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CTV News
43 minutes ago
- Politics
- CTV News
Maritime provinces recognize Emancipation Day on Friday
Aug. 1 is Emancipation Day, a day to recognize Britain's abolition of slavery across its empire in 1834. Nova Scotia designated Aug. 1 as Emancipation Day on April 13, 2021. In a news release from the province, Nova Scotia says it 'acknowledges the history and ongoing impacts of the transatlantic slave trade on people of African descent and African Nova Scotians.' 'Emancipation Day is a time to remember, reflect and recommit,' said Premier Tim Houston. 'It reminds us of the resilience of people of African descent and African Nova Scotians and challenges us to strengthen inclusion, justice and equity across our province.' The Slavery Abolition Act 1833 took effect in 1834 and freed roughly 800,000 enslaved people of African descent throughout British colonies. A series of events are being held to honour Emancipation Day, with this year's theme being: 'Habouring Freedom: Honouring the Past, Shaping the Future.' A flag raising took place at Province House at 9 a.m. on Friday and a reception on the Halifax waterfront is scheduled for at 11 a.m., which will be livestreamed. There will also be community gatherings across the province. Twila Grosse Twila Grosse, minister of African Nova Scotian Affairs speaks at Emancipation Day flag raising ceremony. (CTV Atlantic/Paul DeWitt) 'On the Halifax waterfront, the Atlantic once carried enslaved African people to our shores and later carried 1,200 Black Loyalists seeking freedom in Sierra Leone,' Twila Grosse, minister of African Nova Scotian Affairs said. 'Those waters held pain and injustice, but also resilience and hope. Emancipation Day reminds us that we must confront racism and continue the work of building a more just future.' Prince Edward Island Prince Edward Island Premier Rob Lantz shared a statement to recognize Emancipation Day saying, 'Today is Emancipation Day, a day to recognize the strength, resilience and perseverance of Black communities in P.E.I. and across the country. This day commemorates the abolishment of slavery in Canada on Aug. 1, 1834, and is a day to celebrate the contributions of Black communities in Canada and in our province.' A celebration is taking place in Charlottetown's Rochford Square from 5 to 8 p.m. 'The Government of PEI remains committed to its Anti-Racism Action Plan and continues to offer Anti-Racism Grants and Anti-Racism Microgrants to assist with projects that benefit racialized and Indigenous communities,' Lantz statement continues. For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
CBC
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- CBC
'Something very unique': Halifax kiosk serves up African Nova Scotian heritage, culture
Social Sharing A new shop and food kiosk celebrating African Nova Scotian heritage and culture opened last week on the Halifax waterfront. Freedom Culinary Culture offers classic comfort dishes and a selection of goods by local African Nova Scotian artists. "I think that we have something very unique here that we don't have anywhere else," said Dean Lucas, founder of Freedom Culinary Culture. "With our communities, we have so many stories." He said the kiosk aims to make African Nova Scotian culture accessible to tourists. Lucas said he noticed a lot of Black tourists on the boardwalk last summer. While speaking to them, he realized they knew very little about the history of African Nova Scotians. "There was nothing provided by the cruise ships to let them know," he said. "I thought, how can we ... let them know that we exist and that we're here?" Books by local authors, quilts and jewelry line the kiosks' shelves. The menu is made up of local classics like blueberry grunt, fried pepperoni and maple molasses cornbread. Lucas said the menu was inspired by his father and grandmothers' cooking. "Just the things that I enjoyed eating and other people told me they liked," he said. "This is good food that we shared with Nova Scotians and Maritimers, but it's also part of our culture too." Lucas grew up in Lucasville, a prominent African Nova Scotian community established by Black settlers who had fled slavery in the United States after the War of 1812. He said his family has been there since its beginning. "So lots of friends, lots of memory. And I think where I'm at now, I need to get back. And I think this is my way." One of the chefs, Darius Fader, said he has learned to make cornbread and blueberry grunt during his time at Freedom. At 15, he's one of several young people employed at the kiosk for the season. "I feel like it's a good opportunity to explore my own culture more and just expand on my knowledge in terms of what I know about my history," said Fader, who has family in Africville and North Preston. Lucas said he hopes working at Freedom will encourage young employees to be proud of their heritage and help preserve African Nova Scotian culture. "My idea was to get them in here so they can represent their communities, talk about their heritage, as well as get them to learn and get involved with our history," said Lucas. Lucas said he thinks a focus on African Nova Scotian culture could be an opportunity for growth in tourism, and he hopes to see more businesses like his in the future. "We could probably turn this into one of the biggest Black travel destinations within the world once we get things going and build economies within our communities."
Cision Canada
18-06-2025
- Health
- Cision Canada
GSK and Dalhousie University Collaborate to Address Health Equity Gaps through the GSK Vaccinology and Health Equity Fellowship Award Français
The $230,000, two-year GSK fellowship represents a significant investment in supporting community-based research to address persistent barriers to vaccination, such as historical mistrust in health systems and systemic social inequities. Addressing these barriers is critical for building trust in public health systems and ensuring equitable vaccine access. The initiative is expected to have far-reaching implications for health outcomes in Nova Scotia and beyond by enhancing vaccination policies, programs, and practices that directly benefit the communities involved and are nationally generalizable. Dr. Moss emphasises the importance of understanding the unique challenges faced by disadvantaged communities, highlighting the need for tailored solutions that address diverse healthcare needs on a community level. "There is no one size that fits all," says Dr. Moss."We need to make sure that we understand all elements of the healthcare system that have disadvantaged communities, and work community by community to ensure the diversity of needs are addressed." GSK is deeply committed to improving health equity and supporting innovative research that addresses the unique needs of diverse communities. By collaborating with Dalhousie University and CCfV to support Dr. Moss's work, GSK aims to contribute to the development of more inclusive and effective public health strategies. Moss's research approach involves partnering with diverse communities, including Indigenous Peoples, African Nova Scotians, immigrants and newcomers, individuals experiencing unstable housing, sex and gender minorities, and those lacking access to primary care, to co-develop solutions that enhance vaccine uptake and acceptance. This integrated approach unites researchers and community members to create new public health research models that directly address community needs in practical, sustainable ways rooted in lived experiences. "Supporting researchers like Dr. Moss is essential for creating a more equitable healthcare landscape," says Dr. Bryan Tennant, Scientific Director, GSK Canada. "Her work in engaging communities and developing tailored health solutions aligns perfectly with GSK's ethos of putting patients at the heart of everything we do, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background, has access to the vaccines and healthcare they need. We are excited to see the positive impact this fellowship will have on public health in Nova Scotia and beyond." Current research funded by the award includes a national mixed-methods study developing a framework for engaging youth in research on structural determinants of youth health; a digital health literacy tool co-designed with young men who have sex with men to support informed HPV vaccine decisions; and a Nova Scotia-based initiative adapting national immunization coverage tools to identify and address gaps in childhood vaccination among equity-deserving populations. "Dalhousie University is proud to celebrate Dr. Stephana Julia Moss as the recipient of the GSK Vaccinology and Health Equity Fellowship Award," says Dr. David Anderson, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at Dalhousie University. "We commend Dr. Moss's outstanding community-focused research and thank GSK for their vital support. Together, this work will strengthen health equity and advance real-world impact in Nova Scotia and beyond." Retaining highly qualified researchers like Dr. Moss is crucial for Nova Scotia's long-term health research capacity and innovation. This fellowship strengthens the province's leadership in public health research and reflects Dalhousie's strategic priority to create a health system rooted in equity, inclusion, and real-world impact. About the Canadian Center for Vaccinology (CCfV) The Canadian Center for Vaccinology (CCfV) is a collaboration of IWK Health, Nova Scotia Health, and Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. CCfV serves as a critical academic pipeline for Canadian vaccine priorities - from developing promising new vaccine candidates to applied public health research supporting timely decision-making. For additional information, visit About Dalhousie University Dalhousie University is Atlantic Canada's leading research-intensive university. Located in the heart of Halifax, Nova Scotia, with an Agricultural Campus in Truro/Bible Hill, Dalhousie is a truly national and international university, with more than half of the university's 20,000-plus students coming from outside the province. Dal's 6,000 faculty and staff foster a diverse, purpose-driven community that spans 13 faculties and conducts more than $181 million in research annually. Part of a cluster identified as one of the world's top international centres in ocean research, the university proudly celebrated its 200th anniversary in 2018. About GSK GSK is a global biopharma company with a purpose to unite science, technology and talent to get ahead of disease together. Find out more at SOURCE GlaxoSmithKline Inc.
CTV News
17-06-2025
- CTV News
N.S. youth pleads guilty to one of 33 charges in case alleging high school threats
A police vehicle is seen at Citadel High School in Halifax on April 24, 2025. (Hafsa Arif/CTV Atlantic) HALIFAX — A Nova Scotia youth is pleading guilty to one of 33 charges related to police allegations he threatened to shoot people at a downtown high school in Halifax. The 16-year-old appeared in court on Monday, pleading guilty to unsafe storage of ammunition. Sentencing is set for Sept. 3 and an update on the 32 remaining charges is expected on July 24. Investigators allege the teenager threatened three people, and possessed weapons such as multiple rifles, shotguns and air guns, as well as brass knuckles and a knife. Court documents also have said the teen allegedly created 'online hate groups' targeting African Nova Scotian and Jewish people over the past year. The public prosecution service says the court also ordered a psychological assessment of the accused at the request of his defence lawyer. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 17, 2025.
CTV News
16-05-2025
- General
- CTV News
Land title support expanded for more African Nova Scotians to access
Nova Scotia has expanded access to support for five African Nova Scotian communities in gaining clear title to their land. The province expanded community boundaries under the Land Titles Initiative to match municipally defined boundaries. The residents in North Preston, East Preston and Cherry Brook/Lake Loon in Halifax Regional Municipality along with Lincolnville and Sunnyville in Guysborough County, will be eligible for legal and surveying support at no cost. 'These changes mean more people will be able to apply for the support they deserve,' said Twila Grosse, minister of African Nova Scotian Affairs. 'This is about correcting historic inequities and making sure families can keep, build and develop on the land that's been in their communities for generations.' The expanded areas took effect this month and will be formally registered with the appropriate registry of deeds, said a news release from the province. As of May 8, a total of 421 land title migrations have been completed since the initiative launched in 2017. For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
