Ben Sichel

What is, and isn’t, in the minister’s report on Nova Scotian education

Miles Howe — Mon, 26 Jan 2015 17:19:12 +0000

Education Minister promises action plan by Thursday. But what's missing from report?

The panel reviewing Nova Scotia’s education system has released its report. Disrupting the Status Quo: Nova Scotians Demand a Better Future for Every Student makes 30 recommendations for overhauling P-12 education, based on an extensive survey completed by 19,000 people.

Rocky Jones, pioneering African Nova Scotian human rights activist, dies at 71

bsichel — Tue, 30 Jul 2013 12:34:05 +0000

Lawyer involved in fight for racial justice until very end of his life

'JIPUKTUK (Halifax) - Prominent lawyer and racial justice advocate Burnley (Rocky) Jones has died of a heart attack at age 71.

Media Co-op reporter Miles Howe released from custody; says police trying to restrict his reporting

bsichel — Fri, 05 Jul 2013 10:40:21 +0000

Mi'kmaq war chief also arrested in connection with Howe

ELSIPOGTOG, NB - Media Co-op reporter Miles Howe has been released from police custody after being detained

Centring the Black Nova Scotian Experience

bsichel — Sun, 10 Feb 2013 04:12:20 +0000

Book Review: Theorizing Africentricity in Action

Theorizing Africentricity in Action: Who We Are Is What We See

Delvina E. Bernard and Susan M. Brigham, editors

Fernwood Publishing, 2012, 128 p.

CFIB Study Misleads on Public-Sector Sick Days, Union Says

bsichel — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 20:43:54 +0000

PSAC says business lobby group's report ignores effects of job cuts, sick workers

HALIFAX -- The union representing tens of thousands of public-sector workers across Canada says the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) is misleading the public about sick days.

Film Festival Puts Solidarity on the Big Screen

bsichel — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 13:56:27 +0000

Labour Council presents the Canadian Labour International Film Festival

Long week on the shop floor? Why not relax this Saturday with some free films at the Canadian Labour International Film Festival.

More than 200 Rally Against Violence in HRM

bsichel — Sun, 30 Sep 2012 21:49:31 +0000

HALIFAX-DARTMOUTH - Heavy rain and wind didn't stop more than 200 residents of HRM from attending a march against violence this afternoon.

The ambitious march route took participants more than five kilometres, from Sullivan's Pond in Dartmouth, across the MacDonald Bridge, to the South Common in Halifax.

Mi'kmaq Community to Demonstrate at Canso Causeway

bsichel — Thu, 13 Sep 2012 12:58:19 +0000

Protest follows government decision to allow test oil well drilling at Lake Ainslie

A demonstration will be set up by members of the Mi'kmaq community at the Canso Causeway this morning in opposition to oil drilling near Lake Ainslie, Cape Breton.

Feds Un-freeze Funding for Kitpu Youth Centre

bsichel — Mon, 30 Jul 2012 19:26:12 +0000

Public pressure forces government to back-pedal on cuts to CCAY

A news release today would seem to indicate that the Harper government is backtracking on its cuts to the Kitpu Youth Program, run out of the Mi'kmaq Native Friendship Centre.

Workers, Employer Settle in Elizabeth Fry Society Strike

bsichel — Tue, 24 Jul 2012 02:17:27 +0000

Union says collective agreement brings workers in line with public sector

The Nova Scotia Government and General Employees Union (NSGEU) says that the four striking workers from the Elizabeth Fry Society of Mainland Nova Scotia have reached a collective agreement with the society's board of directors.

Elizabeth Fry Workers Say Strike is Case of "Lead by Example"

bsichel — Thu, 19 Jul 2012 23:52:10 +0000

Advocates for women say they need to stand up for their own rights

Halifax - Despite the beautiful sunny day on the Halifax waterfront, Heather McKenzie says she’d much rather be at work than walking the picket line.

Elizabeth Fry Society Workers Ready, But Reluctant, to Strike

bsichel — Thu, 28 Jun 2012 01:47:15 +0000

Service providers for women have been in negotiations for months

HALIFAX - Four employees at the Elizabeth Fry Society of Mainland Nova Scotia say they're ready for a strike.

Community Rallies to Save Kitpu Youth Programs

bsichel — Wed, 20 Jun 2012 10:58:46 +0000

50 people gather for emergency fundraising, long-term strategizing against federal cuts to Aboriginal programs

HALIFAX - Last week the Kitpu Youth Program, based out of the Mi’kmaq Native Friendship Centre on Gottingen St., learned it would have to close its doors due to federal budget cuts.

But not if a group of more than 50 people who attended an emergency meeting at the George Dixon Centre in Halifax can help it.

Making the Case for Higher Taxes

bsichel — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 21:34:14 +0000

Group calls for tax rates on the rich to be returned to pre-2000 levels

A forum this Sunday put on by a new local group, Nova Scotians for Tax Fairness, is premised on one simple idea: the rich should pay more in taxes.

Free Buses for HRM?

bsichel — Sun, 18 Mar 2012 15:44:50 +0000

A radio interview on why public transit can - and should - stay free

I went on Maritime Morning, Weekend Edition this morning to talk about free public transportation in HRM, as outlined in this article. Audio file courtesy of News 95.7. (9:46)