she claims, and her father wants nothing more than for her to have it, but a lengthy and expensive legal process and an uncaring bureaucracy are major stumbling blocks. “First of all, that’s where I was born, on that property,” says Cain. “Ever since, that property has been part of me. As long as I am alive, that’s going to be alive for me.”

This weekend’s video is about North Preston resident Vicky Simmons and her fervent wish to gain title to her family’s land. It’s part of a larger project, “Untitled, the Legacy of Land in North Preston,”by a group of journalism, television and radio students at the Nova Scotia Community College. Check out the video, and don’t forget to check out the students’ project website as well.