News 1. Cellufuel Cellufuel has stopped operating its Brooklyn biofuel plant, the Halifax Examiner reported Friday. The start-up biofuel company has received at least $4.5 million in public money; the shut-down is temporary and just part how “innovation” works, insists president Chris Hooper. Click here to read “Cellufuel ‘pauses’ operations at its Brooklyn demonstration plant.” […]
The Bennett – Frost War and Drake University classes: Morning File, Monday, June 26, 2017
News 1. Outpatient Centre and transit “Despite reports from municipal staff that there were public transit challenges with the proposed Bayers Lake outpatient clinic, new documents show the province went ahead with the project, and didn’t inform the public of the issue,” reports Marieke Walsh for Global, who obtained the documents through a freedom of information request: […]
Proud of his indifference: Morning File, Friday, June 23, 2017
News 1. McNeil proud of his indifference “Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil says he stands by his government’s record on domestic violence after a former staffer said the Liberals turned their back on her when she was assaulted by a party staffer — her partner,” reports Marieke Walsh for Global. Walsh asked McNeil about an article that […]
A wretch like me: Morning File, Tuesday, May 16, 2017
News 1. Bill McEwen Last night, Dartmouth East NDP candidate Bill McEwen abruptly dropped out of the race, issuing this statement: Effective immediately, I have resigned from my position as the NDP candidate for Dartmouth East. I apologize for my past actions and believe that I must be accountable to my community and the residents […]
McNeil promises independent review of clearcutting; critics say it’s not necessary
"We've already had a massive, exhaustive independent public review of forestry practices," says Raymond Plourde of the Ecology Action Centre. "In fact, we've had two or three in recent years."
Yesterday, Stephen McNeil made four campaign promises that he said are aimed at “preserving and enhancing the environment.” Critics say they are aimed at preserving the status quo. A re-elected Liberal government would continue the ban on onshore fracking. It would introduce a Coastal Protection Act after public consultation on issues concerning the fishery and offshore drilling....
Halifax Harbour is shrinking: Morning File, Monday, April 10, 2017
News 1. Dubé and lying city councillors In early March, I was tipped that Halifax CAO Jacques Dubé had been missing from City Hall for two weeks. I called around, and spoke to three councillors, two of whom told me that Dubé had a family member who had a severe illness and was attending to it. […]
Arrest the Bankers: Morning File, Saturday, April 8, 2017
1. All Histories Matter Last week, I wrote about the white outcry about the exclusion of Annapolis Royal from CBC’s first episode of The Story of Us. I pointed out that while white Nova Scotians furiously protested their claims to be recognized as the first settlers, they were not so anxious to receive credit, for example, […]
Trains, planes, and automobiles (and a hilarious horse): Morning File, Wednesday, March 29, 2017
News 1. I Like Trains Really, I do! But that thing they’re talking about running around downtown ain’t no train. The Disneyfication of downtown continues apace. I don’t have the heart to write about it… read Jacob Boon in The Coast. 2. 40 kph speed limits “Halifax city council may be asking the province to lower speed […]
The return of Nova Scotia’s spoils system: Morning File, Thursday, February 2, 2017
News 1. NSCAD to accept students stranded by Trump’s immigration order “NSCAD University will be among a group of Canadian art schools accepting international students slated to go to U.S. schools now left stranded by President Donald Trump’s executive order on immigration,” reports Chris Lambie for the Halifax Examiner. This article is behind the Examiner’s paywall […]
Captain Cash and clickbait for mansplainers: Morning File, Monday, October 17, 2016
News Views Noticed Government On campus In the harbour Footnotes News 1. Election results Saturday’s election was the most interesting HRM election I’ve witnessed. A record five new councillors were elected, which promises a newly energized council and very possibly surprising initiatives and the end of business as usual. One can hope, anyway. Two incumbent […]