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Halifax’s forest guardian

After 34 years with HRM, urban forester John Simmons makes like a tree and leaves.

John Simmons was probably an elm tree in a past life. It would explain why he feels a deep connection to the American elm that stands in the centre of the Public Gardens.

By Jennifer Lee Aug 9, 2018

HRM trees environment urban canopy profiles Slideshow

SCIENCE MATTERS: Cool solutions mean a hothouse planet isn’t inevitable

We’ve already locked into substantial warming and are seeing the consequences, but it’s not yet too late to change course.

In the midst of worldwide record heat, devastating wildfires, droughts, refugee crises, and torrential rains and flooding, some particular disturbing headlines have hit the news.

By David Suzuki Aug 15, 2018

Climate change environment Science Matters

Historian laureate needed in Halifax

Our poet laureates have brought new ideas to our culture and changed the city. A historian laureate would be an incredible opportunity to go even further.

In my time living in Halifax, I can say for certain two things: Our poet laureate position is incredibly valuable and our public conversation about heritage is terrible. These two things together make me certain that we need a historian laureate.

By Dylan Ames Aug 9, 2018

Voice of the Opinion History Cornwallis

Cannabis patient worried about finding a place to rent in Halifax

A chronically ill cannabis smoker is worried she won't be able to find an apartment because rental companies are cracking down on her medicine.

Landlords in Halifax are putting their tenants on notice: growing and smoking cannabis inside will be prohibited even after legalization.

By Sandra C. Hannebohm Aug 9, 2018

Weed Talk Cannabis Legalization Marijuana

How “snooping” harms us all

The Sobeys pharmacy breach shows why the public needs to prioritize data privacy.

By now, you’ve probably heard about the Sobeys pharmacy manager who found herself in hot water after using a provincial drug database to “snoop” on the medical information of friends, relatives and even her child’s girlfriend.

By Michael Karanicolas Aug 9, 2018

Privacy Data Digital rights Opinion

SCIENCE MATTERS: Will energy efficiency stall climate disruption?

New technologies must be part of the solution, but we must also consider our wasteful behaviours.

In the race against the increasingly widespread and devastating consequences of climate change, solutions tend to focus on products and technologies.

By David Suzuki Aug 8, 2018

Climate change environmentalism Science Matters

Portrait of the sakyong as a fallen man

Shambhala Buddhism reckons with its #MeToo moment and contemplates a path forward.

Correction: This story originally stated the Shambhala School is owned by Shambhala International. While the two organizations share a name, they are not affiliated.

By Stephanie Domet Aug 2, 2018

Shambhala Religion #MeToo Women Sexual Abuse Halifax

SCIENCE MATTERS: Reconciling energy and Indigenous rights

Rapidly shifting from fossil fuels to renewable energy would be a win for the environment, climate, economy and Indigenous rights.

In 2007, Canada was one of four countries to vote against the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (with New Zealand, the United States and Australia).

By Jacob Boon Aug 1, 2018

Environment Energy Solar Fossil Fuels First Nations Indigenous Canada Politics

Canadian cannabis, American enforcement

As Canada readies for weed legalization, the RCMP is spending millions training drug experts at the infamous Arizona jail once ruled by sheriff Joe Arpaio. Here's why this should come as no surprise.

When Halifax council approved the city's new cannabis bylaw last week, the reaction was understandably fierce.

By Jacob Boon Jul 26, 2018

Access-A-Bus is Halifax Transit’s most frustrating service

Other cities have figured out improvements for accessible transit options, and Halifax needs to follow suit.

Since the onset of chronic pain when I entered my 30s, walking to the bus stop meant suffering before I even got on the bus.

By Carrie Gilbert Jul 26, 2018

SCIENCE MATTERS: The future isn’t in plastics

Why the movement to ban single-use plastic items is clearly a winner.

People in Canada discard about 57 million plastic drinking straws every day.

By David Suzuki Jul 26, 2018

Mass exit at Ruby’s Rhinestone

Five employees of the downtown country bar jointly quit after allegations of sexual harassment and an unsafe work environment.

Ruby’s Rhinestone Reception and Lounge has only been open a few months and already the Salter Street business has seen a serious turnover in staff.

By Jacob Boon Jul 19, 2018

Labour #MeToo Development Business Sexual Harassment

Reintegration: A nicer word for assimilation

To many in this country, Muslim children fleeing violence will always be a project in need of fixing.

Afghan children are among those who have never seen an Afghanistan not inflicted by violence.

By Masuma Khan Jul 19, 2018

Opinion Racism Canada Religion Culture

Restorative justice workers ready for a strike

Province won't get involved in negotiations between Community Justice Society and unionized caseworkers, despite providing almost all of the program's funding.

A group of restorative justice caseworkers is in “full prep mode” for a strike within the next two weeks.

By Sandra C. Hannebohm Jul 19, 2018

Justice Nova Scotia Labour

SCIENCE MATTERS: We can’t hide from global warming’s consequences

As equatorial zones heat up, creating drought, water shortages, agricultural losses and inhospitable conditions, we can expect to see more refugees fleeing to cooler areas with better resources.

Over the past few months, heat records have broken worldwide.

By David Suzuki Jul 18, 2018

Climate change Global Warming Science Matters

Politicians turn down cannabis town hall

Nova Scotia Medicinal Association of Cannabis Dispensaries says it's disappointed no city councillors or MLAs came to hear their stories.

It was supposed to be a town hall to rally public support for improving cannabis legislation, but unfortunately, all of the political leaders invited were absent.

By Sandra C. Hannebohm Jul 12, 2018

Weed Talk 420 Medicinal Cannabis Nova Scotia Hall

Graphic new details emerge about Shambhala sexual assault

Halifax-based Buddhist leader is accused of multiple sexual assaults, including of a Chilean student in 2002.

Allegations of a sexual assault committed 16 years ago by spiritual leader Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche is credible, say investigators, and there’s corroborating evidence the Shambhala leadership knew of the incident at the time.

By Jacob Boon Jul 11, 2018

Shambhala Buddhism Religion Justice Sexual assault

SCIENCE MATTERS: Fake grassroots campaigns deserve uprooting

Astroturf campaigns aren’t new, but they’re becoming increasingly widespread and effective as social media and the internet play a greater role in shaping public opinion.

AstroTurf looks and feels like grass—in an all-too-perfect way.

By David Suzuki Jul 11, 2018

Climate change Environment PR Politics Media

Silence from the Halifax Transit union

Against calls from city council to stand together against racism and discrimination in the workplace, the Amalgamated Transit Union remains quiet.

Despite a motion from city hall and explicit media requests, the union that reinstated former Halifax Transit worker Arthur Maddox after he was fired for attempted assault has yet to release a statement in solidarity with members who face racism and discrimination.

By Sandra C. Hannebohm Jul 5, 2018

Council HRM Halifax Halifax Transit Racism

Rocky and Joan: A history of sacrifice

Burnley “Rocky” Jones and Joan Jones fought for civil rights in Nova Scotia and were targeted because of it. Their sacrifices built a community that continues to fight against the oppressive racism in this province.

How far have we really come concerning race relations and equity in Nova Scotia since the desegregation policies of the ’50s and the civil rights movement of the ’60s?

By Wendie L. Poitras Jul 5, 2018

History Nova Scotia Racism Rocky Jones

Former employee files human rights complaint against Smith-McCrossin

Lisette Sumbu says she had to leave the Tory leadership candidate's constituency office because of the discriminatory, invasive environment.

Lisette Sumbu, phone to her ear, quickly finds a quiet room at her sister’s house while her brother-in-law babysits her toddler son.

By Fadila Chater Jul 5, 2018

NSPoli PC Province Racism Nova Scotia

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Building a better Mooseheads

posted by STEPHEN KIMBER, Apr 5/18

For three years, the Halifax Mooseheads junior hockey club has been crafting a team to host—and win—the 2019 Memorial Cup. But what if it’s built too well too soon? comments 0