One would think, for all of Jagmeet Singh’s self-touted years of martial arts training, the federal NDP leader would know a thing or two about leverage. The concept is central to the Brazilian jiu-jitsu the 44-year-old Singh practices: It’s how a smaller force can exert its will over a larger opponent. It’s also how a […]
Opinion
Posted inNews + Opinion
The Grand Parade podcast: Nova Scotia’s property tax cap is subsidizing millionaires and landlords. Here’s how to fix it.
Take heed of the old phrase, “Be careful what you wish for.” Back in 2005, when Nova Scotia introduced its Capped Assessment Program, the stated goal was to keep seniors and families in their homes that might otherwise have been priced out. The solution of the day was to limit property tax increases to no […]
Posted inNews + Opinion
The Wanderer Grounds podcast: Watson heroics power HFX Wanderers FC past Valour FC in 2-0 thriller
In this episode of The Wanderer Grounds podcast, Coast reporters Matt Stickland and Martin Bauman recap a raucous 2-0 home victory for HFX Wanderers FC—the Canadian Premier League soccer club’s first win of 2023, as well as the first under new coach Patrice Gheisar. Matt apologizes for doubting Mo Omar’s midfield merits, Martin digs deep […]
Posted inNews + Opinion
The Grand Parade podcast: Trish Purdy’s Keyser Söze turn, and why Halifax’s car noise bylaw plans are ineffective
In this episode of The Grand Parade podcast, Coast reporters Matt Stickland and Martin Bauman wade into the debate about Halifax’s heel-dragging efforts to curb motor vehicle noise—and why, six years after council sought permission from the province to amend the Motor Vehicle Act, nothing is likely to change anytime soon. Even if, by and […]
Posted inFood + Drink
In defence of Peeps
It was Easter this past weekend so there are a lot of sugary treats you can buy right now to celebrate the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. And we love a candy-themed poll here at The Coast so last week, we asked our newsletter readers and our social media followers what they think […]
Posted inNews + Opinion
Coast readers: A four-day workweek in Nova Scotia? It’s not as far-fetched as you think
Workers of the world, take note: Findings from what has been billed as the world’s largest trial of a four-day workweek suggest that paying workers the same wages for less work not only improves employees’ well-being, it might actually (surprise, surprise) benefit a company’s bottom line. A team of scientists at the University of Cambridge […]
Posted inNews + Opinion
Coast readers: What’s so super about the Super Bowl?
Where were you when the dream died and reality closed in? Maybe it’s still alive for you, or maybe it never was, but I’ve been asking myself that question for a few years now. Maybe more than a few. I am not a football evangelist anymore, but I used to be. Time was, I could […]
Posted inNews + Opinion
Coast readers: Drinking less alcohol is definitely a thing
You almost have to feel bad for alcohol. After a couple flush years in the early part of the pandemic that saw consumption go up, along comes 2023 and the booze news is bad. First the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse and Addiction brings out new guidelines for drinking and health that say “it is […]
Posted inNews + Opinion
How a simple poll about snow explains atrocities
In this week’s Coast reader poll, we asked about the weather. Specifically snow, and the lack thereof. Given that “Halifax has been very warm so far this winter and meteorologists say the city is on track to have its least snowy year ever,” we put the question to you: “Are you happy there’s less snow […]
Posted inNews + Opinion
The World Juniors brought Halifax money, crowds and a homicide case. Was it worth it?
One city block and 11 days apart, in the shadow of Citadel Hill, two scenes played out in Halifax’s downtown that will linger in the minds of Haligonians for years to come. The first scene, on Jan. 5, you’re likely to remember: Overtime. Canada vs. Czechia. A Dylan Guenther gold-medal-winning goal. Thousands cheering at Rogers […]
Posted inNews + Opinion
Health care is the most pressing issue of 2023 (for real)
In last week’s Coast poll, we asked our readers “What major issue do you most want to see our politicians address in 2023?” Overwhelmingly—with 43% of all votes cast—you responded that health care was the most pressing concern, above the housing crisis (39%), climate action (13%) or food security (5%). And this was before we […]
Posted inNews + Opinion
What the hell is that? 2022’s breakout star, Pearl the Oyster
Reflecting on the unexpected viral hit, Pearl the Halifax Oyster Festival mascot