Human Rights Commissioners to Visit Sydney

Members of the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission will visit Cape Breton Regional Municipality (CBRM) Wednesday, Sept. 14, and Thursday, Sept. 15, as they hold their regular monthly meeting on the campus of Cape Breton University.

In addition to their meeting, the commissioners will visit a number of areas and meet with CBRM councillors and citizens actively working on human rights issues.

"This is an opportunity to demonstrate that the commission is working for all parts of Nova Scotia," said commission chair Ernie Bolivar. "The commissioners look forward to learning more about the unique history of the Sydney area and the issues important to its diverse community."

The commissioners' itinerary will include:

• a visit to St. Phillip's African Orthodox Church on Hankard Street in Whitney Pier;
• a tour of the Whitney Pier Historical Museum on Mt. Pleasant Street;
• an information session at the Cape Breton Black Employment Office on Victoria Road;
• lunch with CBRM Mayor John Morgan and the municipality's affirmative action committee, which includes representative of various groups in CBRM;
• discussions with CBRM Police Chief Edgar MacLeod at city hall;
• a dinner meeting with Joe B. Marshall and Dan Christmas of the Union of Nova Scotia Indians at the Membertou Trade and Convention Centre.

"Cape Breton has many stories to tell because of its diverse population and history," said commission CEO Mayann Francis. "This will be a valuable learning experience for all commissioners."

Members of the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission are responsible for policy and have the authority to approve settlements of complaints, discontinue matters, or refer them to a board of inquiry for an independent hearing. Commissioners are not appointed to represent particular groups but uphold all the protected characteristics set out in the Human Rights Act.