Former lieutenant-governor decries 'perfect examples of systemic racism' in Nova Scotia
Former Lt.-Gov. Mayann Francis isn't holding back when it comes to recent moves made by the new Progressive Conservative government.
"Recently, there were decisions that were made by the new Nova Scotia government that are perfect examples in my view, of systemic racism and systemic discrimination," Francis said during a Zoom event with George Elliot Clarke on Wednesday evening.
Francis is concerned Dr. Kasa Munroe Anderson was removed as the deputy minister of communities, culture and heritage and that the health board was dismissed and replaced with all white individuals.
She is also expressing concern that Pat Dunn, a white man, was named Minister of African Nova Scotian Affairs.
"For me, all of these decisions are a step backward and I have to tell you, when I heard about it, I said, it's going backwards. And it did have an effect on me, thinking about it for days and days and days cause you see, I have personally experienced racism in government, and in the health-care industry," said Francis.
Premier Tim Houston has faced backlash over his decision to name Dunn African Affairs Minister.
"There were some steps we took as a new government that we thought were the right steps, particularly the appointment of the cabinet minister from our elected caucus. It was not meant to send a message we don't care and if that's the message that's been sent, I apologize," said Houston.
Dunn said he's been listening to the reaction to his appointment and plans to reach out to many community organizations and key stakeholders to learn and understand the issues.
"I am committed to listening to the community and working on behalf of the community to earn their trust," said Dunn.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Quebec nurse had to clean up after husband's death in Montreal hospital
On a night she should have been mourning, a nurse from Quebec's Laurentians region says she was forced to clean up her husband after he died at a hospital in Montreal.
Northern Ont. lawyer who abandoned clients in child protection cases disbarred
A North Bay, Ont., lawyer who abandoned 15 clients – many of them child protection cases – has lost his licence to practise law.
Bank of Canada officials split on when to start cutting interest rates
Members of the Bank of Canada's governing council were split on how long the central bank should wait before it starts cutting interest rates when they met earlier this month.
Maple Leafs fall to Bruins in Game 3, trail series 2-1
Brad Marchand scored twice, including the winner in the third period, and added an assist as the Boston Bruins downed the Toronto Maple Leafs 4-2 to take a 2-1 lead in their first-round playoff series Wednesday
Cuban government apologizes to Montreal-area family after delivering wrong body
Cuba's foreign affairs minister has apologized to a Montreal-area family after they were sent the wrong body following the death of a loved one.
'It was instant karma': Viral video captures failed theft attempt in Nanaimo, B.C.
Mounties in Nanaimo, B.C., say two late-night revellers are lucky their allegedly drunken antics weren't reported to police after security cameras captured the men trying to steal a heavy sign from a downtown business.
What is changing about Canada's capital gains tax and how does it impact me?
The federal government's proposed change to capital gains taxation is expected to increase taxes on investments and mainly affect wealthy Canadians and businesses. Here's what you need to know about the move.
New Indigenous loan guarantee program a 'really big deal,' Freeland says at Toronto conference
Canada's Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland was among the 1,700 delegates attending the two-day First Nations Major Projects Coalition (FNMPC) conference that concluded Tuesday in Toronto.
'Life was not fair to him': Daughter of N.B. man exonerated of murder remembers him as a kind soul
The daughter of a New Brunswick man recently exonerated from murder, is remembering her father as somebody who, despite a wrongful conviction, never became bitter or angry.