The New Democratic Party (NDP) in Nova Scotia is intensifying its demands for the provincial government to disclose the findings and recommendations from Nova Scotia's Environmental Racism Panel. This eight-member panel, proposed by the NDP, was appointed in June 2023 to assess how racism impacts the natural environment of communities, and was expected to submit its recommendations by the end of that year. The panel was chaired by Augy Jones, who currently serves as the executive director of African Nova Scotian Affairs.

Augy Jones, when appointed to the panel in December 2022, expressed hope that the process would serve as a model for the rest of Canada by effectively engaging marginalized communities that have suffered intergenerational trauma. However, nearly 18 months after the recommendations were due to be released, it appears that the details remain unseen by the public.

Suzy Hansen, the NDP critic for African Nova Scotia Affairs and the Office of Equity and Anti-Racism, emphasized the government's responsibility in addressing the outcomes of the panel. In a letter addressed to Premier Houston, Hansen stated, “As Premier, it is your job to make sure the work of the panel is respected and acted on. Nova Scotians who have lived with the consequences of environmental racism are still waiting for meaningful change.” She highlighted that these individuals have waited long enough to access the report's contents.

The status of the recommendations continues to be unclear. In March, Deputy Premier Barbara Adams stated that the recommendations were accessible and were being utilized by all government departments. She noted that this represented a comprehensive government effort to tackle the issues identified by the panel. Yet, comments from ministers during a recent Public Accounts Committee meeting suggested that not all ministries had access to the recommendations.

During a cabinet meeting, Twila Grosse, the minister of African Nova Scotian Affairs, stated that she has read the report but has not disclosed any of its details. She indicated that a meeting would be organized with a group of ministers and the panel to discuss the findings, although a specific date has yet to be scheduled.

Hansen pointed out the contradictions within the government, stating, “These contradictions undermine trust. When your ministers can’t even agree on whether the recommendations have been read, let alone implemented, it sends a clear message to communities that their experiences and input are not being taken seriously.”

In response to the lack of transparency regarding the report, the NDP has initiated a petition demanding that the government make the findings public. The ongoing situation raises significant concerns about the commitment to addressing environmental racism and maintaining trust with affected communities.