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ANSJI's Quarterly Update Letter, January 2025


 

Go to ANSJI.ca and scroll down to the bottom right corner to subscribe to our quarterly update letter to receive an early edition directly to your e-mail inbox!

 

ANSJI staff, board members, and guest at a training day, May, 2024
ANSJI staff, board members, and guest at a training day, May, 2024

The African Nova Scotia Justice Institute serves as a justice-focused organization that is proactive and reactive in its response to the pervasive institutional racism experienced by Black people and African Nova Scotians in their interactions with policing, the courts, prisons and related systems.


Our mandate is to address issues of systemic racism in the justice system that negatively impact Black and African Nova Scotians while ensuring fair, legal, and constitutional treatment of all Black and African Nova Scotians.

 

Visit our website at ANSJI.ca and follow us on social media by visiting linktr.ee/ANSJI for links to all of our social media accounts.



 

In this issue: 


 

Message from the Executive Director



ANSJI Executive Director, Shawna Paris-Hoyte, O.N.S., K.C.
ANSJI Executive Director, Shawna Paris-Hoyte, O.N.S., K.C.

It is with great pride and a sense of shared purpose, I welcome you to the inaugural edition of the African Nova Scotian Justice Institute (ANSJI) newsletter. This new initiative is an important step forward in our commitment to fostering open communication, sharing our work and valuable insights, and engaging with the diverse network of individuals and organizations who care deeply about advancing justice and equity in our society.


At ANSJI, our mandate is clear: to strengthen the justice system so that it is accessible, fair, and responsive to the needs of all African Nova Scotians and all Black people of African ancestry in Nova Scotia, regardless of their circumstances. This mission drives everything we do, from advocating for systemic reforms and developing innovative programs to providing direct support for those navigating complex legal challenges. We work tirelessly to ensure that justice is not only a concept but a lived reality for those who we are committed to serving.


The ANSJI newsletter will serve as a platform to share the progress we are making toward our goals and to keep you informed about the initiatives and activities that define our work. Each quarterly edition will highlight the latest developments, including updates on our programs, insights into the systemic challenges we address, and stories that illustrate the real impact of our efforts. We aim to create a space where community members, stakeholders, partners, collaborators, funders and others can be informed about our work and how it is connected to our vision and shared interests.


As a growing organization, we are keenly aware of the challenges we face at the ANSJI in expanding our reach and enhancing the quality of our service delivery. The demand for justice-focused services in our community continues to grow, and meeting this demand requires careful planning, resource mobilization, and ongoing adaptation. Whether it is securing adequate funding, scaling up programs, or responding to the complexities of the justice landscape, we are committed to tackling these challenges head-on. While the road ahead is not without obstacles, we are inspired by the strength of our partnerships and the unwavering support of our community.


We also want to highlight our website as an essential resource for information about our work. Whether you are seeking details about our programs, recent publications, or upcoming events, the website is designed to keep you informed and engaged. We are continuously working to improve and expand its content, ensuring that it remains a dynamic and user-friendly tool for everyone who interacts with the ANSJI.


Launching this newsletter is an opportunity to deepen our connection with you. Your support is invaluable to us, not only as a source of resources but also as a source of inspiration and collaboration. By staying informed and engaged through this newsletter, you become a vital part of our efforts to create a fair and equitable justice system that truly serves all Nova Scotians.


We are deeply grateful for your trust and partnership as we navigate the challenges and opportunities of this work. Together, we can continue to make meaningful strides toward a more just and inclusive legal system and compassionate world.


Thank you for being an integral part of this journey. We look forward to sharing this exciting new chapter with you.


Best Wishes for 2025.


Warm Regards,


Shawna Paris-Hoyte, O.N.S., K.C.

Executive Director

ANSJI


 

ANSJI Intervenes at the Supreme Court of Canada

Before finishing his tenure at ANSJI, Brandon Rolle, in his role as Director of Legal Services in the Criminal Division, represented ANSJI as an intervener in heard by the Supreme Court of Canada. 


The case, S.B. v. H.M.K. was a case where a sixteen-year-old Black youth was convicted of murder and sentenced as an adult.

 

The Black youth appealed the adult sentence and had an Enhanced Pre-Sentencing Report (EPSR) prepared. While the Ontario Court of Appeal admitted the EPSR as fresh evidence, the Court upheld the adult sentence.  


S.B. was granted leave to the SCC along with a companion case, I.M.  v. H.M.K., to ask the Court to revisit the test for sentencing a young person as an adult under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.  


In Canada, before young people can be sentenced as adults, which Rolle says is “the most severe sanction available,” the Youth Criminal Justice Act says the court must be satisfied that “the presumption of diminished moral blameworthiness or culpability of the young person is rebutted,” and that any applicable maximum sentence under the Youth Criminal Justice Act “would not be of sufficient length to hold the young person accountable for his or her offending behaviour.” 


ANSJI’s Involvement


ANSJI intervened to argue that social context evidence related to anti-Black racism will always be a relevant consideration when determining whether to sentence a Black youth as an adult . Because S.B., the Black youth in this case, had an EPSR, the issue of how social context evidence informs the adult sentence analysis was squarely before the court.This will be the first case before the Supreme Court of Canada where Impact of Race and Culture Assessments™ (IRCA™) are talked about directly.A summary of ANSJI’s submissions is as follows:

 

  • That there is a legislative foundation in the YCJA and the common law for the consideration and application of social context evidence in the adult sentence analysis. 

  • That IRCAs were developed in Nova Scotia specifically to interrogate systemic anti-Black racism at sentencing and should be the vehicle to introduce this social context evidence. 

  • That IRCA evidence is applicable at both prongs of the test and a lens through which to apply all sentencing principles. 

  • That IRCAs should be ordered and meaningfully considered in every adult sentence application for a Black youth, following the Anderson approach. 

  • That judges should explicitly detail in their reasons how they have considered social context evidence revealed in an IRCA. 


 


Rolle’s submissions also referenced two papers written by Maria Dugas, an African Nova Scotian law professor at the Schulich School of Law at Dalhousie University in Halifax.


The Court sat a full bench (nine justices), which Rolle says signals that this is an important case.


Rolle says that ANSJI  continues “to be recognized national leaders in any discussion about social context evidence of systemic anti-Black racism and IRCAs.”


A ruling by the Supreme Court of Canada on the case of S.B. v. H.M.K. is expected sometime in the new year.


CLICK HERE to view Brandon Rolle's verbal submission. 


Photo: Brandon Rolle, Director of Legal Services in the Criminal Division; and Desireé Jones-Matthias, Criminal Lawyer with ANSJI
Photo: Brandon Rolle, Director of Legal Services in the Criminal Division; and Desireé Jones-Matthias, Criminal Lawyer with ANSJI

 

ANSJI Staff Receive Their Doctoral Degrees


Dr. Tiffany Gordon, ANSJI's Manager of the Data Collection & Justice System Accountability Unit; and Dr. Rajean Willis, ANSJI's Director of the Forensic Assessment and Treatment Unit, both recently received their doctorates on November 29th and December 2nd
Dr. Tiffany Gordon, ANSJI's Manager of the Data Collection & Justice System Accountability Unit; and Dr. Rajean Willis, ANSJI's Director of the Forensic Assessment and Treatment Unit, both recently received their doctorates on November 29th and December 2nd

Two ANSJI senior staff members now bear the title of Doctor in front of their names after successfully defending their PhD dissertations in the span of four days.

 

On Friday, November 29, at Dalhousie University Dr. Tiffany Gordon, PhD, ANSJI's manager of the Data Collection and Justice System Accountability Unit defended her dissertation entitled ‘A Black Feminist’s Defence of Incarceration, Retribution, and Reform’.

 

Dr. Gordon’s defense was held online and in person and was attended both online and in person by dozens of Gordon’s friends, family members, and supporters including ANSJI Executive Director, Shawna Paris Hoyte KC, and many other ANSJI members.

 

“A significant part of the reason why I was confident was because I knew I had a community behind me, who although might not agree with all of my arguments (or even my overall position), knew me and understood the intention behind my work,” Gordon wrote in an e-mail to ANSJI staff.

 

“I undertook this project because I am deeply committed to the liberation of all Black people, understand that there are many different ways for us to get there, and know that if we work together, we will!”

 

The following Monday, on December 1st, Dr. Rajean Willis, PhD, ANSJI’s Director of the Forensic Assessment and Treatment Unit, defended her PhD dissertation at Mount Saint Vincent University, titled ‘Bringing Voice to the Violence of Anti-Black Racism with African Nova Scotians Through Digital Storytelling.’

 

This defense was entirely virtual. Though, like Dr. Gordon’s defense, it was heavily attended by several of Willis’ friends, family members, supporters, and ANSJI colleagues.

 

“At the end of the day my purpose, I believe, is to help people navigate their healing journey,” Willis told the ANSJI communications department. And so I hope that part of what my dissertation did is to do that for the folks that participated and/or watched, or can get something from it in some way.”



 

Canadian Bar Association presents ANSJI with Access to Justice Award


The Canadian Bar Association, Nova Scotia Branch, J. Michael MacDonald Access to Justice Award, Presented to the African Nova Scotian Justice Institute for outstanding contributions to improving access to justice for Nova Scotians who face social, economic, and systematic barriers - 2023-24
The Canadian Bar Association, Nova Scotia Branch, J. Michael MacDonald Access to Justice Award, Presented to the African Nova Scotian Justice Institute for outstanding contributions to improving access to justice for Nova Scotians who face social, economic, and systematic barriers - 2023-24

The Nova Scotia chapter of the Canadian Bar Association presented ANSJI with the J. Michael MacDonald Access to Justice Award at an award ceremony held at Pier 21 in Halifax on June 20th, 2024.

 

The award is presented for outstanding contributions to improving access to justice for Nova Scotians who face social, economic, and systematic barriers.

 

“As Executive Director of ANSJI it is with profound gratitude and humility that I accept the Honourable Chief Justice Michael MacDonald’s Access to Justice Award on behalf of our organization,” said Paris Hoyte, alongside ANSJI Board member Vanessa Fells, ANSJI Director of Operations, Sarah Upshaw, and ANSJI Director of Community Engagement and Justice Initiatives, DeRico Symonds.

 

“This recognition is not just a testament of our Institute’s efforts, but also a tribute to the resilience and strength of the African Nova Scotian community.” 



 

ANSJI's Inaugural Justice Symposium

ANSDPAD Executive Director Bernadette Hamilton Reid speaks to attendees at ANSJI's inaugural Justice Symposium, June, 2024
ANSDPAD Executive Director Bernadette Hamilton Reid speaks to attendees at ANSJI's inaugural Justice Symposium, June, 2024

In June, ANSJI held our inaugural Justice Symposium at the Halifax Central Library where we explored and addressed the unique justice-related challenges faced by Black people in Nova Scotia.


Attendees heard remarks from people such as ANSJI Executive Director, Shawna Paris-Hoyte KC; the Executive Director for the African Nova Scotian Decade for People of African Descent Coalition (ANSDPAD), Bernadette Hamilton Reid; Perry Borden who has since been appointed as the first chief judge of African descent in the Nova Scotia provincial court; as well as a spoken word performance by  Halifax Youth Poet Laureate, Asiah Sparks; and a drumming performance by Drum Against Malaria (DAM) Warriors.

 

Following a networking lunch, ANSJI honoured Mr. Wakai Glasgow, who passed away in February 2022 while working as an ANSJI staff lawyer under our Justice Advocate Program. After hearing words from Wakai’s friends, family, and former colleagues, his son Justice was presented with ANSJI’s inaugural Wakai Glasgow Social Justice Award. 


Michelle Williams, Isaac Saney, and Delvina Bernard take part in a discussion panel, 'Understanding African Nova Scotians as a Distinct People'
Michelle Williams, Isaac Saney, and Delvina Bernard take part in a discussion panel, 'Understanding African Nova Scotians as a Distinct People'

Maria Dugas, Brandon Rolle, Rick Woodburn, K.C. and Vanessa Fells take part in a discussion panel about the Public Prosecution Service (PPS) Fair Treatment of African Nova Scotians Policy
Maria Dugas, Brandon Rolle, Rick Woodburn, K.C. and Vanessa Fells take part in a discussion panel about the Public Prosecution Service (PPS) Fair Treatment of African Nova Scotians Policy

The Symposium was also highlighted by two panel discussions.

 

In the morning a panel discussed the topic of Understanding African Nova Scotians as a Distinct People. 

 

That panel was moderated by Dr. Barb Hamilton-Hinch, Associate Professor of Recreation and Leisure Studies, and Assistant Vice -Provost Equity and Inclusion at Dalhousie University. 

The panelists for the morning panel included Michelle Williams, Associate Professor of Law and Co-Chair of the African Nova Scotian Strategy, at Dalhousie University; Dr. Isaac Saney, Associate Professor, Coordinator of Black and African Diaspora Studies at Dalhousie University; and Delvina Bernard, EDIA Advisor Mount Saint Vincent University.

 

The afternoon panel discussed the topic of the Public Prosecution Service’s (PPS) Fair Treatment of African Nova Scotians Policy.

 

That panel was moderated by Maria Dugas, Assistant Professor Schulich School of Law at Dalhousie University.

 

The panelists for the afternoon panel included Brandon Rolle, Director of Legal Services, Criminal Division at ANSJI; Rick Woodburn, K.C., Acting Director of the Nova Scotia Public Prosecution Service; Vanessa Fells, Advisor Equity and Access for the Nova Scotia Barristers Society.


The full length video of both panels are currently available to stream through our website, ANSJI.ca, and on our YouTube channel, youtube.com/@ANSJI902.



 

ANSJI's AGM and Discussion Panel on ‘Black Mental Health in Justice’


Folami Jones, Shawna Paris Hoyte KC, Robert Wright, and Jude Clyke take part in a discussion panel on the topic of 'Black Mental Health in Justice' at ANSJI's 2024 AGM at the Delmore Buddy daye Learning Centre
Folami Jones, Shawna Paris Hoyte KC, Robert Wright, and Jude Clyke take part in a discussion panel on the topic of 'Black Mental Health in Justice' at ANSJI's 2024 AGM at the Delmore Buddy daye Learning Centre

On September 24th, ANSJI staff, board members, and community members attended our 2024 annual general meeting (AGM) at the Delmore Buddy Daye Learning Institute (DBDLI).


The Board held a public business meeting ahead of ANSJI Executive Director, Shawna Paris-Hoyte’s, KC, public report to the community.


Following the Director’s report, a panel discussion was held on the topic of Black mental Health in Justice.


The panelists included ANSJI Board member, Jude Clyke; ANSJI Special Advisor to the Executive Director, Robert Wright; and ANSJI Executive Director, Shawna Paris Hoyte.


The panel was moderated by ANSJI Board member, Folami Jones.

 

A full video of the discussion panel is currently available to stream in the Updates section of our website, ANSJI.ca, and on our YouTube channel, youtube.com/@ANSJI902.




 

Meetings and Guests


As a leader in the justice system, ANSJI is responsible for identifying and developing strategic partnerships at all levels of government, and with local and national grassroots organizations, educational institutions, research organizations, and law firms and clinics that have expertise in serving Black populations. 


We are responsible for advocating for fair and equitable hiring practices at all levels of government and the criminal justice system, advocating for race-based data collection within government, and developing internal practices for data collection, and we are responsible for clearly communicating the connection between the social determinants of justice and health.

 

In an effort to fulfill these responsibilities, ANSJI’s Halifax office has played host to several meetings with a number of justice stakeholders.


Provincial Justice Minister & Attorney General, Barbara Adams, and Deputy Minister for the Department of Justice, Jennifer Glennie
Provincial Justice Minister & Attorney General, Barbara Adams, and Deputy Minister for the Department of Justice, Jennifer Glennie

Federal Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, Arif Virani
Federal Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, Arif Virani

Nova Scotia RCMP Assistant Commissioner, Dennis Daley, and members of the RCMP Apology Action Plan Committee where ANSJI provided feedback ahead of the RCMP’s apology for their “historic use of street checks and other harmful interactions.”
Nova Scotia RCMP Assistant Commissioner, Dennis Daley, and members of the RCMP Apology Action Plan Committee where ANSJI provided feedback ahead of the RCMP’s apology for their “historic use of street checks and other harmful interactions.”

Newly appointed Halifax Regional Police (HRP) Chief, Don MacLean, who is the first person of African descent to hold the position.
Newly appointed Halifax Regional Police (HRP) Chief, Don MacLean, who is the first person of African descent to hold the position.

 

Fair Treatment of African Nova Scotians (FTANS) policy released by Public Prosecution Service

Acting Director of the Nova Scotia Public Prosecution Service, Rick Woodburn, K.C., unveils the Fair Treatment of African Nova Scotians and People of African Descent in Criminal Prosecutions (FTANS) policy at a February 2024 event at the Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia
Acting Director of the Nova Scotia Public Prosecution Service, Rick Woodburn, K.C., unveils the Fair Treatment of African Nova Scotians and People of African Descent in Criminal Prosecutions (FTANS) policy at a February 2024 event at the Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia

The Fair Treatment of African Nova Scotians and People of African Descent in Criminal Prosecutions (FTANS), also known as the “F-TANS Policy”, was unveiled by the Nova Scotia Prosecution Service at a February event at the Black Cultural Centre in Cherry Brook. 

The policy’s aim, among several listed objectives, is “to help address overrepresentation in correctional centres by considering cultural context at all stages of the criminal justice process.”

 

It also aims “ to ensure Crown Attorneys conduct culturally competent prosecutions involving African Nova Scotians and People of African Descent” and to “provide Crown Attorneys with resources to properly and consistently identify and address issues of racism and discrimination within individual cases and the criminal justice system.”

 

The areas where the policy is said to be applicable include when giving advice to the police prior to them laying a criminal charge, when deciding whether or not to prosecute someone who’s been charged with a crime, when considering the restorative justice process as an alternative to criminal prosecution; when considering bail options; at trial; and at sentencing.

 

It also lists “Public Incitement of Hatred” with respect to the “consideration of distinct victimization due to racism and discrimination when analyzing the prospect of conviction and public interest.”

 

The policy is also said “to support and promote the continued use and development of Impact of Race and Culture Assessments (IRCAs) within the criminal justice system,” specifically in relation to bail and sentencing.

 

 

In June, Rick Woodburn, K.C., Acting Director of the Nova Scotia Public Prosecution Service, was one of three panelists who took part in a discussion panel discussing the FTANS Policy, along with ANSJI’s Director of Legal Services, Brandon Rolle; and ANSJI Board Member Vanessa Fells who is also the Equity and Access Advisor for the Nova Scotia Barristers Society.

 


 

ANSJI Responds to the Ruck Report


Douglas Ruck, K.C., unveils 'REGAINING TRUST: The Ruck Report' (Photo: Tracy Smith / Linkedin)
Douglas Ruck, K.C., unveils 'REGAINING TRUST: The Ruck Report' (Photo: Tracy Smith / Linkedin)

On October 13th, The Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society (NSBS) released the results of a Racial Equity Survey.

 

In it, 64% of the respondents reported having been harassed or discriminated against in their current workplace.

 

Of the 47 respondents, 36% identified as Black and/or African Nova Scotian, 32% identified as Mi’kmaq and/or Indigenous, 6% as Arab/West Asian, 17% as South Asian, and 9% as Chinese.

 

Following the release of the Barristers’ Society’s survey, lawyer Douglas Ruck KC released a report on October 29th titled ‘Regaining Trust’ that’s aim was to further Examine systemic discrimination in Nova Scotia’s Legal Community.

 

“This is not a report to determine whether systemic discrimination exists in Nova Scotia’s legal community. Agreement on the existence of systemic discrimination is our starting point,” Ruck wrote in his opening remarks.The report was unveiled at an event that was live-streamed and can be restreamed by clicking here.

 

ANSJI Executive Director Shawna Paris Hoyte responded to the Ruck Report in several interviews, including with Global News Halifax (click here to watch), and in an official press release where, in part, she wrote:

 

“On behalf of the African Nova Scotian Justice Institute (ANSJI), we acknowledge and support the 21 recommendations outlined in this report as a significant step toward addressing systemic discrimination within Nova Scotia's legal community. The focus on actionable, specific, and measurable outcomes is a welcome sign of the commitment to equity and justice. We also recognize the important strides the Nova Scotia Barrister’s Society (NSBS) has made in the past months, which underscore a genuine effort to drive change.”

 

“However, several of the recommendations, while broad by design, could risk leaving critical actions undefined, potentially slowing the momentum for meaningful reform. The need for clarity and explicit, detailed steps by the Implementation Lead cannot be overstated if we are to ensure that these measures have a real and lasting impact.”

 

“Despite these concerns, we remain hopeful. With sustained commitment and accountability, the Society and the broader legal community can seize this opportunity to lead the way in dismantling systemic discrimination. By sharpening the focus on actionable measures and outcomes and by addressing the specific concerns regarding all forms of discrimination and racism, Nova Scotia’s legal profession has the potential to create lasting, transformative change.” 

 

“The ANSJI looks forward to collaborating with the NSBS and the Implementation Lead in advancing this critical work.”


 

Black Federal Workers Sue the Canadian Government


Black Class Action Secretariat (BCAS) Executive Director Nicholas Marcus Thompson speaks at a press conference at the Federal Court of Canada, November 8, 2024 - Credit: Massa Media
Black Class Action Secretariat (BCAS) Executive Director Nicholas Marcus Thompson speaks at a press conference at the Federal Court of Canada, November 8, 2024 - Credit: Massa Media

A class action lawsuit seeking billions of dollars in compensation has been filed in the Federal Court of Canada has been filed on behalf of thousands of Black Canadian federal government workers

 

The Black Class Action Secretariat (BCAS) filed the lawsuit this past fall following an internal report by Dr. Rachel Zellars that uncovered systemic anti-Black discrimination within Canada's Federal Public Service, “a problem that goes far beyond individual incidents,” BCAS wrote on social media.


“This report reveals a disturbing pattern of threats, harassment, and career stagnation faced by Black leaders, proving that the issue is entrenched in the system and must be treated as such.”

 

From the report, BCAS highlighted that:


“Less than 3% of executive roles are held by Black individuals, despite the significant contributions of Black Canadians to this nation.”


“62% of Black executives report facing harassment or intimidation from supervisors. For Black women, that number rises to 78%, highlighting the severe additional challenges they face.”

 

“Half of all Black female executives were subjected to formal investigations that were never upheld, pointing to intimidation, not justice.”

 

BCAS went on to say that “these are not isolated incidents—they’re systemic issues that demand systemic solutions. The Liberal government must stop fighting Black public service workers in court and settle the lawsuit.”

 

BCAS is encouraging people to join the movement in demanding justice for Black Public Service Workers by contacting Canada’s Attourney General Arif Virani, contacting your local MP, and by visiting blackclassaction.ca/takeaction 

 

ANSJI is one of several organizations standing in public solidarity with the Black Class Action Secretariat after issuing a statement in November of 2023.

To stay up to date with news and information surrounding the federal lawsuit on behalf of Black Canadian federal workers visit blackclassaction.ca/news

 

CLICK HERE to watch a CTV News repot on the BCAS's lawsuit against the Canadian federal government.



 

Black Elected Officials


Tony Ince, Ali Duale, & Suzy Hansen visit ANSJI on behalf of the Parliamentary Black Caucus of Canada.
Tony Ince, Ali Duale, & Suzy Hansen visit ANSJI on behalf of the Parliamentary Black Caucus of Canada.

Municipal Elections


In October, ANSJI offered congratulations to all the re-elected and newly elected municipal councilors and mayors throughout the province.This included the newly elected mayor of the town of Shelburn, Stanley (Tanny) Jacklin, the town’s first mayor of African descent.

 

This is of particular interest to note because it is in nearby Birchtown in Shelburn County where, in the early 1780s, the majority of the first group of over 3,500 Black settlers first arrived in Canada.“With a population of more than 2,500, Birchtown Nova Scotia became the largest settlement of free blacks outside Africa,” it says on the Black Loyalist Heritage Centre’s website (blackloyalist.com). 


Shelburn Mayor Stanley (Tanny) Jacklin
Shelburn Mayor Stanley (Tanny) Jacklin

On November 4th, ANSJI was in attendance at the Halifax Central Library for the swearing-in ceremony for newly elected Halifax Mayor Andy Filmore and 16 Halifax Regional Municipal (HRM) councilors.

 

This includes two councilors of African descent – Councillor John A. Young for District 14 which encompasses Hammonds Plains, the Black community of Upper Hammonds Plains, the Black Community of Lucasville, Middle Sackville, and Upper Sackville; and Councillor Virginia Hinch (who takes over for outgoing Councillor Lindell Smith) for District 8 which encompasses to the north end peninsula of Halifax.


John A. Young, Halifax Councilor for District 14; Halifax Mayor, Andy Filmore; and Virginia Hinch, Halifax Councilor for District 8 at the swearing-in ceremony for Halifax Regional Council
John A. Young, Halifax Councilor for District 14; Halifax Mayor, Andy Filmore; and Virginia Hinch, Halifax Councilor for District 8 at the swearing-in ceremony for Halifax Regional Council

2024 Provincial Election


Black Nova Scotian history was made in November when Adegoke Fadare (pronounced ‘Ah-da-go-key Fah-dar-eh’) who is from Nigeria, and Lina Hamid who is from Sudan were elected as Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) in Nova Scotia.


This makes a total of ten Black MLAs who have been elected in the province's history.

 

With the reflections of PC MLA Twila Grosse for the riding of Preston and NDP MLA Suzy Hansen for the riding of Halifax Needham, there currently sits a total of four Black MLAs in the Nova Scotia provincial Legislature.


Photos (top-left to bottom-right): NDP MLA Suzy Hansen, PC MLA Twila Grosse, PC MLA Adegoke Fadare, and NDP MLA Lina Hamid
Photos (top-left to bottom-right): NDP MLA Suzy Hansen, PC MLA Twila Grosse, PC MLA Adegoke Fadare, and NDP MLA Lina Hamid

Fadare will serve as a PC MLA for the riding of Clayton Park West. 

Hamid will serve as an NDP MLA for the riding of Fairview-Clayton Park.

 

Black Liberal candidate Ali Duale was unsuccessful in his campaign for reelection in the riding of Halifax Armdale.

 

Black Liberal Candidate and former Minister of African Nova Scotian Affairs, Tony Ince did not reoffer for the riding of Cole Harbour.

 

ANSJI would like to offer appreciation for the aforementioned outgoing, re-elected, and newly elected members of the Legislative Assembly.

 

In 1993, Wayne Adams, became the first Black MLA in Nova Scotia, as well as the province’s first Black cabinet minister, when he was elected as an MLA for the Preston area riding.


Parliamentary Black Caucus of Canada

 

In October, Tony Ince, Ali Duale, Suzy Hansen, and (former Halifax municipal councilor) Lindell Smith met with ANSJI on behalf of the Nova Scotia chapter of the Parliamentary Black Caucus of Canada.

 

The Caucus was established in 2015 and comprises Black parliamentarians from the Canadian Senate, the House of Commons, Black MLAs, and municipal councilors throughout Canada and meets regularly to bring forward, discuss, and advocate issues important to Black communities across Canada.

 

ANSJI looks forward to working with the Parliamentary Black Caucus of Canada and other members of the Legislature towards progressive systemic change for Black Nova Scotians.


Nova Scotia members of The Parliamentary Black Caucus, NDP MLA Suzy Hansen, former (then sitting) Liberal MLAs Tony Ince and Ali Duale, and outgoing Halifax city councilor Lindell Smith (now former) who joined virtually meet with ANSJI staff
Nova Scotia members of The Parliamentary Black Caucus, NDP MLA Suzy Hansen, former (then sitting) Liberal MLAs Tony Ince and Ali Duale, and outgoing Halifax city councilor Lindell Smith (now former) who joined virtually meet with ANSJI staff
 

More Meetings and Guests


As a leader in the justice system, ANSJI is responsible for identifying and developing strategic partnerships at all levels of government, and with local and national grassroots organizations, educational institutions, research organizations, and law firms and clinics that have expertise in serving Black populations. 


We are responsible for advocating for fair and equitable hiring practices at all levels of government and the criminal justice system, advocating for race-based data collection within government, and developing internal practices for data collection, and we are responsible for clearly communicating the connection between the social determinants of justice and health.

 

In an effort to fulfill these responsibilities, ANSJI’s Halifax office has played host to several meetings with a number of justice stakeholders.


McGill University law professor, Dr. Sarah Riley Case whose research and teachings focus on slavery and the law, Critical Race Theory, Black life, Third World Approaches to International Law (TWAIL), colonialism, arts, and governing the natural world; and Professor Michelle Williams, an Associate Professor of Law at Dalhousie University’s Schulich School of Law, and co-chair of Dalhousie’s ‘African Nova Scotian Strategy’.
McGill University law professor, Dr. Sarah Riley Case whose research and teachings focus on slavery and the law, Critical Race Theory, Black life, Third World Approaches to International Law (TWAIL), colonialism, arts, and governing the natural world; and Professor Michelle Williams, an Associate Professor of Law at Dalhousie University’s Schulich School of Law, and co-chair of Dalhousie’s ‘African Nova Scotian Strategy’.

President of the Law Commission of Canada, Shauna Van Praagh
President of the Law Commission of Canada, Shauna Van Praagh

Members of the Atlantic Region of Correctional Services Canada (CSC), including Regional Deputy Commissioner, Johanne Charest
Members of the Atlantic Region of Correctional Services Canada (CSC), including Regional Deputy Commissioner, Johanne Charest

Law students from Dalhousie’s Schulich School of Law as part of a third-year law course titled ‘African Nova Scotians and the Law’, instructed by Professor, Michelle Williams who accompanied her students.
Law students from Dalhousie’s Schulich School of Law as part of a third-year law course titled ‘African Nova Scotians and the Law’, instructed by Professor, Michelle Williams who accompanied her students.
 

Black Therapists


This is a non-exhaustive counseling resource list of Black therapists and Black organizations supporting mental health in Nova Scotia, Canada.


This list was put together by Natalie Hodgson (ANSJI Director of the National IRCA™ Training Project), and Danita Williams, Senior IRCA ™ Assessor and Counselling Therapist.



 

ANSJI currently has three job openings for the following positions:

 

  • Director of Legal Services

  • Managing Lawyer, Criminal Division

  • Clinician (Masters) 

Go to our website at ansji.ca/careers to learn more and download PDF copies of the full job descriptions. You can apply for each position directly online, or by submitting an expression of interest to the ANSJI Operations Manager, Sarah Upshaw, at sarah.upshaw@ansji.ca

 

A brief description of each position is as follows: Director of Legal Services -- The Director of Legal Services is a thoughtful leader and strong manager who will oversee ANSJI’s direct legal services and legal advocacy programs. The position reports to the Executive Director, is a part of ANSJI’s Senior Leadership Team, and contributes to overall organizational planning and management. The Director of Legal Services works closely with staff to develop a vision and strategies to ensure alignment of legal program systems and processes to support overall team success. This individual must be a strategic manager with strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively with leadership and staff in a collaborative work environment.

 

Managing Lawyer, Criminal Division -- The Managing Lawyer will provide oral and written advocacy for the Legal Services - Criminal Division clients at the ANSJI. The Managing Lawyer will report directly to the Executive Director. The Managing Lawyer will possess knowledge and experience in criminal law, administrative law, and social justice litigation and/or policy reform, primarily focusing on proceedings before the criminal courts in Nova Scotia.

The Managing Lawyer will provide free independent legal information and advice to ANSJI’s target population. The Managing Lawyer will assist in providing access to justice as persons navigate quasi-legal bodies such as proceedings before the Human Rights Commission of Nova Scotia.

The Managing Lawyer will work collaboratively with paralegals, law students, and volunteers of the Criminal Division. The Managing Lawyer will also oversee initiatives related to research and public legal education and deliver presentations on behalf of the Criminal Division.

The Managing lawyer will provide management, guidance, and leadership to the staff in the legal services- criminal pillar. 

 

Clinician (Masters) -- The Clinician will carry out Impact of Race and Cultural Assessments (IRCAs) while working with the Director of the Forensic Assessment and Treatment Unit to strategically advocate for increased access to mental health services for African Nova Scotians navigating the justice system. Training will be provided to the successful individual to develop the knowledge and skills required to complete IRCA’s.



 

Additional Community Resources


NOTICE:


ANSJI has limited capacity with respect to service delivery for individual client representation on legal matters.

As a result, ANSJI is currently not taking any Adult Criminal Cases at this time.Please visit our website at ansji.ca/post/resource-list to view an extensive list of additional community resources, such as:

 

 

 

 

  • Dalhousie Legal Aid Service

    • Phone: 902-423-8105

    • Fax: 902-422-8067

    • Email: legalaid@dal.ca (Please note that we do not provide legal advice by email)

 

 

 

 

  • Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission

  • Nova Scotia Legal Aid

    • Online: https://www.nslegalaid.ca/contact-us/

    • HRM Duty Counsel: 902-420-7800

    • Halifax (Family): 902-420-3450

    • Toll Free: 1-866-420-3450

    • Social Justice Office: 902-420-3464

    • Dartmouth (Family): 902-420-7921

    • Toll Free: 1-855-420-7921

    • Child Protection: 902-420-8897

    • Youth Criminal: 902-420-6569

    • Adult Criminal Halifax: 902-420-6583

    • Adult Criminal Dartmouth: 902-420-8815

    • Toll Free: 1-877-420-8818

 

 

  • Seniors Info Line (City of Halifax) / Department of Seniors

 

  

And much more! CLICK HERE to view the full list(s).

 
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