NDP marks Emancipation Day in Nova Scotia

HALIFAX -- African Nova Scotian communities have been waiting too long for action to address ongoing anti-Black racism. The NDP is committed to listening to Black and African Nova Scotian communities and moving an anti-racist agenda forward in Nova Scotia.

The NDP is committed to:

• Addressing racism in policing by implementing all recommendations made in the Wortley Report.
• Implementing a community-based strategy for collecting race-based demographic data in health care, education and corrections.
• Continuing to accelerate access to land titles for African Nova Scotian people.
• Creating a “Local Action on Racism Fund” for municipalities to access funding for initiatives to combat racism in their communities.
• Actively encouraging conversations about reparations for African Nova Scotian communities.
• Systematically addressing instances of environmental racism across the province.

African Nova Scotian and Black communities are underrepresented in the Nova Scotia Legislature. The NDP is proud to have four African Nova Scotian and Black candidates running for the NDP in this election.

QUOTES:

Angela Downey in Hammonds Plains-Lucasville:

“My vision for Nova Scotia includes recognition of the past, for every Nova Scotian to know and reflect on the significance of Emancipation Day. To celebrate this day but also to educate ourselves on past injustices and the ongoing impacts of discrimination, including systemic racism. Nova Scotia still has a way to go and so, the NDP’s platform centres a commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equity and a just future for all.”

Suzy Hansen in Halifax Needham:

“As an African Nova Scotian mother of seven, I want our children to grow up and thrive in a Nova Scotia that celebrates them for who they are, and doesn't impose assumptions, expectations and limits on them because of the colour of their skin. I don't want a colour-blind Nova Scotia, but rather one that recognizes and appreciates the history and rich culture that people of African descent bring to our province. We are well on course to righting so many historical wrongs, but we still have a long way to go. I take joy every day that we are becoming more organized and determined to preserve our past and build a better future for African Nova Scotians.

Julie Melanson in Halifax Armdale:

“When I look to the future, I see communities working in collaboration with compassion and love for every citizen equally, coming together to repair the damages we have perpetuated. I see a province of people continuously learning and taking ownership of the harm we have caused and turning inward to ensure our generations to come can live authentically without barriers or bias. I envision a Nova Scotia where we no longer have to fight against each other but instead, come together as a community.”

Colter Simmonds in Preston:

“My vision for Nova Scotia is simple: to be a place where you can wake up any day of the week and believe that you can achieve your dreams regardless of your ethnicity, colour of your skin, sexual orientation or religious preference. A Nova Scotia where judgement is condemned and racism is held accountable.”

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