I have a family member in the Burnside prison. I’ve watched the peaceful protest out of Burnside unfold with a touch of hope and optimism. But the statement given by Justice minister Mark Furey makes me angry, frustrated and tired. Our provincial government has shown that it does not want to be held accountable: not […]
Central Nova
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Justice minister finally responds to Burnside prison protest
After weeks without comment, Nova Scotia’s justice minister has issued a response to the ongoing prisoner protest at the Central Nova Scotia Correctional Facility. In an op-ed sent out Thursday afternoon, Mark Furey says that correctional facilities “can be challenging places to live and work,” but that the province is respecting and protecting the rights […]
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As prisoners protest, is the province listening?
On August 21, the prisoners at the Central Nova provincial jail in Burnside launched a peaceful protest, in solidarity with a nationwide prisoner strike in the United States, to call for basic improvements in health care, rehabilitation, exercise, visits, clothing, food, air quality and library access. The protest is ongoing. East Coast Prison Justice Society […]
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Black August North: “We don’t pick and choose who gets human rights”
“As soon as you walk in, you feel filth.” Bianca Mercer doesn’t sugarcoat the conditions she endured at the Central Nova Correctional Facility in Burnside. “You can see the dirt on the floor and you’re in your bare feet. You feel ashamed.” Mercer was one of four prison reform advocates speaking Monday evening at an […]
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The evidence shows Nova Scotia is failing its prison population
A few days ago, the Halifax Examiner published a statement written by prisoners at the Burnside jail. In their statement, the prisoners declared that they are engaging in a non-violent protest to pressure the Nova Scotia government to provide them with “a more productive rehabilitative environment.” The organizers of the protest at Burnside view themselves […]
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Burnside prison “operating as usual” despite inmate protest
The department of justice is arguing against claims made by prisoners inside the Central Nova Correctional Facility who say they don’t have access to adequate health care, rehabilitative programs or healthy food. Justice spokesperson Sarah Gillis says everything is under control inside the infamous Burnside prison, where inmates have been engaged in a peaceful protest […]
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Central Nova Correctional Facility unveils $6.8-million renovations
Burnside’s prison is hoping to shed its infamous and violent reputation with the help of an expensive makeover. The Central Nova Scotia Correctional Facility gave a media tour of its $6.8-million renovations Tuesday morning. The upgrades are part of a new way of facilitating inmates’ living quarters, designed to prevent violent altercations and quickly suppress […]