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We’ve been sending out these newsletters for a few months now and it’s always amazing to see how quickly the news changes. The past week in particular has been a big one; on the provincial level, after a huge amount of advocacy, the families directly affected by the tragedy of April 18/19 have finally had their voices heard and have convinced two levels of government to hold a full public inquiry.
Last week we had the outlines of a school re-opening plan which I wrote about and which has sparked a number of questions from parents, students, and teachers across the province. We are continuing to press for more details on the plan and to ensure the safety of students and teachers, and by extension their families and all of us, as we prepare to re-open schools.
The Premier and Dr. Strang have announced that as of tomorrow masks will be mandatory in all indoor public settings. More detail is below. As we prepare to live with COVID-19 for some time to come it’s important that we all accustom ourselves to following the public health protocols that stop the spread of infection: hand washing, physical distancing and mask-wearing where that isn’t possible.
The Deputy Premier gave the Province’s financial update yesterday, the details are available here, some of my reaction is here. It isn’t surprising that the government will run a deficit, but with over $600 million dollars in additional appropriations, it is certainly time that we re-introduce some form of oversight into government activity and spending. I repeat my call for legislative committees resume, and for the fall session of the Legislature to resume at the earliest possible time. Whether in person at Province House with accommodations for physical distancing or by videoconference.
Thank you to all of you who continue to reach out to my office with your questions, opinions and issues.
Kind regards,
Claudia
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When provincial Justice Minister Mark Furey and federal Public Safety Minister Bill Blair announced that the investigation into one of the most devastating massacres in Canadian history would be a review process, the response was swift and powerful. Following mass condemnation of that announcement, I’m relieved to say that the Portapique massacre will be investigated by way of a joint Federal/Provincial public inquiry.
A public inquiry empowers the panel of investigators with the powers of judges: they can issue subpoenas to people and organizations to testify, as well as compel the production of evidence. If the investigation were to have been by review process the panellists would only be responsible to provide one interim report and one final report and all other details of the investigation could be kept secret. The public inquiry process allows us to dig deep and transparently into the systemic failures that lead to these tragic events. We are still awaiting details of the terms of reference, and are advocating explicitly for a feminist lens to be included.
The push for a full inquiry came from the families of the victims, supported by Nova Scotians who will not stand for opacity around this issue. You wrote, you protested, and ultimately you were heard. I was honoured to amplify your voices where I could and am pleased with this result, as painful as it will ultimately be.
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There have been no new developments in the back-to-school plan this week. Parents and teachers are asking for clarity around the protocols and processes and they are not getting them from the government. Many of you have written and called, and this is why I made a motion in Tuesday’s Human Resources Committee (the only committee currently allowed to function) for a forum on back to school where the public and interested parties can present to government on their reaction to the plan. Not surprisingly, my motion was voted down, but I will continue to press for details, and for appropriate planning and investments to ensure that the return to school is safe for everyone.
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The premier and Dr. Strang have announced that masks will be mandatory in most indoor public places starting Tomorrow, July 31.
An "indoor public place" is defined as:
- retail businesses
- shopping centres
- personal services businesses such as hair and nail salons, spas, body art facilities, except during services that require removing a mask
- restaurants and bars, except while people are eating or drinking
- places of worship or faith gatherings
- places for cultural or entertainment services or activities such as movie theatres, concerts and other performances
- places for sports and recreational activities such as a gym, pool or indoor tennis facility, except while doing an activity where a mask cannot be worn
- places for events such as conferences and receptions
- municipal or provincial government locations offering services to the public
- common areas of tourist accommodations such as lobbies, elevators and hallways
- common areas of office buildings such as lobbies, elevators and hallways, but not private offices
- public areas of a university or college campus, such as library or student union building, but not classrooms, labs, offices or residences
- train or bus stations, ferry terminals and airports
Exemptions include:
- Children under the age of 2
- Children aged 2 to 4 when their caregiver cannot get them to wear a mask
- People with a valid medical reason for not wearing a mask
Here is a list of places where you can get masks in Dartmouth:
I had so many suggestions for places outside of Dartmouth that I couldn't list them all here. Check this Twitter thread for a longer list of suggestions. Halifax Noise on Instagram also has a long list of options.
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With another summer, sadly, comes more challenges to the health of our lakes. Susan Leblanc and I sent another letter out to the Minister of Environment, Gordan Wilson, asking him to recommit to the asks we put forward at our spring meeting:
- To immediately convene an Urban Lakes Commission that can work with stakeholders across jurisdictional lines and guide the work to protect our urban lakes
- To enhance staffing, training, and resourcing of frontline Nova Scotia Environment staff who work with urban lakes
- To commence a public awareness campaign either independently or in concert with similar HRM initiatives about what residents can do to protect nearby lakes
You can read an excerpt below and the full letter here.
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Happy Natal Day!
This weekend is usually Dartmouth's favourite holiday. Like so many of you, I will miss the music, the cake, and the parade we usually have to celebrate our community, but I know we'll all find special ways to mark the occasion.
Follow Downtown Dartmouth's social media for special pop-up events!
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Mental Health Support
The Mental Health Provincial Crisis Line is available 24/7 to anyone experiencing a mental health or addictions crisis, or someone concerned about them: 1-888-429-8167 (toll-free)
Kids Help Phone is available 24/7: 1-800-668-6868 (toll-free)
Morneau Shepell has also opened its 24/7 bilingual crisis support line to help anyone in need of emotional support as a result of the recent tragic events in our province: 1-844-751-2133
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Self-Assessment
If you have two or more of the following symptoms, visit https://811.novascotia.ca to determine if you should call 811 for further assessment:
- fever (i.e. chills, sweats)
- cough or worsening of a previous cough
- sore throat
- headache
- shortness of breath
- muscle aches
- sneezing
- nasal congestion/runny nose
- hoarse voice
- diarrhea
- unusual fatigue
- loss of sense of smell or taste
- red, purple or blueish lesions on the feet, toes or fingers without a clear cause.
Other Support
For help or information about domestic violence 24/7, call 1-855-225-0220 (toll-free)
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