Nova Scotia NDP says province too secretive, must release environmental racism report – Halifax [Video]

Nova Scotia’s Opposition NDP called on Premier Tim Houston’s government Friday to release a report about the province’s long history of environmental racism, saying it’s a matter of accountability.

An eight-member panel was expected to submit its report to Houston’s government in December 2023.

Justice Minister Becky Druhan, who is also responsible for the Office of Equity and Anti-Racism, did not answer Thursday when pressed by reporters to explain why the government is sitting on the report.

Druhan also wouldn’t answer when asked whether she had seen the panel’s recommendations, saying its work predated her appointment as minister.

NDP Leader Claudia Chender told reporters Friday that Druhan’s evasiveness is part of a “concerning pattern” by a government that is acting as if it’s above accountability.

“People are noticing this government’s aversion to transparency,” said Chender. “Having a majority (government) is not a blank cheque to keep Nova Scotians in the …