HALIFAX - The opposition parties in Nova Scotia are criticizing the provincial government for failing to apologize to the Mi'kmaq and African Nova Scotian communities regarding the history of environmental racism in the province, despite a year having passed since a panel of experts recommended such an apology.
The government had appointed this panel in 2023 to investigate the detrimental effects of environmentally hazardous projects, such as landfills, coal plants, and toxic waste facilities, on racialized communities. Recent reports by CBC revealed a draft of the panel's findings, which includes a recommendation for the Nova Scotia government to formally apologize.
In a draft report released on Thursday, dated June 2024, the panel outlined eleven recommendations aimed at addressing environmental racism. These recommendations include increasing resources for Mi'kmaq and African Nova Scotian community groups, committing to public reporting on progress related to environmental racism, and establishing a formal definition of environmental racism to inform legislative and policy measures.
The provincial government has not disclosed when it received copies of the draft and final versions of the reports. Among the key recommendations, the panel asserted that the government should issue a formal apology to both the Mi'kmaq and African Nova Scotian communities, acknowledging the disproportionate impacts that historical provincial decisions have had on these groups.
During a press conference, Premier Tim Houston expressed a desire to engage with the panel members prior to delivering a formal apology. He remarked, “There have been significant examples of racism in this province that Nova Scotians aren’t proud of. Our government, just like Nova Scotia, we don’t accept it… meeting with the members is the next appropriate step.” He stated that recent leaks of the report did not alter the government’s plans.
Scott Armstrong, the Minister of Equity and Anti-racism, announced that a meeting with panel members has been scheduled for December, although he did not provide a specific date nor commit to the issuance of an apology. He mentioned, “We’ll talk to the people on the panel first to see what they actually think and how anything like that would take place.”
The NDP leader, Claudia Chender, voiced her disappointment with the provincial government's handling of the environmental racism report, calling it “frankly embarrassing.” She emphasized that the government should apologize, pointing out the undeniable legacy of environmental racism in the province. Chender argued that an urgent apology is necessary as the province prepares for further natural resources development.
Additionally, Liberal member Derek Mombourquette, who has represented the Cape Breton community of Whitney Pier and currently serves the Membertou First Nation, highlighted that both communities have experienced various forms of environmental racism. He expressed disbelief that the premier and a minister would not publicly acknowledge the need for an apology, stating, “I have seen firsthand the community conversations and the hurt and the pain that has been caused.”
The issue of environmental racism continues to be a significant concern for marginalized communities in Nova Scotia, reflecting the challenges of addressing historical injustices within the framework of contemporary governance. The government’s hesitance to make a formal apology raises questions about its commitment to reconciliation and the rectification of past wrongs.
