Commission Applauds Restorative Settlement Between Firefighters and HRM

The Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission congratulated the Halifax Association of Black Fire Fighters and the Halifax Regional Municipality today, April 25, for their collaboration in arriving at a restorative settlement of a long-standing human rights complaint.

The commission also acknowledged the apology issued by Fire Chief Doug Trussler to the association, and the role the Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency and the Halifax Professional Firefighters/International Association of Firefighters Local 268 played in reaching the settlement.

"This has been a long and arduous process for all involved," said commission director and CEO David Shannon. "It is unfortunate that advancements such as this have to be borne out of difficult times and hard experiences.

"However, if we maintain our commitment to understanding each other and openness to new human rights ideas we can set new directions for the future. Today's process bears this out."

The commission also acknowledged the dissatisfaction felt by some as a result of their experience with the former system of dispute resolution at the commission.

Mr. Shannon expressed his regret for the time delays caused by prior investigative processes and committed to streamlining the system. He also committed to continued community engagement and involvement of the commission's Race Relations Equity and Inclusion unit to the cause of elimination of systemic racism within Nova Scotia.

"People cannot take their place as members of the human family without having a sense of dignity and positive self-worth," said Mr. Shannon.