Saturday, 9 November 2024

Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission

Police street check analysis presses on like a herd of turtles

The Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission has finally hired a data expert to analyse police check data within HRM. That was the bit of news delivered by Halifax Regional Police chief Jean Michel Blais at this Monday’s Halifax Board of Police Commissioners meeting. That’s eight months after a Freedom of Information request revealed that Black Haligonians are three times more likely to be subjected to police checks than white people. Eight months is way too slow.

Still no expert hired for Halifax carding analysis

Six months after members of the Black community in Halifax requested a suspension of the practice of carding, as well as an investigation, the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission still has not hired the data expert it suggests is necessary. That expert is required to determine whether racial profiling explains why Black people in HRM are three times more likely to be stopped than white people, says the Commission. Meanwhile the racist practice of carding continues, and the deadline for completion of the investigation is a moving target.

Human Rights Commission slow out of the starting block for carding data analysis

In April the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission announced that it is hiring an expert to determine whether racial profiling explains why Black people are more than three times more likely to be street checked than white people. Because there could be other reasons, apparently. Well, that investigation is already behind schedule, that expert still needs to be hired, and the Fall is the new July.

After seven years gender discrimination case against NSLC still not concluded

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Nine years since she first encountered gender discrimination at the NSLC Pearl Kelly is still waiting for closure. Although the Liquor Corporation fought her at every step, the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission and the Court of Appeal both found in her favour. Now she is waiting for the chair of the Board of Inquiry to set a date for the hearing to determine damages. It’s taking a long time.

I only waited 12 years for this. Date set for human rights tribunal in HRM gender discrimination case

Former firefighter Liane Tessier finally gets her day in court. Tessier faced gender discrimination, retribution and gossip at the Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency department in 2005, and has been trying to get her case heard ever since. Now the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission (NSHRC) has set aside 10 days starting October 30 for a tribunal to look into Tessier’s allegations. I have written a lot about Tessier’s case over the years, and have nothing but admiration for this courageous woman.

Gatekeepers or advocates? Disability activist speaks out on Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission

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We talk with disability activist Gus Reed about (successfully) taking the NS Human Rights Commission to court, and why the Commission appears so reluctant to fight on behalf of people whose human rights have been breached. “I think there is a reluctance to take on tough issues that involve systemic problems. I also don’t think they like to take on the government,” says Reed.

Carding not stopping anytime soon in Halifax

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The Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission is taking the lead in a narrow investigation into carding by Halifax police. An expert will be hired to determine if discrimination actually occurs. Meanwhile Black people will continue to be targeted.