Replace Complacency with Real Change

Nova Scotians need to overcome complacency and replace it with real change. Mayann Francis, executive director of the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission, issued the challenge in a speech to the Cape Breton Regional Council of Churches in Sydney on Nov. 13.

"Will you stand on guard for your communities, your province and your country to win the war against hate and violence?" said Ms. Francis. "We have to be ready for the change which increased immigration to Canada is bringing, change which is vital for the growth and prosperity of our province and its people."

Ms. Francis said the commission wants Nova Scotia to make achievements through affirmative action and commitments to inclusion.

"Show me the results. Commitments which do not produce action are not enough," she said.

Ms. Francis said her goal is to see constructive debate on human rights issues taking place in every school, workplace, place of worship and community in Nova Scotia.

"That debate should not invoke fear -- it should inspire Nova Scotians to be agents of change and progress," she said.