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
'Anything to win': Trudeau says as Poilievre defends meeting protesters
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is accusing Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre of welcoming 'the support of conspiracy theorists and extremists,' after the Conservative leader was photographed meeting with protesters, which his office has defended.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
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.
'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Ontario couple among passengers on sinking tour boat in Dominican Republic
A Toronto couple are speaking out about their 'extremely dangerous' experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.
7 surveillance videos linked to extortions of South Asian home builders in Edmonton released
The Edmonton Police Service has released a number of surveillance videos related to a series of extortion cases in the city now dubbed 'Project Gaslight.'
Ukraine uses long-range missiles secretly provided by U.S. to hit Russian-held areas, officials say
Ukraine for the first time has begun using long-range ballistic missiles provided secretly by the United States, bombing a Russian military airfield in Crimea last week and Russian forces in another occupied area overnight, American officials said Wednesday.
All Alberta wildfires to date in 2024 believed to be human-caused: province
There are 63 wildfires burning in Alberta's forest protection area as of Wednesday morning and seven mutual aid fires, including one in the Municipal District of Peace.
Pilot proposes to flight attendant girlfriend in front of passengers
A Polish pilot proposed to his flight attendant girlfriend during a flight from Warsaw to Krakow, and she said yes.
Suspects waving weapons, smashing glass in Toronto jewelry store robbery caught on video
Arrests have been made after five men were captured on video rampaging through a jewelry store in Toronto, waving weapons and smashing glass display cases.