https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/ali-duale-tim-houston-anti-racisim-legislation-1.6233948
MLA ends protest following commitment from premier to work on anti-racism legislation
Ali Duale was planning not to be at Province House for the duration of the fall sitting
Liberal MLA Ali Duale says he will take his seat this week at Province House following a commitment from Nova Scotia's premier to bring in anti-racism legislation in the spring.
Duale, who represents Halifax Armdale, said PC Premier Tim Houston sent a letter Monday inviting the Liberal caucus to establish an all-party committee that will "produce legislation to address systemic racism in government." The NDP was also invited.
He told reporters at Province House that Houston first floated the idea by him during a conversation on Friday.
"This is how this legislature is supposed to be," said Duale.
"We've been elected across this province as Nova Scotians with the best interest of Nova Scotians. My hope as a rookie politician [is] to see my term, this mindset and this collaboration to continue [on] every subject matter."
New Democrat MLA Suzy Hansen says she's looking forward to a collaborative approach to drafting legislation. (Robert Short/CBC)
New Democrat MLA Suzy Hansen said her party would also participate in the committee to draft legislation. She said she's keeping an open mind on how the work will play out, but she is a fan of the approach.
"I think if we did that for everything that would be amazing, because then all of us could have our say on what we think is important from each of our perspectives," Hansen told reporters.
"I'm all about educating and making sure that we're looking at it from the proper lens and utilizing all of our conversations and being able to talk about it candidly and then coming to, hopefully, a consensus of a conclusion to do the right thing."
'We want to get this right'
Houston told reporters it made sense to bring everyone together on the bill, because "that's the way the system works best."
"We'll expand the group out to community members, as well. We want to get it right. It's important. It's an important time for Nova Scotia and we want to get this right."
The premier said he'd previously asked African Nova Scotian Affairs Minister Pat Dunn to assemble an all-party committee to talk about "a broad range of issues."
Duale announced last week he intended not to sit at the legislature for the duration of the fall sitting as a form of protest, until the government agreed to pass Bill 12, a piece of anti-racism legislation put forward by the Nova Scotia Liberal Party.
At the time, Houston said the province's Office of Equity and Anti-Racism was working on similar legislation, but he did not think it would be ready for the fall sitting. He committed to having the office marry it with parts of the Liberal bill.
Staffer fired for racist comments about MLA
Duale's planned protest followed revelations that his Liberal colleague, Preston MLA Angela Simmonds, was the subject of racist comments by a political staffer in a social media message exchange.
Houston, upon learning of the comments, informed Simmonds, Liberal Leader Iain Rankin, and then fired the staffer, who worked with the Justice Department.
Last Friday, Duale said without a clear commitment to legislation aimed at removing racism from government institutions, MLAs of colour could not truly feel safe at work. Province House could not be considered the people's House if the members who sat there could not support such legislation, he said.
In his statement, Duale touched on why the issue is so important.
"As the first Muslim and first refugee to be elected to the Nova Scotia Legislature, this bill speaks to the very reason I chose to enter politics," Duale said in his statement Tuesday.
"I firmly believe this bill sets politics aside and puts the people first — a principle that guides me as I serve as MLA."
For more stories about the experiences of Black Canadians — from anti-Black racism to success stories within the Black community — check out Being Black in Canada, a CBC project Black Canadians can be proud of. You can read more stories here.
MLAs speak in support of colleague after racist comments come to light
Angela Simmonds was the target of remarks by a now-former political staffer
Opposition members stood in solidarity Friday with Liberal MLA Angela Simmonds at Province House after learning she was the subject of racist comments by a political staffer.
The staffer, who worked with the Justice Department, was fired by Premier Tim Houston on Thursday after he learned of the comments. The premier informed Simmonds and Liberal Leader Iain Rankin of what happened shortly after he learned about it.
On Friday, during members' statements at Province House, all Liberal MLAs and some New Democrats dedicated their statements to speaking in support of Simmonds, as well as the other Black MLAs in the House — Ali Duale, Suzy Hansen and Tony Ince.
Simmonds said she was overwhelmed and moved by the support of her colleagues.
"I have fought issues before, but it was the very first time in a long time where it was a family and I could just feel people's emotions forming," she told reporters at Province House.
"It was a complete privilege and honour to be standing there witnessing that."
Suzy Hansen is the New Democrat MLA for Halifax Needham. (Robert Short/CBC)
While racism might not be regularly discussed on the floor of the legislature, Simmonds said current and past Black MLAs have been having these conversations and experiences. The conversations need to keep happening, she said.
"We need to be comfortable in our discomfort," Simmonds said. "Saying, 'We acknowledge it and we care,' is not enough.
"It is not enough because we were elected officials to be here and it is not OK to say that we are going to do better. We need to see that we're doing better."
Hansen, the NDP member for Halifax Needham, said it's one thing for conversations to happen inside the chamber, but she said those conversations also need to happen in smaller groups among MLAs.
"We need to have some heart-to-heart conversations, to be uncomfortable, to feel that, but also to share," she told reporters.
"And we need to do that in a space that's going to be safe for everyone."
Premier Tim Houston said his government is working on an anti-racism piece of legislation. (Robert Short/CBC)
The premier told reporters that much work remains to fight racism in the province and his government is committed to doing its part.
"There's a lot of initiatives, many initiatives that had already been started by the previous government through the Office of Equity and Anti-Racism. We support those strongly and we'll continue to do as much as possible to fight racism in this province," said Houston.
Simmonds and the Liberals have argued the situation that played out Thursday illustrates the need for a bill they've put forward that would define racism and hate, and create an action plan to remove it from government departments and Crown corporations.
Duale announced that beginning Tuesday, as a form of protest, he will not take his seat in the House during the fall sitting unless that bill is passed.
The Halifax-Armdale MLA said the bill was the key reason he entered politics, and a legislature that cannot support such a bill cannot be considered the people's House.
Ali Duale speaks to reporters about Bill 12 outside the chamber at Province House on Friday. (Robert Short/CBC)
"If these things are taking place inside this House, do you think the community is safe? If this happens [to] one of us, do you think anybody is safe? And if this is ignored, do you think we believe there is justice, fairness and human rights? I don't think so, and that's why I'm making this decision," said Duale.
Rankin said he supports Duale's protest.
Houston said he backs the intent of the Liberals' bill, but said something similar is already being drafted by the Office of Equity and Anti-Racism. While he doesn't think it will be ready in time for this sitting, the premier said it would marry elements of the Liberal bill and he's willing to work with them.
"We just need to make sure that we do the work to get it right [before] we move forward," said Houston.
For more stories about the experiences of Black Canadians — from anti-Black racism to success stories within the Black community — check out Being Black in Canada, a CBC project Black Canadians can be proud of. You can read more stories here.
N.S. premier fires political staffer for comments about Liberal MLA
Angela Simmonds says she deserves to feel safe at Province House
Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston fired a political staffer on Thursday after learning they made racist comments about Liberal MLA Angela Simmonds in a social media exchange.
Houston had a meeting with Simmonds and Liberal Leader Iain Rankin to inform them about it shortly after it was brought to his attention by his own staff.
"The premier wanted to let me know that there was some racist, inappropriate, derogatory comments made about me on social media by one of his staffers," Simmonds said in an interview.
The messages were exchanged between the staffer, who worked with the Justice department, and a friend. In Snapchat exchanges the staffer said Simmonds didn't know what she was talking about and was quick to "play the race card."
Simmonds said the premier made clear the staffer's actions weren't acceptable and wouldn't be tolerated within government. She's hopeful something positive can come from it.
"That something is going to be that you cannot treat people this way or say things about people without having consequences for your actions, in particular when we serve the public," she said.
"I can't come into a legislature as a Black woman, doing my job in a space that it doesn't feel safe and every time I raise issues of importance it then becomes about a Black woman who doesn't know what she's talking about or playing a race card or those sort of behaviours."
Simmonds said it was particularly troubling because she'd been in meetings with the staffer in her capacity as the Liberal justice critic.
Zero tolerance for inappropriate behaviour: premier
The premier said he was "taken aback" upon learning what happened. He said he wanted Simmonds to hear about it from him and to know he'd be taking action.
"There is zero tolerance for any type of inappropriate behaviour," Houston said in an interview.
The attention of his government is focused on "making sure that people know there's no room for racism in our society," he said. There will always be work to do on the issue and Houston said he's committed to doing it.
"I haven't walked in the shoes. I'm always trying to learn and to listen and to be respectful."
The Liberals have a bill before the House aimed at creating a multi-year strategy and action plan to eliminate racism and hate from government departments, Crown corporations and arm's-length organizations. It includes definitions for what constitutes racism and hate.
Simmonds said passing that legislation would send the message that "we were heard, and we matter."
"Change is about progression and that's what this bill would mean, is that we are moving forward. We're defining things that have never been defined before … And it raises the bar of how we need to treat people."
Justice minister says street checks loophole to be closed next month
Brad Johns says he expects to issue a ministerial directive by the end of November
Nova Scotia Justice Minister Brad Johns says the loophole on street checks will be closed by the end of November.
Johns was asked several times during question period Thursday about his department's plans to do away with a provision that allows police street checks to persist under the guise of investigating suspicious activity.
It's been established already that the practice is illegal and disproportionately targets Black people and other people of colour. The former Liberal government brought in a ban on the practice, however the loophole remained.
Johns told reporters at Province House that he expects to be able to issue a ministerial directive by the end of November. The minister said most of the work required has been completed, but he wants to have a chance first to meet with representatives from Black communities to make sure things are correct.
"That's the most important thing to me," said Johns.
Preston MLA Angela Simmonds is the Nova Scotia Liberal Party's justice critic. (Jean Laroche/CBC)
Liberal justice critic Angela Simmonds, whose district of Preston includes several historical Black communities, noted the government already has recommendations from the Decade for People of African Descent Coalition.
"This isn't anything new," Simmonds told reporters. "What's new is that we represent the voices in the House."
Simmonds said she doesn't think there's been much of a reduction in street checks since they were banned because of how much discretion remains for police. She said clarifying the language would help officers, too.
"This isn't just for communities, but it's actually to protect law enforcement as well because they do have to do their job," she said.
"And so we can appreciate the kind of grey area that this has caused, for sure. But what we do know is it is illegal and it continues to be illegal until the legislation changes and until they address the language."
https://nslegislature.ca/members/profiles/angela-simmonds
Angela Simmonds
Angela Simmonds was first elected to the Nova Scotia House of Assembly as MLA for Preston in 2021.
She is a Deputy Speaker.
Ms. Simmonds is a lawyer. Prior to becoming an MLA, she was the Executive Director of the Land Titles Initiative in the Office of Equity and Anti-Racism.
She is a member of the Law Amendments Committee. She is also a member of the House of Assembly Management Commission.
| Constituency | Party | Start Date |
|---|---|---|
| Preston | Liberal | 2021 |
Roles
Standing Committees
Bills
Recent Bills
Contact details
Constituency office
Civic address:
49 Wilfred Jackson Way
Dartmouth, NS
B2Z 1A8
Business address
Nova Scotia Liberal Caucus Office
5151 George St., Suite 1402
P.O. Box 741
Halifax, NS
B3J 2T3
Fax: 902-424-0539
office@angelasimmonds.ca
 mla@esmithmccrossinmla.com<mla@esmithmccrossinmla.com> | Mon, Sep 27, 2021 at 9:02 PM |
| To: david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com | |
MLA Update (Case Ref: ES3077) |
Dear David Amos
MLA Weekly Update
Date Monday, September 27th, 2021
My Mission as MLA for Cumberland North
Now is ReBuilding Cumberland North Together with you
Building on a Foundation of -
Truth and Justice
Determination and Dedication
Servant Leadership
And Honesty
We will Build On the Pillars of -
Timely Access to Health Care when needed
Poverty Reduction and Empowering All People
Environment and Caring for our Earth
Entrepreneurship and Business
Last week in Politics
Monday I attended an important meeting with my colleague Tory Rushton in Cumberland South and Mayor Murray Scott with staff from the Northern Zone Nova Scotia Health to discuss the urgent need for nursing staff at Cumberland Regional and All Saints Hospital.
If you know of any nurses that may be interested in “coming home” to Cumberland to work in one of our hospitals please share with them the links below. You can also encourage them to reach out to me and I will personally make sure that a local nurse manager gets their resume. One of the major problems contributing to this problem of lack of nurses is the centralization of power and control leading to a very ineffective hiring process which has very limited actual human connection and no local decision making. I am confident based on the PC health plan, that positive changes are coming that will improve these hiring processes. In the meantime we do need to urgently help to fix our current situation so that the nurses we do have will stay to care for you and I and our families.
This is the link to public postings for registered nurse positions at Nova Scotia Health https://jobs.nshealth.
and the link to licensed practical nurse positions https://jobs.
After working in my office I joined some friends in the campaign HQ for Dr Stephen Ellis. Dr Ellis won the election here in the riding of Cumberland Colchester. I look forward to working with him. He seems equally as concerned about the violations of the Canada Health Act and I am confident together we can produce an effective voice for our area.
Tuesday I held meetings with constituents. I also joined Sheila Christie, Brad from the Wesleyan Church and Denise Allen at 26 Maltby Court in Amherst to show our community the newest Food pantry that is set up. Denise came to me during the election in August and told me she was concerned about children and families going hungry. We contacted Sheila who started a food pantry, the one across from Maggie’s Place and contacted the Wesleyan Church about a location and voila, one month later it is done. “Leave what you can and take what you need” concept. Together we can accomplish anything we set our minds to, let’s work to remove barriers and have a ‘can-do” attitude despite the challenges we may face.
In the evening I attended the Annual General Meeting in the evening for the Pugwash Village Commission.
Wednesday I had a meeting with the Atlantic Physicians Provider Services Society, a group of local business women and men led by Mr. Sean Cheverie.
I met with the Cumberland County Transportation Services Board. CCTS provides valuable transportation in the county. If you are looking for an area to help in our county, consider joining this board. They are also looking for more drivers. If you have time and want to help please contact Helen Sims at 902-667-8149. The CCTS is regulated by the provincial Utility and Review Board and I will be exploring ways to support this important board and the transportation services it provides.
In addition to having meetings with constituents on Wednesday, we held our first Grassroots Democracy gathering here in Amherst. There were approximately 30 people in attendance and we had a healthy robust brainstorming session. We discussed issues we wanted to see change in Cumberland North. Those in attendance worked together to identify areas needed for growth as well as started working on identifying solutions. More time is needed before breaking into working groups so we made a decision to meet again to continue our work. Date will be shared in upcoming correspondence. If you are interested in joining the discussion please call the office and let us know 902-661-2288 or email me at Elizabeth.Smith-McCrossin@
Thursday I attended a 40th Anniversary celebration at the Cumberland County Museum with a visit from the Lieutenant Governor Arthur LeBlanc and his wife Patsy LeBlanc. While there I purchased a book recently written by local author Mr. Stephen Leahey. His book entitled “Chignecto & Remsheg prior to 1755” is a look into our unique history in our area. The book is available at the Museum.
I had meetings with constituents and then attended a funeral at the Legion for Veteran Glen Brown. He was brother to local Veteran Lorne Baird.
Afterwards I met with Mayor Scott and Mayor Kogan, MLA Tory Rushton along with Chairs of the Hospital Health Boards of Amherst and Springhill to discuss the urgent need for nurses to stop the NS Health plan to decrease hours in the ER at the Springhill hospital.
Cumberland Forestry Advisory Meeting was held Thursday evening. Forestry is an important part of our heritage, our economy and our future here in Cumberland and throughout the Region. The CFAC has an active monthly newsletter and if you are interested in taking a look, please visit
https://us2.campaign-archive.
My colleague in Cumberland South Mr. Tory Rushton is Nova Scotia’s new Minister of Lands & Forestry. We are looking forward to a strong future in forestry under Tory Rushton’s leadership.
I drove to Halifax in the evening to be at the Legislature for the am. I also watched an interesting meeting called the Stanfield Conversations: Talking Democracy - “Democracy on the Edge”. I am concerned about the state of our democracy and I enjoyed listening to the conversation hosted by Dalhousie University.
Friday The Nova Scotia Legislature sat Friday morning to give us an opportunity to elect a Speaker. We elected Keith Bain as Speaker and Angela Simmonds and Lisa Lachance as deputy Speakers. Photos from Friday’s special sitting of the legislative assembly are available at: https://news.novascotia.
The first session of the 64th General Assembly will resume at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 12 when the Lieutenant-Governor of Nova Scotia delivers the speech from the throne.
I will be preparing for the 64th General Assembly daily between now and the 12th of October.
Friday I also attended the funeral for the Allen/Robertson and Sears families that recently lost their family of 6 in a tragic fire. The funeral service was held outdoors in Victoria Park in Amherst. It was an emotional service and very well organized by the staff at Campbell’s Funeral Home. So many people suffered loss in our community and the families of RJ, Michelle, and their four innocent children will be missed. Our community will continue to support them.
Sunday I attended the National Annual General Meeting for Equal Voice and will stay on the Board as the Nova Scotia Director. I look forward to supporting more women and work towards gender parity in our political leadership.
This week in Politics
Today is Medic Monday. We honour and thank our paramedics for their service to our communities.
I have a busy week with meetings and will be focusing on preparing for the Legislature as well.
Saturday there is a lot of action in Pugwash with the Farmer’s Market and Farmer’s Olympics Fun & Games from 9-1pm. There is also a band playing in addition to the regular amazing vendors selling their local products.
https://pugwashfarmersmarket.
Maritime focus
Tuesday is the Atlantic Premiers Council Meeting. It was scheduled for Monday and Tuesday, in person meetings but got changed to a one day virtual meeting. I am looking forward to hearing some positive outcomes from this meeting. I have been asking for a coordinated Maritime approach to the pandemic for a year now. We are all fighting the same virus. Our Medical officers of health could be working together for a Regional approach. We are too small to be working in isolation. Of course, our border towns in Cumberland and Westmoreland understand better than anyone the stress when our provinces do not work together.
Politically speaking, Saturday was a significant day in International politics. The “two Michael’s” came home after being detained in China for over 1000 days. They were held hostage but released after a British Colombia court dropped the Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou extradition case. Meng reached a deferred prosecution agreement with the US.
Birthdays
I would like to extend Birthday greetings to anyone celebrating a birthday or Anniversary this week, including:
Monday - Jean Surette and Kaili-Pipes
Tuesday - Brittany Melanson and Mike MacKenzie
Wednesday - Joanne Hart and Jeff Bacon
Thursday - Brad Meisner and Marc Busked
Friday - Todd Blenkhorn and John Baxter
Saturday - Tim Hurley and Amy MacDonald
Obituaries
I would like to extend my sympathies to anyone who has lost a loved one recently, including the family and friends of:
Heather Susan Ripley
https://www.arbormemorial.ca/
Kenneth Anthony Ontychuck
https://www.arbormemorial.ca/
Jocelyn Evelyn Atkinson
https://www.arbormemorial.ca/
Dianne Sarah Bacon
https://www.arbormemorial.ca/
Gary Lester Bickerton
https://www.arbormemorial.ca/
Daphne Grant
https://www.jonesfuneralhome.
Ellis Goodwin
https://www.
Paulette Croft
https://www.mmcfunerals.com/
James Mont
https://www.mmcfunerals.com/
Final thoughts
We all know life is short. Time flies by us faster than most of us want.
Be sure that you are living your best life
While we live during this global pandemic
We are in control of some things
Like what we eat, drink,
What we say and how we choose to respond to others.
As a nurse and as a Mom,
I love prevention.
Prevention of problems, illness, disease
Is always the best medicine.
Fall is here, flu season approaching
Make sure your diet is healthy, lots of foods with vitamins and minerals
Lots of water and healthy fresh air and sunshine
Be sure to continue your infection control measures to prevent
Getting a flu virus or Covid virus from anyone else
Good hand washing is always the best prevention.
And of course the flu vaccine will be available in about 3 weeks from your doctor, NP and pharmacist.
Although vaccines have become more controversial during this pandemic,
Vaccination does prevent viral illness.
Let’s keep educating ourselves,
Let’s treat one another with respect,
Despite our differences
Let’s keep the conversation going
United we stand
Divided we fall
And falling isn’t an option
So let’s stand together, despite our differences.
Lets embrace our humanity
Our strengths and our weaknesses
Our knowledge and our lack of knowledge
Our hurts and our pains
Lets embrace one another
Forgive, Love, extend Grace
And move forward as one people
Broken, hurt,
But never willing to stop giving and living
With all our heart, soul and mind.
Have great week,
Take care of yourself and one another
Elizabeth
Elizabeth Smith-McCrossin MBA, BScN
Cumberland North MLA
Live everyday to the fullest and love as much as humanly possible.
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