My Take with Sheldon MacLeod: Recent Episodes
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Putting today's news in context.
Sometimes we can describe what we see, but we don't really know what we're looking at.
Sheldon MacLeod uses his 25 years of journalism experience to give balance and perspective to what's in the headlines and to help us ask the questions necessary to know what we're seeing
It is devastating and heartbreaking to see the people affected by the losses from the wildfires in Nova Scotia. And it is heartwarming and inspiring to see the response from caring people who want to make a difference.
Firefighters have been on the scene of fires across the province over the last few weeks. Those and the three raging out of control are all likely the result of human activity. When there seems to be no penalty for violating the fire ban, it ends up costing all of us. And some, a lot more than others.
We often hear about preparing for hurricanes and winter storms and being able to be on your own for at least 72 hours. Not many of us think about being told to leave our homes and not come back for three days because of the danger. And there's lots of good advice coming from some of the 16,000 Nova Scotians who have had that recent experience.
It's shocking how quickly we can be pulled out of our lives by something unexpected or out of control. And in the case of the wildfires, we can be grateful that so far no one has been injured — or worse.
She didn't try and make her case to the public. Instead, Hope Swinimer was prepared to defend her actions and her reputation in a courtroom this week. And in the end, the Crown and the Judge delivered justice to the woman who has committed her life to helping animals.
Someone in the audience asked about getting people to talk about a horrific crime against a child. And in the end, the people who shared their stories helped get the truth on the record about the girl who will forever be 12-years old.
No public inquiry but public meetings. And that recommendation into the allegatitions of electoral interference by the Chinese puts the Prime Minister between a rock and a hard place.
It may be a distinction without a difference. The pandemic is no longer a global health emergency but COVID-19 isn't gone. And it seems most of us weren't waiting on the announcement that passed by without any major fanfare.
There are somethings in life that are unavoidable. And as a society, we talk a lot about taxes. Death; not so much. And maybe for some things, the old ways helped us make sense of things in the circle of life.
This week I met a former soldier who is living in Nova Scotia. And he and a few others have formed a group to support each other and to serve people in need. And he and the folks with The Strayboar Project are interested in doing something that seems unheard of these days.
Another scathing report from the Auditor General about the work of the office of the Nova Scotia Fire Marshal. And my guess is that they know there are areas that need improvement, but they also aren't likely to say why they can't fill their mandate. And it comes down to oversight and resources.
For some reason, some people felt the need to go off on a Hammonds Plains business for passing along a deal on some food that was at the edge of the "durable life date". Canadians have a habit of wasting food, and for owner Jacob Bussey to catch hell for helping is just distasteful.
Failing to plan is planning to fail. A bad plan is better than no plan at all. Don't be scared, be prepared. There's no shortage of sayings and clever phrases when it comes to being prepared. And it's a simple message we should all take to heart, especially this week.
Unless you have visited one, it's tough to imagine what life is like for the staff and residents of a long-term care facility. And after I went to visit someone this week, I realized it was both eye-opening and enlightening for me.
He died at 26, thinking he'd be able to donate his tissues to someone else in Nova Scotia. But Liam Dee was denied that option because he was a man married to another man. And that is not just wrong. It's a call to action to change the policy.
The East Coast Music Awards are back in Halifax, celebrating the 35th Anniversary in the place where it all began. And when it comes to accolades, the Director's Special Achievement Award is at the top of the list. Natalie MacMaster is as humble as she is talented and deserving.
In a 2014 concert review by Stephen Cooke, he proclaimed to an exuberant audience "I'm Gordon Lightfoot, and the rumours of my death have been greatly exaggerated!" And as the tributes pour in, there was another quote from the folk-music icon that resonates, considering how much he gave all of us over the years.
There's always been violence in schools, but I don't remember people settling their scores with weapons. Just days after Ryan Lutes and the NSTU called on government to do something, I happened to see what 92 percent of teachers say they've witnessed firsthand.
Many of us have been wondering if things are ever going back to the way they were before the pandemic. Truth is, for many places on the planet, they already have. And this morning, I had an interesting conversation about that, with my mechanic.
For today, I thought I'd try something else with this space. So many of my colleagues are doing great work so I thought I'd highlight a few stories that caught my attention today.
It will still be free to park downtown in Halifax or Dartmouth on a Saturday, at least for now. And when council is looking to save pennies, it seems like opponents can still make arguments that make sense.
Nova Scotia's Freedom of Information laws work — if you have six years, a law degree and the ability to argue your case in front of the Nova Scotia Supreme Court. That's the experience of a retired lawyer in the Valley who finally has access to the information he was looking for. Sort of. And too many politicians say they are all for open and transparent government, until they have the power to do something about it.
If all goes according to plan, we won't have to worry about No Mow May. We just have to worry about it being No Grow May with an early summer deadline looming.
A nurse in Truro is being denied most of the $10,000 "Thank you" bonus the province is offering. Because she wasn't on the job for all of 2022, her amount is being prorated. Which seems fair, until you learn that she found out about the bonus on the same day of her twelfth and final chemotherapy treatment.
No parent should ever have to say goodbye to one of their children. And it's all the more painful when they've been open and honest about the power of addiction and the fight for survival.
The Provincial Mental Health and Addictions Crisis Line is available 24 hours 7 days a week at 1-888-429-8167.
One of the unfortunate byproducts of increasing food inflation are the kids who are going hungry. And that's a bad recipe for their future health and ours in a feedback loop of increases and demand.
It's a solemn anniversary. And now that the Mass Casualty Commission has filed its report and politicians are asking for a moment of silence and reflection, we have a duty to remember the victims, the survivors and their families.
I don't think it's a surprise that workers say they are just productive working from home as they are working at the office. And hybrid workspaces are likely to continue long after a lot of the other changes we made over the past three years are gone and forgotten.
I hadn't realized how close we are to the anniversary of the loss of our last family pet. And SaltWire's John DeMont wrote a touching tribue to his dog Auggie that helped remind me of that balance of love and loss that ends at the rainbow bridge.
Mental health and addictions are together under one department in the Nova Scotia government. But there are still challenges in helping people see the connection. For one family I know, they are facing a situation involving their adult daughter and the struggle she's had with addiction. And it's the most tragic thing I could imagine.
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction and need help, please reach out to the Provincial Mental Health and Addictions Crisis Line: 1-888-429-8167.
It's hard to believe that Canadians throw out an estimated $20 billion in food each year. The average family is spending $1,300 of their budget on food that goes to the compost bill. And it's a place where some of us might look to save on our food bills.
A Dartmouth hotel is about to be fully converted into a place for people who are unhoused in HRM. And as goverments and agencies work to find solutions to the housing crisis, there are still issues of predjudice and stigma facing the poor in our communities. There's a lesson in that according to journalist Kendall Worth.
A new book on the disappearance and murder of Karissa Boudreau is about to be released. In the meantime, the Canadian government is reviewing the practice us using the so-called Mr. Big undercover sting. It's a highly successful RCMP technique that isn't allowed in other countries. And it opens up some important questions.
"Our tax system, meanwhile, is tilted in favour of the rich and special interests — which is one of the main reasons why wealth is increasingly concentrated in the hands of the few.” Frank Stronach may not have been talking about Loblaw's CEO Galen Weston, but it is interesting considering who that's coming from.
As the SaltWire headline says, "Nova Scotia government on hotseat over non-disclosure agreements". And it's brought the issue of confidentiality agreements and the former Progressive Conservative leader out into the sunshine after more than four years.
It's an unnecessary risk to you and your property. Every Spring, there are people across Nova Scotia who have to call 911 because they get into trouble when a small fire grows into a large one.
It was quite the headline; New ways to learn or just new ways to cheat? And as artificial intelligence continues to evolve and grow, there are some things that can only be simulated, not replicated.
Earlier this week, I spoke with a supporter about the ongoing challenges at a not-for-profit in Lunenburg called Second Story Women's Centre. The staff have walked out and the support group has closed it's doors, temporarily. Ahead of a vigil in Lunenburg this evening, I received a letter from the Chair of the Board.
The report says they're not shying away from declaring hard truths of the RCMP response during and after the Mass Casualty Event in 2020. And as Jonathan Torrens wrote, "Hoping with the release of this MCC report today there is at the very least a bit of comfort, closure and change."
It's been almost three years since the violent rampage across rural Nova Scotia. And the public enquiry looking into the tragedy is releasing its final report soon. It's expected to run between 2,000 and 3,000 pages and will reopen old wounds for many. These are some of the things they tell us will be in the document.
From time to time, you'll find a link to something on the internet that comes up as "404" meaning it doesn't exist, has been moved, or has a dead or broken link. But other times, information about someone that is wrong or incomplete is online and viewable forever. That seems unfair.
First of all, this has nothing to do with the former US President. But it does have to do with how much anxiety there is these days about the perception of risk versus what the statistics tell us.
Some people say everything happens for a reason. And sometimes I say, as humans we can find a reason for everything happening. And a post about Ray Zinck brought back a flood of memories for me today.
Today is the day Nova Scotians find out how the government plans to spend tax dollars over the next fiscal year. But last year's predicted deficit turned out to be a $3.5 billion surplus after the ledgers were balanced. What are the lessons learned?
At the same time Nova Scotia is trying to lure construction workers to Canda's Ocean Playground, Alberta is making a pitch for workers here to head out West. And at the same time, governments are trying to find housing for people to live in, while they build housing. If you have kids in high school, there's a lesson here.
Money doesn't buy happiness. But it can help you buy a house and have a better work life balance. And I think there's a good reason why the government's "thank you" bonus of $10-thousand will help the helpers.
It's something you hear from opposition politicians when they feel they have leverage. Are you better off now that you were a year ago? And with raging inflation and rising interest rates, it's pretty easy for most Canadians to answer that question. But what does it mean for the upcoming provincial and federal budgets?
I noticed there were a lot of excited people who got their tickets to see Jerry Seinfeld and Bill Burr in Halifax this August. They still haven't announced the Saturday night headliner of The Great Outdoor Comedy Fest. I've noticed a few things that I thought I'd point out since some of the comments about the ticketing process weren't so positive.
Vinyl records outsold compact discs in 2022, the first time that's happened since 1987. And there's a lot of memories created by music and the various forms we've consumed it over the years.
Maybe I should give more credit to the people who show up with protest signs at events where the Prime Minister is attending. At least they are publicly showing the person they're unhappy with how they feel. The people attacking the local businesses online after the Bridgewater announcement may be some of the same group, but it doesn't have the same impact.
The concert floodgates have reopened after a few years of the global pandemic. And I see Chris de Burg is coming to Halifax in 2023. It reminds me of my first show in 1983 and the joy that I've gained from concerts and the performing arts.
From the Academy Awards to the trend to put self-care above career advancement, it's an interesting time to be alive. And finding a better work-life balance is an honourable goal, even for this aging Gen-Xer.
A gift from her grandson on her 83rd birthday turned out to be a life-changing moment for Marie McCarthy of New Waterford. And she is setting an example for all of us.
Two stories at SaltWire caught my eye today. And it seems there are nuances in all areas of our lives these days, including winning and losing.
The Secretary General of the United Nations says gender equality is 300 years away, globally. And this is a call to action for men to stand up and maybe grab a mop or a vacuum.
What does a Chicken Big Mac and former Premier Darrell Dexter have in common? The higher the stakes, the more the expectations of the public matter.
Five years ago, a report was released that led to changes in the governance of english language schools in Nova Scotia. And one of the recommendations of the day also called for a "report card" o the changes after five years. Where's that report card?
After more than 30 years together, my wife knows me better than I know myself a lot of the time, and I learned in the wake of Thursday's snow that I should heed her advice.
Electoral interference is a concern around the globe. And shouldn't be a surprise to anyone that there are allegations of it happening here in Canada. We've seen a rise in the use of mis-and-disinformation when it comes to politics. And convincing all of us that it didn't have an impact on the outcome isn't going to be easy.
It's something a bit different for this space today. I had a conversation this morning with the Public Safety Minister of Canada. Minister Marco Mendicino talked about the financial support of a group working towards reducing gun violence and death in Nova Scotia. This is part of that conversation.
My wife was wondering who I as listening to on the weekend. And I was wondering what I was listening to as Scott Adams was going off about race relations. Can an artists' political views be separated from their work? Not in the case of Dilbert and its creator.
Occam's Razor is a philosophy that the simplest explanation is most likely the best one. But sometimes complicated situations don't have simple answers. But I'm happy to hear from each and every one of you who wants to debate or discuss them.
I don't know Brandon MacInnis personally. But I know a lot of people like him, who are volunteers dedicating themselves to their community. And to me, it isn't Fair Play when someone is fired from a volunteer job without being told why.
It's a common criticism rooted in ignorance; foreign workers are taking jobs away from Canadians. It turns out that's one of those myths that don't line up with reality. And we'd be a lot worse off if it weren't for people who are willing to take on jobs in the food service industry.
I shared our strange adventure coming in to Halifax airport this week. But the "deteriorating conditions" described by our pilot may also be applicible to the restaurant industry. It was an education beyond our arrival.
I'd never heard a pre-landing announcement quite like this one. But a professional and reassuring flight crew reminded me why sometimes I should keep some thoughts to myself.
It's a topic that only comes up when we are facing extremes with the weather. But there's a space for compassion and understanding that only comes from unrequited generosity.
There's a day for everything and February 9th is National Pizza Day. And from pineapple to coconut and haggis, everyone has an opinion about the best toppings or the best pie. But if you know, you know.
The Premiers and Territorial leaders were promised billions of dollars in spending commitments for health care for the next decade. But putting the numbers in perspective shows it's not as much as will be needed in Nova Scotia.
It's a high stakes negotiation with reputations and public trust at stake. And the entire health care funding negotiation feels like it's on a shaky foundation to begin with since it's mainly a people problem.
I had to schedule an appointment for blood work and I used the online system to book it. Not everything can be done virtually, but this is a welcomed "pivot" for a service that used to be more cumbersome than it needed to be.
The upcoming cold snap is potentially lethal for people who don't have adequate shelter. It will force some to get in out of the cold in places that might put them in plain sight instead of tucked away in a wooded area or a park or a shelter. One advocate is hoping people won't be calling police to chase those vulnerable people outside over the next few days. It could be deadly.
If you love winter weather, I guess it's a win. If you're not a fan of the snow and cold, the Groundhog Day prediction isn't a great one. It has me thinking about the winning $31-million Lotto Max ticket sold in New Waterford.
Statistics Canada has changed how they are keeping track of a certain type of crime. And as major food retailers record increased profits they're also saying there are increasing numbers of shoplifters. I'm not condoning illegal behaviour but I also think there should be a law against food insecurity.
A political scientist recently told me the Health Care Crisis is being treated like war time medicine, everything is being sent to the front. But we don't always take the time to see how everything is connected. And that's why I'm encouraged to see there are lots of ideas coming from the people in the trenches. And it seems like people in power are listening.
In a note to readers last week, my employer announced: "Artificial intelligence at SaltWire is now a reality." What does it mean to journalism? And what will it mean for the people who do that work? Let's weigh the pros and cons.
We've all heard that saying before and it makes sense on a very human level that if you aren't well, nothing else really matters. And it ties in to the idea that if you don't pay now, you'll pay a lot more later.
There are people who are doing their best to keep a troubled health care system from collapsing around their ears. And not to diminish the tragedies, but we need to look for what's working to know what's working and what's not.
After more than 464 episodes of this podcast, I need to be straight with you. There's a very good reason I don't produce click-bait.
It's certainly not a suggestion that we stop covering the tragic and heartbreaking stories of the people who are homeless in our communities. It's a call to action for politicians to address the systemic issues with a systemic solution.
Theft from grocery stores is a big issue for retailers these days. But with food inflation eating into our budgets, there seems to be very little appetite for empathy.
Everything happens for a reason. Or as I say, everything that happens can be reasoned. It's in our nature as human beings.
Health providers agree that the system is in critical condition right now. But there's a healthy dose of optimism from their leaders. While they "go like hell", there is something we can all do to make it easier on them. And it's summed up in two simple words.
There are so many people pulling in the right direction to improve our health care system. And some of the actions announced today can help. But there's one thing in particular that I think is desperately needed: information.
We've yet to hear from some of the people who were appointed to fix health care in Nova Scotia. And that doesn't seem fair to the families of Allison Holthoff or Charlene Snow.
First it was the title of a song in 1983 by the UK synth pop band New Order. In the early 2000's it was associated to the third Monday of January as a marketing campaign for a UK travel company. And today, it's something news organizations use as a crutch to write about mid-winter depression and sadness. And hopefully it's not a self-fulfilling phenomenon.
Another tragic story of a family in grief because of the loss of a loved one. And this happened because someone left their spot in the Emergency Department so others could receive care. The family of Charlene Snow is asking for others to help as they push for changes in Emergency Care.
We are losing faith in our institutions in this country. People are struggling for access to basic health care and that's putting pressure on the all of the systems, including the political ones.
Statistically, not everyone will survive their trip to the Emergency Department today. And statistics don't have as much public sway as the personal stories we hear. Allison Holthoff continues to serve us all, even after her untimely passing.
It would appear there was at least a knee jerk reaction to keep information private when it came to the death of Allison Holthoff in the Amherst ER on New Year's Eve. And privacy concerns are a real thing. Unless of course the family wants us all to know what happened, so that it doesn't happen to anyone else. And I would hope NSHA CEO Karen Oldfield would agree.
It's a devastating story of the death of a mother, spouse and volunteer who died after seeking medical help on New Year's Eve. And policies about protecting patient confidentiality don't seem to make sense, especially since Allison's story is now public. Her family deserves answers.
A gold medal performance for the cities of Moncton and Halifax in hosting the World Junior Hockey tournament. And let's hope Hockey Canada can perform just as successfully at cleaning up the culture.
The committee looking at minimum wage is revising its timeline to reach $15 an hour in Nova Scotia. It would put us on pace to match PEI if government accepts it. And they want to tie future increases to the inflation rate. We'll have to wait to see if there's any interest in that.
Instant information and instant conclusions. There are times when our gut instinct may feel absolutely right because of what we know, or think we know. But it's almost always an incomplete picture.
Instructors will tell new motorcyclists to look where you want the bike to go. And that's advice that can apply to life in general.
You never know where you'll find gratitude. Recently for me, it was on a television show about a kid growing up in Newfoundland in the 1980's.
I've heard criticism of the journalists who go asking for comment from people during a terrible time of loss or grief. There was a time I may have agreed. But there's one very good reason to ask people questions at a very difficult time.
It's a time of reflection and introspection. Or at the very least, a time to reassess our priorities moving into 2023.
It's likely a hectic time for people getting ready for the holidays. And it certainly is for those who are working to help others who may be less fortunate. Feed Nova Scotia says there's never been as much demand on their services. And executive director Nick Jennery has a wish too.
Remember when people were chasing aces for big jackpots and helping out community groups? The newest viral fundraiser is the Nova Scotia Firefighters 50/50. And as sure as there's going to be a million dollar winner in a few hours, there will be 269 fire departments and non-profits that will benefit from it in 2023.
It's the official start to winter and is also the day with the shortest amount of daylight in our hemisphere. And as much as we have learned about science and the cosmos, there's a connection between religion and generosity.
Imagine living your dream as a rock n' roll musician, touring the world and sharing your songs. And for one young Nova Scotian, that dream started in 1968. Myles Goodwyn is retiring from the road at the age of 74. And now people are wondering if the band should still be called April Wine?
It looks like the joyriding is almost over for Elon Musk. And for what it's worth, take a few minutes to remember there's a real world with real people with real problems right now.
There's a well known scientific principle that correlation is not causation. And here's a counter argument for the people who are convinced that "sudden deaths" are a new phenomenon since the rise of the COVID vaccines.
He's trying to make Christmas a little brighter for others. And it's another great example of the work being done by Gamechangers902.
It's a troubling ruling from Nova Scotia's Court of Appeal. It's one that sees an alleged victim without a day in court because RCMP violated the Charter Rights of a suspect.
It's a summer for classic rock fans at the Dartmouth waterfront. And a way for people of my generation to get back to the days before internet and cellphones at Alderney Landing.
The late Nora Bernard is the top recommendation to replace a street name in Halifax that had been named after Edward Cornwallis. It's something Daniel Paul has been working towards since 1985 and he says naming it after his cousin is just the icing on the cake.
Not only are more Canadians reaching out for help from non-profits and charities, there are fewer dollars being donated. And that's creating a crunch for a lot of groups. Imagine Canada has a suggestion.
We often see surveys and polling used as a source of stories in the news. And there's also a trend to ask questions on social and mainstream media. Note: Not all surveys are the same.
Fire and emergency services are facing a precarious future according to the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs. One third of volunteers, who make up the majority of the members across the country, are over the age of 50. And I'd bet that number is higher in parts of Nova Scotia.
It was in spite of, or maybe because of, the criticism about a lack of mandatory public health measures. Both Doctor Robert Strang and Health Minister Michelle Thompson have some timely advice.
This season's Grinch will be inflation. Increased food costs and the rising cost of basics are going to cut into the holiday spending. But then again, there are other ways to celebrate the season.
She wanted to make it clear that a lot of professionals are facing challenges right now. But a teacher I spoke with recently is opening the classroom door to show us what's been happening.
I don't want to speak for everyone, but there are a lot of us who are spending too much time in front of a screen. And maybe we need a kick in the butt to get moving.
It's going to be another winter where people are struggling to find an affordable and safe space to live in Halifax. And groups like Shelter Nova Scotia are doing what they can to help. And once again, there's a call for you to help the helpers.
It's considered the most dangerous job in Canada. And when fuel and bait prices are high and there's concern over market prices, safety needs to remain the number one priority.
It was a long day of testimony for the Prime Minister at the Emergencies Act inquiry. And he did a "reasonable" job of explaining why the act was needed to clear the streets of Ottawa.
I've been blessed to have worked with amazing professionals over the years. And none was as nice a person as Chronicle Herald Arts Reporter Stephen Cooke.
We are about to be inundated with the countdown to Christmas that can be overwhelming and stressful at times. But joy and happiness can sometimes be found by accident.
A battle of political wills is heating up in Nova Scotia over carbon taxes. And it's getting personal I'm afraid.
She ended up witnessing a criminal trial and an appeal in connection with her son's death while in police custody for public intoxication. Maybe today Halifax Regional Council will be able to support Jeannette in her fight to help people with addictions.
Apparently there's a growing trend where toys aren't just for kids anymore. And I can relate to looking for a fun escape from all that's going on around us.
Visiting those snot-nosed cousins and going to work when you're sick. Not part of the plan if you want to spread cheer and not a virus this holiday season.
A research group says one on forty Nova Scotians are currently infected with the COVID virus, labelling it as a "severe" exposure level. And there's a recent SaltWire editorial that points out a convenient cover up, something I can endorse.
If you've ever been on a slippery road with all season tires, you probably have an opinion about snow tires. But some are asking if they should be mandatory.
I've been watching stand up comedy since I was a kid. And it feels like we've started to get back to understanding that we can all vote with our wallets and our attention when it comes to what we find funny versus what we think is offensive.
We've come a long way in our understanding of pathogens, bacteria and viruses in the last few years. But when there are people dying of preventable diseases, it's heartbreaking. And no, this is not about COVID.
It was a big ask on the same day an injured homeless man was picked up from the middle of a downtown Halifax street. And maybe it can help end the jurisdictional finger pointing.
Tony says he's just a crane driver at the Port of Halifax who believes in his city and the people in it. And that a post he made on social media today shouldn't be going viral for doing what's right in the world.
Support is being offered for people in the Portapique area following the death of Leon Joudrey. He could be considered the 24th victim of the tragedy from 2020.
It isn't something that happens often in Canada. But what happens now that the union has publicly said it has lost confidence in Halifax Police Chief Dan Kinsella?
We are in for an expensive heating season. And the political heat is being turned up on the oil companies who are "war profiteering".
Mi'kmaw elder Daniel Paul has spent most of the last thirty years sharing knowledge about the first inhabitants of Turtle Island. And now that the 84-year old is facing a stark prognosis, there's one more piece of unfinished business.
Even with long lines and lost luggage, travelling can take you to amazing places and experiences. And an even better appreciation for the simple things.
Something a little different for this episode. A story about how I ended up getting matching suits with CTV News Anchor Bruce Frisco.
Staying COVID free hasn't been the result of magic or mystery. But it will all be put to the test for me soon because of where I'm headed.
A rising tide lifts all ships as the saying goes. But where are the lifelines for the people barely keeping their heads above water?
Even after one of Canada's major grocery retailers freezes the price on its in store brand products, there are critics. How are you dealing with the high cost of everything?
I have a feeling neither side will prove its case when it comes to the use of the Emergencies Act to end the protests in Ottawa last winter. But both sides will say they "won".
How do you get a politician to answer a question they don't want to answer? Sometimes you can't. And that tells you something too.
With great power comes great responsibility. And so does the temptation to revert to the tried and true tactics to hold on to power and silence your critics.
Hockey Canada is facing an uncertain future over the way they treated allegations of sexual assault. It now looks like the World Junior Championship will go ahead in Halifax and Moncton at the end of December. Do you think it should?
I've seen a lot of strange news releases over the years. But the one from the RCMP in Nova Scotia on Thanksgiving, was among the most bizarre. And for several reasons.
As frustrating as commuter traffic can be, it's not the worst thing that can happen to you in your car. And there was another terrible reminder of that this week.
Did you hear about classrooms with litter-boxes for kids who identify as animals? It's happening.....absolutely nowhere. It's one of those stories that no one knows who started it. But a lot of us know why. It's another reason to teach critical thinking.
It's World Teachers' Day and the theme is "The answer begins with teachers". I see some political groups are on the attack saying education leaders are promoting troubling ideologies. And that's a dangerous trend.
It's hard to imagine how difficult it's been for some people who have been without power for more than a week. And it looks like more help is coming with the Prime Minister in Nova Scotia today.
Just as council passes a rule about noisy corner stores in residential neighbourhoods, we have another great big street party. Who you gonna call?
As the author of the Truth and Reconciliation report says "Education is what got us into this mess and education will get us out." And it needs to be more than the words in an email signature.
Dr. Daniel Paul is about to release the forth edition of his book "We Were Not the Savages". And with Truth and Reconciliation Day around the corner, I had a question for the only Savage I know. Mayor Mike Savage.
It's easy to see the devastation to the hardwired infrastructure like power lines. But what about cellular and data networks going down when people needed them the most.
It's like the safety video on the airplane when they tell you to put on your own mask before trying to help others. Whatever comes from Fiona, we all need to watch out for each other.
We are few days away from Hurricane Fiona impacting Atlantic Canada and no one can accurate predict what will happen. But wouldn't you rather know so you can be prepared, just in case?
Queen Elizabeth II helped modernize and update the monarchy over her 70 years on the throne. Let's see if King Charles III can reconcile the relationship with First Nations.
Doctor Strang hasn't used the marathon analogy for awhile. But the World Health Organization did when they said we're close to the end of the pandemic. Here's to pushing through to the finish line.
The publishers of Frank Magazine have closed up shop after 35 years. The self-proclaimed collection “of news, satire, opinion, comment, and humour” has also been accused of racism and misogyny in recent years. And I know what it feels like to be in their cross-hairs.
It's not a statutory holiday, either federally or provincially. But government offices and schools and day cares will be closed on Monday. It's in honour of the funeral service for the late Queen Elizabeth II. And it's not without some discussion, or dare I say, controversy for some.
It's an epidemic disproportionately affecting men in our country. And we tend not to hear about the impact of suicide on our community in the main stream media. For the sake of the families and others who may be struggling, we need to talk about the issue, not around it.
It's the end of an era for sure. But as treaty people, there's something those calling for a Republic of Canada that we need to be aware of.
People who are making money off of real estate aren't likely to be the right ones to fix our housing situation. And even when most of the experts agree, there's still a lot more to consider when we talk about affordable housing as a supply issue.
Overtly optimistic people can be a bit much for pragmatic people to be around some days. But there's something reassuring in knowing in spite of everything that can go wrong, there are people who spark their joy by helping others.
Tell me something you have a strong opinion about. And now tell me how you've come to that conclusion. I think we can start debating and stop arguing if we all get on the same page on "doing our own research".
A new study this week is suggesting we should rethink our relationship with alcohol if we are worried about our health. And it's all about following the science.
Even though Doctor Strang is chiding us for becoming COVID complacent, others are still driving COVID conspiracies forward. And it seems the frustrations are inspiring some troubling behaviour.
The concept is the same, but the motivation may be different. And maybe this is another unintended consequence of the pandemic.
I've been driving since I was 16 and vehicle technology has evolved a lot since then. But there's comfort in the reliability of dinosaur technology as we're looking to science for the next, big thing.
Remember the "A-B-C" campaign that swept Stephen Harper out of office? The "Anyone But Conservative" rally was effective when people felt it was time for a change in government. And I think there will be some gains in the next election for the "Not Justin" crowd.
Which came first? The planned rally against a carbon tax by Pierre Poilievre. Or the "Better than a Carbon Tax Plan" by Tim Houston.
Premier Tim Houston released a statement and a video instead of doing media interviews on the first anniversary of his election win. Has he forgotten how much air time he got when he was in opposition?
It's never easy to lose a job. And it's even more devastating when all of it happens publicly. I have a tremendous amount of respect for Lisa LaFlamme. And the very deliberate words she chose to discuss her departure from the news desk.
Have you noticed a change in the expectation for gratuities? Has the shortage of workers affected the amount you'll be leaving for a tip? I have questions too. And a suggestion.
Halifax police had the work wrapped up and the news release out just after five this morning. And Meagher Park is no longer accessible to the people who found community through hardship. Or their neighbours either.
We have a completely different political system than what our neighbours to the south have. And I may have been wrong about the impact of fixed election dates on the politics in Nova Scotia.
A jury found the 28-year old guilty of a violent, brutal crime that claimed the life of a Dartmouth woman in 2018. But the reaction to Steve Bruce's latest story about Brandon Jake Hollohan is proof that journalism matters.
There's pressure on Ottawa to figure out how to get a universal dental care program in place by the end of the year. Is that too much to expect given the challenges at airports and passport offices?
It looks like some much needed rain is about to fall across the region. And an incident in Mahone Bay is a good reminder of what Smokey the Bear taught us.
Last summer, they kept their plans to evict homeless people from municipal property under wraps. This time, Halifax Council met publicly and have given public deadlines to move to one of four designated spaces. But that hasn't worked for some staying in Meagher Park. And some are interpreting a news release from police as part plea, and part threat.
Misinformation travels farther and faster than fact. And for people like Alex Jones, the power and profitability can be intoxicating. And as we've learned, it can be dangerous too.
A rare summer sitting of the Nova Scotia Legislature fraught with the same old trappings of political theatre. And the partisan rhetoric raises more questions than answers when it comes to political strategy versus political action.
Whether it's the person getting your coffee or cooking your supper, there's a lot of pressure on people in the service industry these days. And we can all learn to be more patient and understanding these days.
I can understand why people are sometimes frustrated with all the bad news that gets reported in the media. And when we see people at their worst, it's easy to overlook the ones trying their best.
For you and me, $140,000,000 is a number that's hard to even imagine. But talking about struggling to being able to afford groceries and gas resonates. And Premier Tim Houston is hitting all the right notes this week.
It happened after the stories were ready for the supper news, but at the end of his testimony, RCMP Chief Superintendent Darren Campbell apologized for failing the families. Some are pleased to hear someone finally say they were sorry. Others, not so much.
Politics in the summer usually is all about barbecues, parades and garden parties. The opposition political parties are lining up a busy agenda after the House was recalled for a summer sitting. And the heat is on.
When we finally started getting details on the mass casualty event, it was Superintendent Darren Campbell who stood in front of the cameras. And senior officers will answer for their actions and decisions this week at the Mass Casualty Hearing.
Imagine your younger brother dies in a work place accident and it takes a month to get any information at all about what happened. And then when you push to get answers, you find out your determination lands you in a government security file labelled a "person of interest". What does that even mean?
It's not a car versus cyclist dilemma on our roads, but a person versus person issue. But I'm often puzzled about why some people think it's controversial to say road safety is a shared responsibility.
I'm not talking reward points here. With the higher prices at the major grocery stores, I see there is a real benefit to shopping local and buying from Nova Scotia producers, even if it's only a few times a week. It's like investing in our future. And theirs.
Some people argue they aren't worth the money they get now for being Members of the Legislative Assembly. And the Premier was pretty quick to throw water on the independent report calling for a 12 percent raise. But he is also voting down a recommended cut to his own pay cheque and other recommendations in the report that likely won't get as much attention.
Halifax Regional Municipality is asking people to vote on their choice of a name to replace the one named in honour of Edward Cornwallis. And I think there are a few great choices in Nova Scotia's official first language.
No media interview or public statements until today. Lisa Banfield is the witness so many have been waiting to hear from at the Mass Casualty Hearing. What will we learn?
I'm still not sure what to expect with Friday's testimony from the common law spouse of the Nova Scotia mass killer. The Mass Casualty Commission says Lisa Banfield won't be going over the events that led up to the events over those 13 hours since that's already covered in several of her interviews. But I hope whatever happens, it will help others dealing with intimate partner and gender-based violence.
Another government is making promises to fix our health care system as things seem to be getting worse. No one party has a moratorium on good ideas, but they all seem to think everyone else got it wrong.
As we're learning at the Mass Casualty Commission, there's a pattern of behaviour. But it's neither an explanation or an excuse for the hurt caused to so many. And finding the balance between providing answers and preventing future events is challenging.
It's as close as he's come to talking publicly about his medical challenges. The details will be in his upcoming book. But in the recent piece in the Chronicle Herald, Rick Howe shares some of his concerns with "COVID anarchy" and the end of public health rules.
How often are we told to be ready to be on our own in the event of an emergency or natural disaster? Not being able to use your phone or debit card may not be the end of the world, but it was a good reminder today.
Some politicians are better at keeping the confidence of their peers than of the public. There are takeaways from the resignation of Boris Johnson.
I guess we can all be excused for making mistakes or errors in judgment when there are things we don't know. But when we know better....
Doctor Robert Strang tells us "The pandemic is not over. But Nova Scotians have the tools and resources to make the right decisions to keep each other safe." And now that restrictions are gone for the most part, people who are done with the pandemic have no reason to look back.
We were warned the situation in health care could get worse, before it gets better. And a recent story shows that even simple treatments are difficult to get when the system is afflicted with so many comorbidities.
I watched as people who were not involved in policing shared their stories and memories of Constable Heidi Stevenson. And it did show that even at a Regimental Memorial, civilian voices carry weight. And that sounds like a "teachable moment" to me.
What would you do if the only way you could communicate with the outside world wasn't working? And what if you were an octogenarian with no way to call 911 because the parts are on order and it's been more than two weeks? How do you even call to complain when the line is down?
What's in a name? My old high school had one of the most nondescript, innocuous names ever. And there may be some lessons in how one community approached the naming of all of its high schools, and not just decades ago.
I've met a lot of politicians over the years. And there were few as well read and as well spoken as John Leefe.
A Regimental Memorial to Constable Heidi Stevenson is being held next week at Cole Harbour Place. And the fact the public is not allowed to attend says a lot to me about the relationship between the police and those they serve.
Maybe you won't be surprised to hear that political affiliations seem to correlate to an increased belief in conspiracy theories. And there is a growing erosion of trust in our institutions and sources of information. I'm afraid it's nearly impossible to scale back up that so-called "slippery slope".
It takes a special kind of talent to cover the intricacies and nuances of what happens in a court room. Steve Bruce with the Chronicle Herald has shown that in a story that we seldom see. And it involves a mother's forgiveness to the man who killed her only son.
He may not be a Hollywood Celebrity like Dwayne "The Rock Johnson", but Jarvis Googoo is a shining star as a Mi'kmaw educator and speaker. And there's one thing he's taught me that I hope others will take away on National Indigenous Peoples Day.
How did you spend Father's Day? I did a bit of reflecting on how the view changes over time.
It's no secret that inflation is having an impact on people across the province and elsewhere around the globe. And when other governments drop their fuel taxes or offer rebates, that puts pressure on all politicians. Premier Tim Houston is empathetic. But he also is the solutions guy. I have a suggestion Mister Premier.
A recent Reuters Institute survey says the minority of Canadians trust "most news, most of the time" these days. And when a lot of people are only getting their information online, you might think that it's a negative cesspool of nasty comments. Not always, as I found out today.
A story about a potential Titanic development in Halifax last week got a lot of attention because it seemed so fantastic. I don't think the follow up story will get nearly as many eyeballs. Here's why.
There are lots of reasons to worry about after you have children. But there's a really good chance we're not really talking about something that can affect up to 40-thousand Nova Scotian kids. And our government should be doing more to educate about Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder and the stigma associated with it.
There were times over the weekend where you could be forgiven for forgetting all that's gone on in the last two years. But what is the path forward with COVID-19 still out there and some restrictions still in place?
Weekly COVID-19 deaths are still in double digits in Nova Scotia with an average of nine hospitalizations a day. I feel we're closer to the end of the pandemic than the beginning. And I feel it's time to have a serious talk about healing from the past two years.
In some ways, it's good thing when people are passionate about politics. But when you motivate them with anger, I don't see that changes are always being made for the greater good.
There's a lot of buzz about a potential development project in Halifax. Some are asking if it's appropriate to have a Titanic-themed restaurant and hotel complex. And others are asking why it should matter, if it's private and not taxpayer money.
After Monday's testimony and cross examination, it would seem one group sees the trauma informed mandate only applies to the RCMP. And it was apparent, the Truro Police Chief held his ground and then some.
It's human nature to ignore our own bad habits and only see the other "idiots" on the road. And it's easy to forget how driving isn't a right, especially when we're in the wrong.
One of the lessons I've learned is that people respond when you are being honest and vulnerable. And twice this week, people have shown how that has been their path to healing their own trauma. And I'm grateful for the chance to speak with warriors like Anne MacPhee and Mark Long.
You aren't the first, and you won't be the last. That may have been a lesson Anne MacPhee learned about dealing with tragedy growing up in Cape Breton. It was also the reason she was able to speak out about what happened to her husband when it took more than a half hour for an ambulance to show up. And she's also giving praise to some of the changes in policy this week that could make a difference for others.
It's not surprising when people on social media criticize or comment on a government announcement. On the surface, it looks like a way to promote shopping and refund parking tickets for people heading to downtown Halifax. But that's not how others are seeing it.
If you grew up in rural Atlantic Canada, there's a good chance you had guns around you. And learning responsible gun ownership is the way many of us were brought up. New restrictions being introduced by the Federal Government may be upsetting to some, but are welcomed by the majority who don't live in rural Canada.
Federal Justice Authorities will be holding a Critical Incident Review of the law enforcement response to the school shooting in Uvalde, Texas. Already, the State's Public Safety Director said waiting to engage the shooter was the wrong decision. And there are differences and similarities with this reaction and what's happening in Nova Scotia at the Mass Casualty Commission hearings.
A civil defamation lawsuit is intended to protect or restore a person's reputation. In the Johnny Depp and Amber Heard case, it's led to a lot of media attention but not much enlightenment on the issue of intimate spousal violence. Meanwhile in Nova Scotia, Ernest Fenwick MacIntosh has filed a defamation counterclaim in response to a civil suit. Six men are suing him for allegedly sexually assaulting them in the 1970's in Port Hawkesbury. Many of those men, I've spoken with over the years.
Another crisis of integrity at the Mass Casualty Commission this week. The trauma informed decision regarding two key RCMP witnesses is causing trauma to those most affected - the families of the victims.
There are people with a real talent when it comes to presenting a position and arguing it well. And Paul Schneidereit recently wrote something that prompted a letter to the editor that was not well received by some. And that inspired me today.
I can't imagine paying 17 percent for a 30-year mortgage. I also can't imagine getting 10 percent interest on a savings account. But these are things from my childhood that I'm thinking about with the discussion about rising interest rates and inflation being at a 30 year high.
With 24 more COVID-19 deaths last week, Nova Scotia has reported 88 fatalities in the past month. It would seem that "living with COVID" and updating the numbers once a week has lulled us into thinking the danger has passed.
Gas guru, the late George Murphy, used to call it rocketing up and feathering down. The price at the pumps has been on a roller coaster ride lately, and I have a feeling we'll all have stories of "I remember when" in the not too distant future.
Communications people, especially in law enforcement, can be both the messenger and gate keeper of information. And there is a particular document from the Mass Casualty Commission that gives a perfect example of this.
Even though most of Canada would like to see an end to the Constitutional Monarchy, it's hard to have that debate when there are other things on our minds.
It's human nature to be drawn to horrific events and tragedies. Whether it's a shooting at a grocery store in the US, or the mass casualty in Nova Scotia.
There are a lot of us who are frustrated by the high price at the gas pumps these days. How is it affecting you?
Before I used that free program to change my profile picture into a painting, I googled it. And what I learned was NOT a huge surprise.
David Myles has a lyric that says "I'm getting older, but I'm not old yet." I'm starting to think, I'm fine with embracing both after seeing ZZ Top and Cheap Trick.
If you are commuting again into the office, you've probably noticed the hit to the wallet from high gas prices. It's not hard to see who's gaining from it, but it's less clear on what to do about it.
I remember there were a lot of young men my age who were envious of the people who got good paying jobs at Westray. And now , even though it's been 30 years since the tragedy, there are people like Vernon Theriault who will never stop fighting for work place safety.
In the 300th episode of My Take, we take a look at the policy reversal by Premier Tim Houston on the non-resident tax. And the comment that he wished he could make all future decisions with benefit of hindsight.
Why is 'my body my choice' considered a legitimate defence for vaccine hesitant, anti-maskers when a similar option could be denied for women seeking abortions in the United States? And what does this mean for Canada?
Halifax Regional Council spent hours discussing a staff report on how they should address Homelessness and Encampments on HRM property. A proposal to allow overnight camping at 16 municipal parks has been sent back for more study. Meantime, there are calls for people to pitch tents on provincial property since many feel it's a Provincial issue. And it's seems like they're kicking the can down the road again.
Housing prices in Nova Scotia are up by close to 40 percent in just the last year putting them out of reach for many first time buyers. A group opposing the province's non-resident property tax are starting an organized campaign to fight it. But it's hard for some Nova Scotians to have much sympathy for them.
Have you ever marched in a protest? Have you ever wondered what power one person has to make a difference and change the world around them? I have and there are some real world examples of it happening in our own communities.
It's a change to a policy that's been called discriminatory for years. Soon, all potential donors will be asked very specific screening questions about their sexual activity. Not just gay men anymore.
It sounds like their goals are the same. But their approaches are completely at odds with one another. And a public row over a shelter in a Dartmouth park is showing that there's often a lot more to the story than what some of the parties are aware of.
We're about to get a look at the interim report from the inquiry looking into the tragic events of April 2020. It will give a snapshot of the work so far of the Mass Casualty Commission but not offer any recommendations at this point. And there are still witnesses that need to be heard from.
Sometimes two unrelated stories seem to pop up and highlight something to me. This week, it was the sentencing of a former Halifax Police officer and a presentation to the Board of Police Commissioners.
Some people joke they check the obituaries everyday to make sure they're not in there. A 42-year old Nine Mile River woman has written her own final testament. Jessica McKenna-Ryan penned a touching piece of self-reflection that had me thinking.
Fixing health care was one of the big reasons Tim Houston was elected Premier of Nova Scotia. It's a monumental task being addressed in the 31 page "Action for Health Plan" that was just released.
I learned a valuable lesson on my drive back from Halifax on Wednesday. And thankfully it wasn't as expensive as it could have been.
With all the bad news happening around the world, it's nice to have a few positive stories to focus on.
The story of what happened at Peggy's Cove last week has rekindled the conversation about safety and how to protect people from being hurt or killed. And the brother of the young man who lost his life is hoping this kind of thing never happens to anyone else.
There was a time when "fair comment" was a way to debate and discuss different points of view. And freedom of expression is still not the same as being free from the consequences of your words.
While some of the details coming out of the Mass Casualty Commission are shocking and hard to believe, there was one in particular that stunned a lot of people on Wednesday. And it is once again shining a light on the RCMP attitude towards communications with the public.
As a recent SaltWire editorial points out, "at a time when we’re being told to head back out into the world at our own risk, we’re being armed with fewer tools than ever with which to protect ourselves and our families." Masks will be mandatory in schools at least until the May long weekend, but is only a strong recommendation for everywhere else. And it looks like a lot of people aren't interested.
Sometimes the rules seem obvious. Other times, they might fly in the face of common sense. But when someone makes a mistake that proves deadly, I'm not sure calling it "natural selection" will help protect others.
It wasn't a lot of money and their hearts were in the right place. A portable shower service for people sleeping rough in Dartmouth wasn't used a single time last November. Maybe the people in need should have been a part of the Municipal Council discussion in the first place.
I'm sure if felt great to be back in a crowd at a rock 'n roll concert. And the fans who showed up for the Judas Priest show in Halifax will take away lots of memories and hopefully nothing contagious. I'm holding out for just a little bit longer.
A video by Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston and Doctor Robert Strang is being lambasted by critics on social media. There are worries about where we're heading with the rising COVID case count and the lack of public health information. People may know what to do to protect themselves and their families, but not everyone is acting like Mr. T is right now.
I've spent a lot of time reading the documents and statements from the people directly impacted by the mass killing in April of 2020. And I think it's time to share something I've been meaning to say about the response to his rampage since the Mass Casualty Commission began hearing evidence.
It's easy to forget how resilient kids are. And it's also easy to forget how excited a gymnasium full of elementary students can be in an assembly. Even if it's about fire safety.
An event I was supposed to attend this morning was cancelled because schools were closed in my neighbourhood out of an abundance of caution. That event was to deliver smoke detectors to elementary students in Lunenburg County. It's to help make our kids fire safe, something you should do for your children or grandchildren.
With all that's happening in the world, it can be challenging to find the good in people and the positive in tragic situations. I'm still searching, but some days are easier than others to find what we're looking for.
Five Nova Scotia MLA's have tested positive for COVID-19 just a week after the Legislative session opened. Living with COVID is starting to mean catching COVID.
We've had far too many deadly house fires in Nova Scotia already this year. There's a way to help limit that going forward, but at an expense to builders. Is anyone talking about residential sprinklers for new construction?
It was the first chance for all of us to see and he directly from the three RCMP officers who responded to the events in Portapique that April night in 2020. And there was a lot to take away from their testimony at the Mass Casualty Commission on Monday.
An exciting moment for Halifax filmmaker and Academy Award winner Ben Proudfoot. Too bad the reaction to a bad joke referencing a 25 year old movie overshadowed everything else.
Just minutes after MLA's were met by anti-poverty protesters outside of the legislature, Nova Scotia's government issued a release on spending to help the most vulnerable. Good timing, good governance, or good luck?
For news nerds, this will be an exciting few weeks with the opening of the spring sitting of the Nova Scotia Legislature. And for people facing serious struggles in their lives, it's hard to focus on anything else.
There's so much going on that it was hard to focus on one topic today. And so goes the challenge of working from home sometimes.
There's lots of advice about how to save on gas with the high price of a fill up these days. But almost half of Canadian shoppers have never clipped a coupon to use at a grocery store. Why aren't more people couponing?
Nova Scotia has entered Phase 3 of our COVID recovery plan and many of the precautions have gone from mandatory to recommended. And with that in mind, what were those people doing who were protesting outside of Doctor Robert Strang's home?
March Break is about to end, along with the mandatory in class masking. Members of the Nova Scotia Pediatric Pandemic Advisory Group have a prescription to help ease some of the anxiety. They are also channelling the mantra of Doctor Strang as we enter the final phase out of mandatory COVID precautions.
As I'm planning to make some Irish stew and soda bread for our St. Patrick's day supper, I took a bit of a trip back in time. It stirred up some happy memories of my grandmother and her trip to Ireland.
It's still happening even with a ban on so-called "renovictions" in Nova Scotia. But when tenants are kicked out so the landlord or their family can move in, there's a glaring loophole that needs to be filled.
Crews are working hard to patch all of the potholes around Halifax as commuter traffic is expected to pick up with more people heading back to the office. Maybe there's another option to help with traffic, and rising transportation costs.
It's the Monday after the time change and for many, it's a struggle to get going. And here we go again with the bi-annual debate over whether or not we want to keep up this tradition.
The World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic on this day, two years ago. Public Health restrictions are ending in Nova Scotia and across much of Canada, but there's no pending announcement that the pandemic is over.
We've all seemed to have grown weary over the past two years of the pandemic. And apparently, it hasn't brought out the best in people according to Angus Reid.
The legal jeopardy for the mass killer's common law has ended. And she'll be giving her first interview to the Mass Casualty Commission as early as today. We won't get that information right away, but several other witnesses, including front line officers will be heard in just a few weeks.
They used to describe gas prices as rocketing up and feathering down. The three stage interrupter clause booster has put the cost of a fill up, way up in recent days. And there's one way of giving relief to Nova Scotians, maybe starting with the tax on tax.
Conspiracy theories are a curious thing to me. And when I see layers of conspiracies, I wonder why that cake doesn't just fall over. And why people are still serving up slices of the absurd.
It's been a week since the Mass Casualty Commission gave us all a chance to look at the evidence gathered around the massacre in 2020. Let's hope they answer the questions that families have about that evidence.
Their lawyer is arguing it would be violating the spirit of the goal of being "trauma informed" if RCMP members are forced to testify at the Mass Casualty Inquiry. And once again, if they aren't there, it undermines the goals of accountability and responsibility.
With hundreds of thousands of documents and exhibits already presented, there's a lot of information to consider by the Mass Casualty Commission. And family says there's an obvious way to clear up the gaps and errors in the timeline and it involves hearing from Lisa Banfield directly.
We are living in extraordinary times with access to so much information that it can be overwhelming. But sometimes, it only takes a helpful hand to guide us to information that shows it might not be as bad as it appears.
Some journalists were given advance access to many of the documents gathered for the Mass Casualty Committee into the April 2020 killings. And we're about to hear a lot of very disturbing evidence.
Nova Scotia and the other Atlantic provinces are starting down the path towards removing all COVID-19 restrictions. The challenge will be to get people back together if that path turns out to be more dangerous than they think.
It's been more than a year since I've been asking you to spend three minutes of your day listening to me in this space. And looking back, I've learned a lot from your feedback. And I know there's more to learn too.
There's a lot at stake as the Mass Casualty Commission starts the public part of their Inquiry. There's a huge responsibility to the victims to be as transparent and as open as possible as we hear the evidence and testimony. Sometimes the justice system feels anything but just.
Sometimes the only plan worse than a bad plan, is no plan at all. We'll likely be hearing a lot about easing public health restrictions, but we have to be careful not to "overshoot the runway" as Dr. Michael Ryan describes it.
It's an old saying, but it's true. You should be kind to people because you never really know what they may be going through. And it turns out that was the case for someone I worked with often, but didn't really know on a personal level. Until I read Phil O'Hara's Last Post blog.
There are times when it feels like you're asking for state secrets when you reach out to Communications Staff. Other times, it's refreshing to get a straight answer in a reasonable amount of time. Now I hope I get answers to a few other questions I have.
Time will tell if the Prime Minister is doing the right thing right now. Invoking the Emergencies Act to deal with the on-going occupation of the Nation's Capital will come at a cost.
What do you call it when someone who has bought into the conspiracy theories about COVID ends up testing positive for the virus?
Almost half of Canadians feel the worst of the pandemic is behind us. And almost the same number want us to be cautious as we end restrictions. And there's just one huge goal as we near the end of this marathon. And that's to help as many as possible get to the finish line.
We're all getting some Valentine love with phase one of the easing of some of the public health restrictions starting on February 14th. It's the cresting of the Omicron wave and all of the work Nova Scotians have done in the past two years that will see us eventually living free of pandemic restrictions.
There are still a lot of people tilting at windmills when we're nearing the end of a real battle. This is why I don't read the comments of those who aren't truly listening to what I and the science have been saying.
Who do you think will be claiming victory when it is time to unravel the public health restrictions? Let's give the credit to the ones who deserve it; the vaccinated.
You know how some people have been complaining about their "freedom" and the on-going pandemic? Those are definitely not the members of the Canadian Women's Olympic hockey team.
A lot of people are complaining about the government. And a lot of those Canadians have long toes.
One of the demands of the people involved in the trucker's protest was for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to resign. It turns out another political leader has fallen, in part because of what's behind the Freedom Convoy.
I'm having the feeling that we've been here before. And it feels just like it did a decade ago when power rates were political. Maybe it's different this time.
Will honking air horns and jammed streets change public health policy? Or will a legal argument presented by hundreds of lawyers sway policy makers? Both situations are playing out right now as we long for an end to the pandemic.
Organizers of the event called Operation Bear Hug Ottawa say they aren't giving up. But many of the people who showed up on Parliament Hill on Saturday, have left the area. So what's next? What about the millions of dollars in donations? The ending is still being written.
Canadian Music Legend Neil Young has been dropped from the streaming service Spotify after issuing an ultimatum. He was reacting to allegations of COVID misinformation being disseminated by Comedian and Podcast Host Joe Rogan. And as much as I hate to admit, there was a time I enjoyed Rogan's work.
It's starting to sounds like a Canadian version of the assault in Washington on January 6th 2021. Former NHL'er Theo Fleury went on Fox News to describe himself as a Patriot fighting for his freedoms in this revolution called the Freedom Convoy. And I'm afraid the reaction to this movement is feeding it. What happens when they don't get their way?
There's lots of talk today about mental health and mental wellness. And if you are really interested in making a difference, you shouldn't be focusing on hashtags and corporate campaigns. It's about being present for the people who are struggling and who need you all year, and not just on one day in January.
Statistically, very few Nova Scotians will appeal their residential property assessment. That's the value assigned by the not-for-profit, non-government agency Property Valuation Services Corp. But with the real estate and renovation boom since the start of the pandemic, even status quo municipal tax rates will be an increase to your tax bill.
Freedom rallies and highway protests are in the news across the country. I'm glad there are people supporting the men and women delivering our food and other products. I just don't think this will deliver us to the end of the pandemic any faster.
It would seem a lot of us have a love hate relationship with social media these days. But I'm starting to see there's a way for us to maintain communities, even when we have to be socially distant because of a pandemic. It's a mixed blessing.
Some people are complaining about the posts clogging up their timeline. But others are finding a lot of satisfaction and a supportive community in a simple online word game. And it's a welcome distraction from the pandemic.
Opposition members are worried Tim Houston is about to take a page out of former premier Stephen McNeil's playbook and forgo debate in the Provincial Legislature. This comes as Public Accounts moves away from in person meetings based on Doctor Strang's advice. But many are asking, if schools are safe, why shouldn't MLA's be allowed to be together in the same room?
It's been a wild start to the new year with all of the storms. And there's a battle brewing with people blaming public health policies for empty store shelves across Nova Scotia. But to me, it's a bit of a stretch to blame everything on one thing.
Whether it's a world-famous tennis star, or a house party that's one person over the limit, people are quick to point out the ones not following the rules. And hopefully we'll all be able to find normal soon and this will all be a memory.
As challenging as it's been for all of us since the start of the pandemic, there's evidence for optimism. Vaccines are working even with an increase in people being hospitalized right now.
The ways we consume our media may be changing. But it's still important to inform and to speak truth to power. And we saw that happen this week over a racially charged hockey story from PEI.
Quebec is the first province to enact a health surcharge for citizens who refuse the vaccine and end up in hospital with COVID. It's a move supported by a majority of Canadians according to a recent opinion poll. Is this really the way to motivate the hesitant?
Imagine being in a tent overnight trying to keep warm during minus 15 degree temperatures. It seems like all levels of government want to get credit for addressing homelessness, but none wants to take direct responsibility for fixing the problem.
In the early days of the pandemic, our case numbers in Nova Scotia were so low, there were people saying it must be a hoax because no one knew anyone with COVID. With this latest variant, that's changing in a big way.
In this age of social media, everyone has a platform to share their thoughts with the world. But not all opinions are created equal.
Expect a lot of news coverage on the anniversary of the incident on Capitol Hill in Washington DC. And for me, the violent event set the tone for the rest of 2021 and the pandemic protesters.
Pierre Trudeau had his infamous "Walk in the snow". Iain Rankin apparently had his quiet Christmas with his wife and new daughter. And sometimes the truest sign of strong leadership, is knowing when to step aside.
Even with record case counts of the latest viral infections, there's a space for optimism in the year ahead. And hopefully, it's one where the conversation about a pandemic isn't drowning everything else out.
It hasn't been easy with the pandemic hanging over us for most of the last two years. But maybe we can look for the good in each other (and ourselves) to help get us to the end of this journey.
I guess we got a bit of insight into why the former Liberal Government used to make surprise public health announcements. But I hope the current Progressive Conservatives are ready to step up to help the food services industry that paid a price days before the new rules came into effect.
We've had a lot to deal with over the past few years. And it seems like we'll be dealing with another Christmas with pandemic restrictions. And my thoughts are that more of us (men) should be pitching in to make it a lot merrier for the women in our lives.
It's hard not to agree with the Premier's comments at the end of the latest public COVID briefing. And it's not hard to see what happens when we act like there is no pandemic.
In our car-centric society, it's easy to forget there are others who use wheels to get around. And for those people with mobility issues, they are feeling forgotten with the delays in clearing sidewalks and intersections after a major snow storm. But it makes it better for all of us when we make it easier for people in wheelchairs.
It's not a complete about face, but it is something that I'm struggling with. One municipality is asking the Nova Scotia government to make vaccinations mandatory for all volunteer firefighters in the province. I have a feeling there's only one way that will end. And it's not a good outcome for a service that is already struggling to find and keep members.
Public health officials in Nova Scotia are suggesting we stick close to home over the holidays. But what if your home is a tent?
Another weather event is moving in, and there's a chance it will be coming just as some people get their power restored from the wind and rain storm overnight. There's currently a hearing underway that has the parent company of Nova Scotia Power asking to charge ratepayers 1.7 Billion dollars for the Maritime Link project. Let's hope the powers-that-be stick to their earlier position of protecting ratepayers until they get what they were promised.
Quite a few people have been posting pictures of their decorated Christmas trees. It's a but early for me, but I'm certainly hoping to get a bit of the spirit of the season soon. And waiting to pick out the "perfect" tree seems to have become part of our family tradition.
Perspective is everything. And I don't know if I would have been as gracious and grateful as Stephanie Purcell and her family in the face of a difficult time. But I do thank her and her late father Ralph for helping me see that we shouldn't wait for people to pass to celebrate their life, or ours.
Trust is defined as"the firm belief in the character, strength, or truth of someone or something. And there are those among us who don't trust the people who are advising us throughout this global pandemic. And that's a tough pill for me to swallow.
The first snow of the season is a wonder. As in I wonder how many people don't have their snow tires on yet? And there was something the now semi-retired News Anchor Steve Murphy told me about "fake news" that has me asking for three minutes of your time to listen to this.
If you think back to the jobs you left, what was the biggest reason? I've often said, the amount of pay you receive is proportional to the amount of grief or discomfort you'll tolerate. And that's creating a real issue that is affecting our aging parents and grandparents.
It's the latest variant of concern. And scientists and authorities around the planet are taking steps to monitor and control the spread of the Omicron variant of Corona Virus. And experts will tell you their message hasn't changed. We need to do a better job of getting everyone vaccinated, not just the people in the richest countries.
Another variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus has scientists worried about the ongoing efforts in the global pandemic. And while Doctor Strang mentioned how he'd like to be able to help everyone keep free of the virus, he pointed out the path forward to a life without restrictions. And it includes the newly available vaccines for children.
Last February, former Premier Stephen McNeil took some time after his last cabinet meeting to thank Geoff MacLellan for his time as a Liberal MLA and Cabinet Minister. At one point in his political career, there was talk that he may some day run for the leadership. Today, MacLellan made his return to the public stage next to Premier Tim Houston.
Traditionally, people who consider themselves politically conservative advocate for smaller governments with less influence on their lives. But when there are disasters or other major challenges (like a pandemic) there's a place for leadership and the use of public resources including money. But I'm not the only one who thinks that shouldn't apply to helping build a golf course on protected land.
According to Statistics Canada, the annual inflation rate is almost at five percent. But it's not affecting everything equally, any more than it's affecting each of us the same way. And with higher food, energy and housing costs, maybe we need to look for a new way to help the people with fixed or pension income.
There are times when it's a challenge to make sense of what's happening with our neighbour to the south. And with the saturation of our news media by stories out of the United States, it's easy to become overwhelmed by the acts of violence and division. But you can always find people who are willing to help, if you look for them.
It's the return of the Parade of Lights in Halifax this weekend. And I was thinking back to the holidays of my childhood and the memories we create for others.
As much as I know this will likely kick off a torrent of comments from the anti-vax cabal, so be it. Thank you Doctor Strang and Premier Houston for calling out the behaviour of the petulant, selfish Nova Scotians who aren't carrying their share of the work to end this pandemic.
It's not just annoying. I almost didn't answer my cell phone the other day because I was sure it was going to be one of those scam calls. The agency that regulates the service in Canada, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission, estimates more than 1 in 4 cellphone calls in this country are robocalls. And there's now some pressure on the providers to fix this issue by the end of the month.
There's an old saying that there is a story behind every warning. And sometimes they seem like common sense. But there are new technologies and new concerns entering our lives all the time. Apparently, there isn't as much common knowledge about some dangers that are causing tragedies in our own communities.
Environmentalists and others are viewing the world through a climate change lens and the annual gift to Boston is giving people something to talk about. Some are saying we should abandon a tradition because it takes an old tree out of the forest. Others say it's only one tree and it means a lot to a lot of people. What do you say?
Someone's take is described as their attitude or opinion about a situation. And I've been asking you to spare three minutes each day as I share mine. A few things have come together recently to bring me to the one I offer you today.
An outbreak at a senior care facility in Nova Scotia has been traced back to a faith-based-gathering in the Amherst area. Not only did it affect the people who attended, it spread to other faith-based groups and the community. While officials aren't naming the group, it would seem the essential service designation may have been used as a loophole. And that's not fair to the groups that are following the rules.
I've noticed some of us are less anxious and concerned about contracting COVID as more and more Nova Scotians get vaccinated. And I've also stepped away from arguing with the hesitant or conspiracy minded crowd. But they still want to engage me to "Tell the truth about what is really happening."
The Premier stepped in it on Thursday when he was trying to defend the reasons why his government wasn't going to increase the minimum wage to 15-dollars an hour. And in the end, his critics have something to hold over him, whether or not he really thinks minimum wage jobs are real jobs.
Politicians can find themselves between a rock and a hard place when they make the move from government to opposition. It's something that can open them up to criticism if people feel their words don't match their own record. And it's even more challenging when that transition happened just a few months ago.
Some cellphones accidentally set the time back an hour this morning, a week before the biannual switching for Daylight Saving Time. And as I get older, I can see both the reasons for and against the practice. But it's less about gaining or losing an hour of sleep as I get older.
With Halloween this Sunday, there will be lots of opportunities for scares and laughs and tricks and treats. But when it comes to horror movies, not everyone is a fan. And I have a confession to make.
It was the first time since the start of the pandemic that I learned of people who had died from COVID-19 before their deaths were announced in the provincial update. And unfortunately, it's sad that those people who are vaccine hesitant, but are not public about it, are still at risk of dying.
I saw someone tweeting about the RCMP release about a missing 10-year-old, wondering why there was no public or amber alert sent out. That was about 10 minutes before one was sent. And about 6 hours after the media were alerted. Lots of people are now looking for Ashayo Johnson, and we're all hoping he's found soon and he's back with his parents in North Preston.
It's one thing to keep something to yourself at the risk of someone else being hurt. It's another to say things about people that are either untrue or uninformed. Two civil court cases are top of mind for me. One is about a Newfoundland man who didn't share threatening text messages about a woman who ended up being murdered. The other is about about an Ottawa woman who made up a story about two people in a picture that ended up getting people fired.
I was a tenant for years have only been a landlord once, and only for a brief time. The provincial government has a plan to extend the cap on rent increases to 2024 and to add a deed transfer tax for out of province buyers. And on top of it all, the increase in energy prices has to be factored in for both renters and landlords.
Now that more people are heading back to the office, traffic is getting thicker and so are some of the drivers. And more accidents are leading to a vicious cycle of aggressive and unsafe driving. It would seem people are immune to the rules and are oblivious to the potential outcomes.
Nova Scotia has a law on the books that says the province will be inclusive and barrier free by 2030. The Accessibility Act is about reducing physical and societal barriers for disabled Nova Scotians. And this week, a major tourist attraction can now boast accessible and barrier free access to view iconic Peggy's Cove. That's good for people with disabilities and even the people who were protesting the construction last winter.
Sometimes my curiosity gets the better of me. I had a chance encounter with Jeff Fillmore who was just about finished a personal journey of self-reflection and mental wellness. He was just a few hours and a few days from completing his 15-month walk across Canada, from BC to Bridgewater. And he's shown that sometimes you can go home, even after 26 years.
There were two political stories that the opposition Liberals grabbed onto this week. One was the oddly hypocritical stand in support of fixed election dates, but not for summer elections. The other was the admission that the former government didn't do enough about the homeless situation. And both speak to the opportunity for politicians to listen and learn.
I've heard a lot of politicians make promises and offer apologies over the years. But this is one of the first times where action came so quickly. In opposition, Tim Houston was in favour of fixed date elections and other policies. And this week he appointed Dwayne Provo to the role of associate deputy minister for the Office of African Nova Scotian Affairs. And there are other promises to keep too Mister Premier.
The Speech from the Throne is the government's opportunity to share its vision for the upcoming legislative session. And there's a lot of hope and optimism about the future for addressing the health care issues facing the province. Hope is good. But it's not enough.
For the past 20 months, holiday and family gatherings have been impacted and limited by social bubbles and physical distancing. And now that we're getting closer to living our lives with fewer restrictions, there's a lot to look forward to and to be thankful for.
It's hard to escape the impact a global pandemic has had on our daily lives. There are other things happening that aren't about passports, vaccines and case numbers. Right?
3.5-Billion users around the world were affected by the six hour outage of Facebook, Instagram, Messenger and WhatsApp on Monday, October 4th. And it also affected Facebook's bottom line with Mark Zuckerberg losing about 7-billion dollars. This is happening just as a former company executive is sounding the alarm on how dangerous social media is, and how it all comes down to the trolls.
Some people are erroneously claiming they are being discriminated against because they don't want to get the COVID-19 vaccination. And while most of us don't have to be told to be kind by Doctor Strang, it's likely a tough ask of these Facebook epidemiologists and social media constitutional experts.
Public health officials and political leaders have been calling this now a pandemic of the unvaccinated. Starting Monday, you will need to show you've had both shots to be able to do non-essential things in Nova Scotia as part of a modified Phase Five. By the end of November, vaccines will be mandatory for some workers in the province. And it's clear patience is running out for conspiracy theorists and anti-vaxxers and their excuses. And I'm fine with that.
The Mi'kmaw Native Friendship Centre has been working for a year to prepare for the next three days of activity on the Halifax Waterfront. They are recognizing Orange Shirt Day, Treaty Day and a Family Day. It's being called an opportunity to share Mi'kmaq culture as we continue on the journey to reconcile the impact of the Residential schools. And on this inaugural National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, we should all listen and learn.
One of the many things I've learned over the decades, is that the opposition parties are always more likely to accept an invitation to an interview than the government. But it's always been important to be respectful and decent when speaking truth to power, and to those who want to gain that power.
Up until today, the only information being disclosed on COVID-19 cases in Nova Scotia schools has been coming from a group of volunteers. Nova Scotia Parents for Public Education has been urging government to include affected schools on its list of exposure sites. And now that government has agreed to at least disclose how many schools are impacted, there's the other issues of masks in classrooms and what will happen when we move into the next phase of reopening.
Is this the result of pent up frustration over restrictions, or a culture of over consumption? As parents and community, it may be disappointing to see university students partying in the streets and gathering in huge numbers. And while we've learned to ease them into life behind the wheel, we do little to encourage responsible consumption.
Every once and awhile, my faith in social media can be restored with a post that stands out because of its kind and empathetic tone. And that happened this week with the story from a woman who lost her dog when she was hit by a car. This is the story of Elizabeth and her dog Emily.
The Fourth Estate is as much a part of our democracy as the politicians who run for office and make the laws that guide our lives. And when it comes to speaking truth to power, there's something to be said about being fair, balanced and respectful. And that's a perfect description of Steve Murphy.
After a spike in COVID-19 cases, Nova Scotia decided to hold off on moving into Phase 5 of reopening to coincide with a proof of vaccination policy. It was to give people time to get their shots if they hadn't already. And FOMO - fear of missing out - seems to be inspiring some people as we join other provinces with similar policies.
After 36 days and 610-million dollars, we now have almost exactly the same seat distribution in a minority House of Commons. And that had me wondering what the lessons are for the party leaders, and for voters.
It wasn't the size of the crowd of protesters that was the problem, but rather it was where they hose to protest that prompted Premier Tim Houston to release a statement on Friday evening. And he got it right when he called out the selfish, childish behaviour of these people throwing public temper tantrums and directing them towards the wrong people.
I'm okay with the "fan mail" as my co-worker Kate Walker describes it. These commentaries are a way for me to work through and make sense of what I'm seeing and hearing in the news and in the world around us. But there are times when divergent opinions in a pandemic don't hold any water.
A protest outside of a Halifax hospital this week came a day before the Health Authority announced surgeries and other procedures were being cancelled because of capacity issues. And there's also pressure on the system because of the spike in COVID cases among the unvaccinated. You're entitled to your own opinion, but not your own facts.
Nova Scotia has delayed the move into Phase 5 and the full removal of COVID restrictions. Outbreaks in several communities in the province have caused our case numbers to spike and Doctor Strang to pump the brakes on reopening. And most of the new cases involve the unvaccinated. I'm trying to be fair when I say this was the right decision because of some of the choices people are making in a pandemic.
With reports of community spread and cases in schools, COVID numbers in Nova Scotia are going the wrong way as we are looking at reopening and ending most public health measures. Nova Scotia is looking to enter Phase Five with 75 percent of the population fully vaccinated. We aren't there yet and we shouldn't be taking off our masks unless we want regressive, instead of progressive guidance.
We've been told to expect life to start returning to normal, post-pandemic. And even though we're heading to Phase 5 of reopening later this week, Nova Scotians are still worried about the virus and its spread. And as cautious and conservative as the rules have been, protesting outside of hospitals and fighting public health rules are just holding back the normal.
The majority may rule, but the people who are against vaccines and vaccine passports are not happy with the rules. Nova Scotia is heading towards a reopening based on the science, but the way it's being introduced is not bringing us any closer to respecting Doctor Strang's wishes to keep this from dividing us.
It turns out Nova Scotia's government is using a combination of stick and carrot as we head towards the next phase of reopening. But what is even more impressive, is how it gives consequences to both receiving and refusing vaccinations.
We still have 15-thousand Nova Scotians who need to be fully vaccinated with two shots before we can enter Phase 5 of the reopening. I have doubts that we'll reach that target on September 15th and am waiting to see if Premier Houston goes with a carrot or a stick to get us to that next level of "freedom" from restrictions.
Campaign rhetoric is not new to Canadian politics. But the ways people have been showing their displeasure with Justin Trudeau has taken a turn in the past few days. And while some voters are trying to find out who and what to vote for, politicians should perhaps offer more of that than the negative mudslinging about who and what people should vote against.
He's been a fixture on the radio in the Maritimes for almost five decades. Here are a few words on Rick Howe's retirement.
It would be a tall order to expect the new Premier to appoint a member of the opposition to cabinet, especially in a majority government. But saying you are listening to the African Nova Scotian community is not good enough. Actions speak louder than words as they say.
Premier Tim Houston has his new team in place now that his 19 member cabinet has been sworn in. And just like the first of the school year, he's making impressions on the first day of class.
When it seems like you'll never achieve your life or career dreams, maybe it's a sign that you've given up on yourself. Maybe it's just like the 80's song by Journey told us, Don't Stop Believing.
The Members of the Legislative Assembly will be sworn in today and tomorrow we find out who will form the Cabinet in the Tim Houston Progressive Conservative Government. The promise to fix health care is a big task and I hope the prescription the new government will enact will also include a few second opinions from the people already in the system.
There are too many negative things to talk about these days. And as I used to say, no one ever called a newsroom I was working in to report they'd heard applause or laughter and wanted to know what was happening. There was some good news this week, after an apparent set back for a small, rural Nova Scotia Fire Department. And that's the story I wanted to share with you today.
Back-to-back provincial and federal elections may lead to voter fatigue or apathy. And I've noticed how people who make partisan and personal posts on politician's pages are just like people who pick their nose while they're driving. And I have a few thoughts on engaging in democratic discourse and dealing with internet trolls.
I've gone through close to 150 comments on the Chronicle Herald Facebook page about the story of a man who couldn't get his vanity license plate renewed. And a few things are obvious to me about the responses to Nicole Munro's story. And maybe license plates aren't the only place we should be arguing against freedom of expression.
The back to school plan has been announced. And so has the possible date we'll be heading into the Fifth Phase of reopening. I see this still as a carrot moving into the middle of September, but there are good things in the plan, including support for kids who will still want to wear their masks.
A member of the same party that was proposing a law to censor internet content was flagged in a post on Twitter. And Chrystia Freeland and the Liberals are defending the post and doubling down on the criticism about Conservative Leader Erin O'Toole and health care. And all of this makes me miss Jack Layton.
How did helping the homeless lead to tearing down their tents and temporary shelters? And when Police Officers justify their use of force because people were showing up with water and milk, we need to give them different tools for their belt.
It would be an understatement to say there have been mixed messages over how Halifax Regional Municipality has been dealing with people who have no permanent home. And I'm sure as much as the communications team would like us to listen to the flowery language about dignity, human rights and compassion, the actions of police send a different message.
Winning an election on a promise to fix health care comes at a huge price. The question now, is how Premier Designate Tim Houston and the Progressive Conservatives will deliver on that and the other platform planks.
With the Provincial Election campaign about to be decided, you can now start paying attention to the Federal Election. And unlike in Nova Scotia, you can count on mandatory vaccines and vaccine passports being much more of an issue.
Politicians and their handlers have done all they could and now it's up to voters like you and me to decide who will be premier of the next government. As political experts know, campaigns matter. And so do mistakes when it's your election to lose.
It's easy to overlook the expertise that people gain from lived experiences. And it's sometimes even easier to feel bad for people because of their lot in life. But disability experts have been marginalized in our society, even after laws are changed and policies are challenged. It's past time that politicians listen and learn and act.
Some doctors are reporting they have compassion fatigue from dealing with patients who are vaccine hesitant or are just not convinced of the public health risks of COVID. I know how from experience how draining it can be trying to debunk and educate people who are convinced that they are the ones who know the "real truth".
Health care is always an election issue. And every party wants to assure us that they are going to be the ones to fix the problems. But when a Dartmouth man ends up laying on the ground for more than two hours waiting for an ambulance, there's a lot of things that need to be addressed.
It's the campaign promise that will likely be appealing to the people who already are fully vaccinated. But for those who are on the edge, the ones keeping us from entering Phase 5, it won't likely get their vote.
I haven't taken a sick day in years. Until this past week. And I have to say, the anxiety I had was positive, even if the COVID test results came back as negative.
Ontario has released its plan for the return of students and staff this September. But in Nova Scotia, we are in the midst of a summer election campaign and no one is talking about what will happen here. And even with a new government about to be elected, regardless of the party that wins, there's not much time to get ready for a new school year.
More and more jurisdictions are easing their COVID restrictions as more of the population gets vaccinated. And when it comes to Nova Scotia, it's more of a slow and steady return to the way things were before the pandemic.
Sometimes we don't say what we mean and we don't get a chance to clarify. That happened to me in a meeting earlier this week. When it comes to female athletes, their clothing and their mental health, some of us need to step back, shut up and listen.
The first televised debate of the Nova Scotia election campaign won't likely sway anyone from their political position. And in the end, I can see us with a minority government after it all wraps up on August 17th.
The Nova Scotia General Election is less than three weeks away. And so far it's been a pretty low key affair with very few people I know who are actually paying attention. Are you?
People like me who got their vaccine were hoping it would help end the pandemic. But for a small percentage of society, they say it's their right to refuse. Maybe we should just give them what they were asking for in the beginning.
Most Canadians support vaccine passports for large events in their province. And it's even more relevant for us now that mandatory masks and other health measures are being eased in parts of the Maritimes. I have a simple way to figure out how I'll be responding to people without asking them about their vaccination status.
France is looking to have people prove they have been vaccinated or have had a negative test result in order to attend public events. And with vaccination rates slowing, some are suggesting that might be a way to nudge the vaccine hesitant people along. And I think that might be a good idea until we get herd immunity.
There's a famous quote that there's no place for the state in the bedrooms of the nation. And the story of a Dartmouth woman who was forced to step aside as the Liberal candidate shows how there are still conversations that need to be had.
If the first five days are any indication, the partisan followers will be digging dirt and flinging mud for the rest of the election campaign. And it won't surprise me if people tune out, even more than usual.
Social media has apparently scuttled the hopes of one candidate in the first few days of the Nova Scotia general election. And there are calls for another to be removed. But both are suggesting the Liberals and Progressive Conservatives had the information in question prior to them entering the race. What does this say about the attempts at attracting a new generation of candidates? (Note, a previous version of this article incorrectly stated the PC candidate had been removed. I regret the error.)
Like it or not, you'll be seeing and hearing from politicians for the next four weeks now that the general election campaign is underway. And when he made the call over the weekend, Liberal Leader Iain Rankin wasn't wrong when he said it was the worst kept secret in the province. And I'm thinking it was the second-worst kept secret.
It's been unlike anything any of us have experienced in our lifetime. And dealing with the challenges of the public health restrictions has brought out the best and worst in some people. I thought instead of dwelling on the negative, we should take some time to recognize the positive. And that includes people who are helping others as a way of thriving instead of just surviving.
Another day closer to the provincial election with another government announcement. Premier Iain Rankin says the spending and programs have nothing to do with the pending vote. And he claims he'll catch up to the aggressive campaigning of the other parties when it's time. I think we all know the game when we see it and who is leading that race.
Nova Scotian are now entering the fourth phase of the reopening plan that includes full capacity and regular hours at restaurants and other businesses. And there's a lesson I learned in a recent post from a couple who were served a teachable moment. How would you react if your meal was missed? This family shared some of the wisdom they've taken away from the last year and a half of the pandemic.
Nova Scotia has opened it's first drop in vaccination clinic for people over 18 for their first or second shot. And while access and availability can get us closer to herd immunity, some people are going to refuse to take a shot. How are we going to balance that with the easing of restrictions? Some jurisdictions have offered prizes or other incentives. France told its health care workers to get a shot by fall, or miss out on doing things. Maybe we should just let the majority decide.
A woman from Ontario is complaining about being turned away from a South Shore Resort because of their policy to only allow guests from Atlantic Canada. There are a few other details of the story that had me thinking about the reopening plans as we have more people vaccinated. And there are other reasons why I think this private company knows exactly what most of its guests are looking for beyond the bunnies and the beaches.
Sometimes you need to take a moment and reflect and reevaluate things after a life changing event. And if COVID taught me anything, it's that there are some things from the past 15 months that I may want to see continue into the future.
All of the signs are pointing to a summer election in Nova Scotia. And traditionally, governing parties in democracies without fixed date elections know incumbents have a advantage if the turnout is lower. Who are the real losers if fewer than one out of two voters even bother to show up?
I'm seeing a few people reporting side effects from both of their vaccinations and others are are anxious about getting the shot because of that. Maybe the people who had no adverse affects should be speaking up to help the ones who may be vaccine hesitant.
Premier Iain Rankin chose to make an announcement about his past behaviour during the COVID briefing on Monday. What we didn't hear was something Doctor Robert Strang has been talking about for years. That there is a culture of over-drinking in Nova Scotia.
More Nova Scotians are re-booking their second vaccination up to a couple of months earlier than originally scheduled. And that's bringing us closer to candidate door-knocking and a provincial election call.
I think we are truly on a path to Truth and Reconciliation. Five years after Gord Downie of the Tragically Hip urged us all to do better, I believe we are moving towards the Canada we need to be if we want to be Treaty People.
With the additional vaccination clinics and extended hours, a lot of people are happy to be receiving their second shot. And I'm also looking forward to being fully vaccinated in two weeks, after I get my second dose later today. I'm warning you in advance that I'll be joining the thousands who are pleased to share the proof.
Do you feel with all the questions about Canada and its historical record, it would be best to cancel Canada Day this year? Would your answer today be different than it was last year? Or how about last week? That's why some people are taking issue with the results of a poll that says the vast majority of Canadians disagree with the movement.
Last week's announcement of the discovery of remains at the site of a former Residential School in Saskatchewan had me thinking back on my first Canada Day memories. And there is a lot to take away from the words and challenge from First Nations Chief Cadmus Delorme.
The puck has taken a few strange bounces but it's hard to say who will get the win. If this week was any indication, we're in for a rock 'em, sock 'em series in the sport of politics in Nova Scotia.
The pending provincial election was likely behind a lot of the political theatre we saw in Nova Scotia this week. But for a Progressive Conservative leader, there was only one option for Tim Houston. And today he took it.
There's a lot of anger and frustration following the easing of travel restrictions in Atlantic Canada. And it would seem there's a lack of clarity on a few important issues surrounding the protesters and the blockade at the New Brunswick Nova Scotia border.
There's a lot of optimism after the announcement that there were no new cases of COVID in the Maritimes yesterday. The province also noted the 800-thousandth dose was administered. With with the military setting up a vaccination clinic at the Halifax Convention Center this week and a plan for all of us to get a second shot by the end of August, there's lots to be thankful for.
There's lots to be thankful for; a second vaccine appointment and new and active COVID cases dropping. We can also be thankful for the chance to celebrate Peace and Friendship and more education on National Indigenous People's Day.
Nova Scotia Premier Iain Rankin says he was caught off guard with New Brunswick's decision to reopen its border to all Canadians. We know how you feel Premier.
What would you do if you lost a child to illness? It's the type of situation no one imagines but it's the tragedy that one family is dealing with. And I would hope the passing of Kai Matthew's will help others in the future.
The booking site for people to be able to get their second COVID vaccination crashed earlier this week because of the demand. I think we're all looking forward to a summer like no other. Or at least one that's nothing like last year's.
US Comedian Bill Maher has his thoughts on the "woke left" of today when it comes to cancel culture and systemic racism. For some, it's the inability to recognize the progress that's been made over a generation, in spite of the evidence. It doesn't mean we can't do better.
With Nova Scotia about to lift some restrictions as we enter the second phase of reopening, some workers are hoping for a hybrid workspace. And if we have a chance to reduce our eliminate our commute to work, what will that do for employers?
There's a lot of pressure on the Nova Scotia government to push along the reopening plans before the summer tourism season. In spite of the economic challenges, I just don't see Premier Rankin writing another cheque that can't be cashed because of the epidemiology.
A lot of people are sharing their memories of Theodore Too as the life-size tug with the big red hat leaves for its new home in Ontario. Mine are about the people behind the project and the impact it had on my family.
Halifax council has voted unanimously to change the name of a park that had previously recognized Halifax Founder Edward Cornwallis. With this comes the end of a decades long fight by author and Mi'kmaq Elder Dan Paul over the former Governor's place in our present based on his past.
CancelCanadaDay was trending on twitter after the discovery of the remains of 215 First Nations children at a former Residential School in BC. How do we get a grip on our past and our present?
He was known as the man who gave the gas predictions every week. But he was also a loving father, grandfather and devoted Habs fan. We should all be so lucky as to embrace life like George Murphy did.
An online petition is calling for a Halifax-based magazine to remove 911 audio recordings from the night of the Portapique massacre from its website. There's a difference between supporting the right to know, and doing the right thing.
A team captured the moment when Nova Scotia administered the 600-thousandth COVID-19 vaccine earlier today. There are often communication challenges when it comes to government policy and direction. And as good as things look in our province, there are some issues no one is willing to talk about.
In spite of the anxiety over the potential side-effects of AstraZeneca vaccines, things are looking up. According to real world studies and research out of Dalhousie University, having two different types of vaccine might actually give some of us the best of both worlds.
Uncertainty has been a way of life since the start of the Global Pandemic 15 months ago. Even though some people are critical of the decisions and reversal of some of the announcements, the numbers don't lie.
The disturbing discovery of the remains of 215 First Nations children at a former Residential School in BC has upset many people around the world. But the Missing Children were already a disturbing part of our Canadian history.
What are you hoping to hear from Premier Iain Rankin and Doctor Strang? Some of the restrictions are expected to be lifted soon after the third wave of Coronavirus in Nova Scotia. What's on your menu?
It's hard not to see the effect the public health orders have had on slowing the current spread of Coronavirus. But it's also understandable that some self-starters are seeing a different threat from the lockdown.
An opinion poll from the Angus Reid Institute suggests most of us would agree to a vaccine passport for travelling internationally and between the US and Canada. But what is less clear is a consensus on mandatory vaccines for public events and even your current work space. I'm not alone when I say I miss live entertainment.
COVID-19 hit close to home with a friend announcing he's in hospital and is being treated. While Asif Illyas recovers, he wants more protection for front line workers who are helping others, but putting their own families at risk.
Mental health statistics will tell us there are many who are struggling right now. And the hardest thing to know is that there are people who aren't able to ask for the help they need.
It doesn't have the same snap as Stephen McNeil's catchphrase of "Stay the Blazes Home". But Doctor Strang isn't fooling around when it comes to the Victoria Day long weekend and the spread of COVID-19.
We're learning asymptomatic testing and the severe restrictions are playing a part in slowing the spread of COVID-19 in this third wave. And not all lessons are easy to learn.
Huge container ships and a spirited sign war. What can we find when we stop our doom-scrolling?
A year ago today, we were also in a pandemic lock down. And it's hard to believe it was also the day we lost Captain Jennifer Casey.
What do "No mow May" and the Freedom Protests have in common? Sometimes doing nothing is the best chance we have.
I have had only minor criticisms of Public Health throughout the pandemic during the past year. But after the announcement about AstraZeneca on May 12th, I'll say what Dr. Strang hasn't.
Lots of chatter and excitement about the Leafs and the Habs in the Stanley Cup playoffs. But fighting back against the pandemic is a bigger "sport" that has spawned some strange pivots.
As we all lean into the second massive lock down in this third wave of Coronavirus, it's easy to forget we're all in this together.
As the Nova Scotia wave three lock down continues, there are people claiming the rule followers are wrong for following the herd. But we know how that works for zebras and why blending in can make all of the difference when it comes to survival.
As the positive case count continues to hit new records and anti-lockdown protestors are planning more rallies, I'm optimistic. And a chewing gum commercial is a great source for inspiration.
Doctor Strang and the Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness didn't do much to help us sort out the mixed messages about AstraZeneca and the mRNA vaccines. Telling people to discuss it with their health provider or pharmacist didn't help the two people who died from COVID this week.
It's so easy to be sure of everything when it's so easy to find people who agree with you. And for COVID deniers and free speech advocates, we sometimes have to know that we just don't know everything.
The agency tasked with giving advice on immunization in Canada is delivering mixed messages when it comes to AstraZeneca and the so-called preferred vaccines. But isn't the reward still greater than the risk?
It's a hyper-aggressive social media moment where we just can't accept opinions that differ from our own. While people can be upset when it threatens herd immunity, I say let's just stay physically distanced if we can't agree on the basics.
People between the ages of 40 and 54 are now allowed to apply for an appointment to get the AstraZeneca COVID vaccine. And as of this morning, I am booked for my shot.
In the midst of the largest transmission of Coronavirus in Nova Scotia, Premier Iain Rankin is being criticized for the cancellation of the Women's World Hockey Championship. I'm sorry Cassie Campbell-Pascall, no apology is necessary.
It's going to take hard work to get our case count back down to where it was before the third wave. And with the military and others volunteering to help with testing, maybe we should ask the non-believers to step up.
We could hit a daily count of 200 positive cases a day before the public health circuit breakers start to make a difference. The variants are more contagious and the vaccines are going to help, but we need to focus on our circle to get things under control.
Our third wave hasn't crested yet and more restrictions are likely as public health officials try and keep Coronavirus from spreading any further. And in spite of anti-lock down protests and pandemic fatigue, most Nova Scotians are more than happy to follow the rules.
Once again we are facing dramatic actions by public health to stop the spread of the coronavirus. Stopping the negativity from spreading is much bigger challenge.
There are stories of variants of concern, community spread and asymptomatic testing in the news today. And the front line in the fight against COVID-19 is moving from the hospitals into our neighbourhoods.
Almost three decades after the police officers who beat Rodney King were acquitted of using excessive force, a jury convicted former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin of killing George Floyd. And we can give credit to the unblinking eye of cameras for helping the rest of us see what's been happening to some members of some communities.
While the Federal Government introduced its first budget since being elected in 2019, the Nova Scotia budget passed on the final day of the Spring Sitting. Let's talk about who has the power in an election budget.
One year later and families are still grieving and processing the loss of their loved ones. And there is a great opportunity for empathy and compassion as the healing happens.
Policing is difficult. And so is being Black when it comes to interacting with them. And Police leadership is taking responsibility and action when it comes to addressing systemic racism.
Most of us are ready to get our vaccine as soon as possible. And that's even with the media stories about potential side effects with some of the particular manufacturers. Narrative Research asked Maritimers about that, their hesitancy and their satisfaction or not with the pace of the government roll-out.
What used to be described as "erring on the side of caution" has become "happening out of an abundance of caution". And the decision in March to have a quasi-bubble was an error based on hope.
When Kenzie Thornhill posted an image of another student wearing a t-shirt promoting rape culture, she was suspended from school and was threatened with a charge of cyberbullying. That has since been overturned, but aren't we missing a teachable moment here?
Even with the increase in cases over the past few weeks, Nova Scotians are faring well when it comes to keeping safe from COVID-19. The willingness of so many people to get tested shows over the weekend shows a tremendous community spirit even with the low case count.
Nova Scotia has done a much more successful job at controlling the spread of COVID 19 than other provinces. What is the proper balance of democratic process and the powers under the State of Emergency when it comes to housing issues?
It will take months, if not years before council gets a report on an independent review of the integrated policing model in Halifax Regional Municipality. Let's give them credit for keeping this conversation going.
Being COVID negative is taking on an entirely different meaning a year into the pandemic. It's not a surprise given the sacrifices and struggles people have been dealing with, but we were warned this might happen.
Some of you may have had several COVID tests already. I just had my second. Full credit to public health staff for making it easy and (relatively) pain free. Too bad the same can't be said for people trying to get their COVID Vaccine.
More than half of the 20 new COVID cases reported by public health over the Easter weekend were outside of HRM. Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia's chief medical officer of health urged us on Friday not to become complacent. A good lesson for all of us.
Description - A Halifax school is removing the name of Canada's first Prime Minister in the spirit of reconciliation. Some critics are calling this cancel culture, claiming if we don't learn from history, we're doomed to repeat it. I say, they are only partially correct.
There's a perception that police are investigating police when matters are referred to the Serious Incident Response Team. Nova Scotia put a retired judge in charge of the team but still relies on seconded officers to carry out investigations. Would following BC's model alter the perception?
Twice yesterday I heard comments in the media defending the actions of police officers saying they were just doing what they were trained to do. One was in a statement from the union representing Halifax Police officers and the other was the lawyer defending the former police officer accused of killing George Floyd.
Halifax Police Chief Dan Kinsella has put an officer on administrative duties after an incident captured on cellphone became public over the weekend. How does this square with the apologies, marches and the public stand by HRP on the Black Lives Matter movement?
It turns out the leak of budget information was exactly what the government wanted us to know. But there is still a mystery about the fees on the province's only toll highway and when, if ever, they'll be removed.
Are you on the edge of your seat waiting for the latest details from the Nova Scotia budget? Me neither, but I am part of the budget lockup. And a person "with knowledge of the document" already leaked everything the government wanted us to hear.
Nova Scotia's government held two contradictory positions on the environment this week. Iain Rankin held firm on the cleanup of Boat Harbour but backed off on the Biodiversity Act. Don't we deserve to know why?
We're at the bottom of the list when it comes to getting our population with at least one shot of the COVID-19 vaccination. But it's not the only story I wanted to talk about, given the latest from Northern Pulp and the cleanup of Boat Harbour.
According to Dr. Strang "all of our emergency first responders who have the potential to be first on scene for a medical event, whether they're police, fire, paramedics, are going to be treated the same in terms of their access to vaccination." I say there are 7-thousand people who aren't being given the same access.
An internal medicine resident in Halifax had an uncomfortable interaction with a patient recently. He refused treatment from her saying he wanted a white doctor. Her reaction speaks volumes about the culture in health care.
We're not at a record high, but experts are telling us to brace for another increase at the pumps. So is anyone else wondering how they decide how much to charge us?
Halifax born Elliot Page made a huge impact when he came out publicly as trans last December. And this week, he is featured on the cover of TIME magazine. Why is this a big deal?
Immunology experts say concerns over potential side effects of the AstraZeneca vaccine are a sign the system of checks and balances is working. The key to community immunity is taking the first shot offered.
It's been an adjustment since we were told to physically distance and wear masks in public to reduce the spread of a virus. And the light at the end of the tunnel is shining brighter, even with the darkness still surrounding some of us.
Legislators are introducing a law to make it more difficult for people to impersonate police officers. Some of what is being proposed is already policy with law enforcement. What are the bigger questions that need to be asked to avoid another Portapique?
It was exactly one year ago today that the World Health Organization declared SARS-COV-2 a global pandemic. Scientists, public health officials and the rest of us have learned a lot about the virus, and ourselves.
It doesn't directly affect our day-to-day lives, but the Monarchy has its fingerprints all over areas of our society, and its fingers in our collective wallet. Harry and Meghan have me thinking about why we all may want to step away from the institution.
Government says it will be enacting most of the recommendations in a report from a US consultant on emergency medical services. While we were waiting for the 2019 report to be released, wait times have gotten worse for paramedics and their patients.
We are almost a full year into dealing with the pandemic but it's an interview with Harry and Meghan that people are talking about. The most interesting part for me was in people's reactions to the Oprah interview.
Dog lovers are a passionate breed. But when questions are being asked about vetting animal behaviour, it can summon the internet trolls.
It was a relief to have confirmation crew members from Atlantic Destiny were back on land and would be reunited with their friends and families. But let's talk about journalism for a minute.
People are upset with the decision not to lay charges against the two RCMP officers involved in the shooting incident at the Onslow Belmont Firehall. SIRT says it's not criminal but there were challenges with the communication on that day in April 2020.
Challenges in accessing the COVID-19 vaccination website and phone number are a good thing. Octogenarians and older Nova Scotians are anxious to get their lives back as record numbers of young people are getting asymptomatic tests done.
At one point, almost two out of three employees (not laid off) were working from home. And as we wait for the roll out of vaccines for more of us, what's the new work life balance going to look like?
Trying to find the good in every story goes against our very instincts that helped us thrive as a species. But sometimes we forget how far we've come as a society, even in a pandemic.
HRM is looking to spend tax money to help make neighbourhoods safer by expanding their traffic calming measures to more city streets. But in the end, should everyone pay to slow down drivers or could photo radar be the answer?
A new cabinet with new faces and some new responsibilities for some of the former ministers. Gender parity was not possible, but it looks like a younger generation of politicians is taking over.
Halifax Transit makes it easier for people with disabilities to use their service with kneeling buses. Council is being urged to consider an On-Demand Private Accessible Transportation Service to take over from dwindling number of accessible cabs.
He's about to become the 29th Premier of Nova Scotia, but for how long? Nova Scotia is the only province without fixed date elections. Is Iain Rankin a gambler or will he try and make history but avoiding the outcomes of former premiers MacDonald, MacLellan and Cameron?
Two weeks after giving his media interviews on his exit from the premier's chair, Stephen McNeil will be holding one last COVID briefing, Who's more relieved, him or the media?
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