🗞️ Deflecting dissent

Happy Tuesday, Halifax.

This Saturday was the anniversary of the Halifax Explosion, a devastating event that changed the lives of many.

On Dec. 6, 1917, a French cargo ship carrying explosives collided with a Norwegian ship in Halifax’s harbour, causing what was at the time the largest man-made explosion.

Before arriving in Nova Scotia in 2022, I had no knowledge of the Halifax Explosion. It wasn’t until the anniversary came around that I saw articles popping up regarding the blast, the lives that were lost, and the help Halifax received from far and wide in the aftermath.

Two years ago, I had the chance to speak with a historian who told me about the latter. As many of us know, Boston was quick to send help to Halifax after the explosion—hence why the relationship between Nova Scotia is as strong as it is, and why we send the city a Christmas tree every year. However, they weren’t the only ones to send help.

The historian I spoke to focused on Truro’s efforts to send help to Halifax, during what was a wicked winter. The first train full of medical supplies and personnel left Truro and returned with victims, either wounded or left without a home. When the train couldn’t make it past the Bedford Basin, rescue workers trudged through the snow while passing by the destruction. Following Truro came trains from all over the Maritimes: Kentville, Amherst, Stellarton, Pictou, Sydney, Sackville, Moncton and Saint John.

When I think of the Halifax Explosion, my mind goes to this: community helping community. I believe that, especially in our post-pandemic times, we often forget how necessary it is to build relationships not just within our small groups of friends and family, but everyone we come across. When disaster strikes, at least you’ll have a helping hand.

– B

📷 @creamy_yet_smooth

🌡️ Traffic & Weather

Today: ☀️ -3°

Tomorrow: 🌨️ 3°

Next Day: 🌧️ 5°

7-day forecast

🚗 Driving, biking or busing today? Check out the current traffic conditions and ongoing road closures.

OPINION

Why the ability to speak truth to power matters, and why Houston and his staff are quelling dissent

On Nov. 28, former Justice Minister and Attorney General Becky Druhan participated in a panel discussion and made a public admission that many of us in the advocacy space have long suspected: the centralized, leader-centric political environment cultivated under Premier Tim Houston’s government has stifled dissent and silenced critics.

Speaking alongside Independent MLA Elizabeth Smith McCrossin and Acadia political science professor Alex Marland, Druhan shared that her departure from cabinet was, in part, due to interference from staff who dictated what she was allowed to say as a government official. The most striking revelation from the article was the communication training she and other members of the party received after the 2021 election, where they were told that “every story should have an enemy,” and that identifying this enemy was a crucial part of crafting the party’s public message.

For anyone familiar with Nova Scotia’s political landscape, this is hardly a new or surprising development. As an activist and outspoken advocate in the province, I’ve been witnessing firsthand the way Premier Houston’s government has been operating to suppress critique; whether through veiled threats, intimidation, or outright silencing. I know this personally, as I’ve been the target of such tactics myself.

Opinion writer Liz LeClair speaks on her experiences while questioning the culture around dissent in Houston’s government.

🤔 Need To Know

🏛️ Timberlea-Prospect MLA Iain Rankin is now the interim leader of the Nova Scotia Liberal Party as they look to rebuild after a devastating election loss in 2024, leaving just two sitting Liberal MLAs—former party leader Derek Mombourquette will take on the duties of house leader.

🚌 Parents and guardians in the Prospect area are voicing frustrations with delayed school buses, having to make last-minute travel plans with little notice—the school board says traffic, construction, mechanical issues and an ongoing driver shortage contribute to these delays.

🐟 The Beaty Centre for Marine Biodiversity had its grand opening on Saturday—located within the Steele Ocean Sciences Building, the centre has over 30 exhibits focused on marine life.

🎶 EFT's annual cozy fundraiser is back on December 11th! A Very Dartmouth Christmas Concert, hosted by Kat McCormack and featuring Kim Harris, Don Brownrigg, the Dartmouth Geese, and more!*

🍷 Purchase a WINE TOUR GIFT CERTIFICATE for any amount or a specific tour and your guest chooses the date they want to go. Give an experience to the person on your list who loves wine.*

*Sponsored Post

SPONSORED BY SPRING GARDEN AREA BUSINESS ASSOCIATION

Shop Local, Shop Halifax: Your Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide

Looking for the perfect gifts this holiday season? The Downtown Halifax Holiday Gift Guide has you covered! Featuring an amazing selection of local businesses from Spring Garden Road and Downtown Halifax, this guide is your go-to source for unique, thoughtful presents that everyone on your list will love.

From handcrafted jewelry and cozy winter wear to local art, gourmet treats, and one-of-a-kind home décor, you’ll find something special for friends, family, and colleagues alike. Support local shops, discover hidden gems, and make this holiday season extra special with gifts that give back to the community. Wrap up the holidays downtown!

🗞️ In Other News

⚖️ An East Hants man formerly acquitted on sex offences will be going to trial once more after a decision from the Supreme Court of Canada—Robert Joseph Desutter now faces two charges of sexual exploitation.

🚱 A water main break on Waverley Road has been fixed—while water pressure should be back to normal to residents in the area, Halifax Water says the boil water order is active until further notice.

🔥 A large blaze broke out at a fish plant in Wallace on Monday—multiple fire departments were on the scene.

SPONSORED BY DOWNTOWN DARTMOUTH BUSINESS COMMISSION

Carols and Cocoa in Downtown Dartmouth

Enjoy a free holiday shopping party in downtown Dartmouth on Saturday, December 13 from 11am-2pm. There will be on-street carolling and FREE hot chocolate at participating businesses to keep you warm while you explore local shops.

It will be a day full of holiday cheer, and a great opportunity to check some items off of your holiday shopping list all while supporting local.

🗓️ Things To Do

Looking for something to do this week? Check out these Coast picks:

🗓 Knots and Knits: Bring a knitting or needlework project you’re working on and hang out with like-minded crafters in a quiet space with hot drinks. Happening at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. | Dec. 9 | 1PM |

🗓 Tuesday Night Jazz at The Shoe: Join The Shoe every Tuesday night for three sets of live jazz featuring Leo Cox (Bass), Dante Kierstead (Drums), and Ben Tucker (Guitar). Happy hour is from 4pm-7pm. | Dec. 9 | 7:00PM |

🗓 Symphony Nova Scotia: The Nutcracker: A Halifax holiday favourite is back. A young girl’s toy comes to life and brings her to an enchanted world with magical creatures, colourful friends and the ferocious Mouse Queen. | Dec. 5-14 | 2PM & 7:30PM | From $25.50+ |

Have an event to share? Let us know at [email protected].

⚓️ What’s In The Harbour

🚢➡️ The MSC Kilimanjaro IV container vessel arrives in Halifax from Sines at 6:15am and departs for Montreal at 5pm.

➡️ The Algoscotia oil tanker departs Halifax for Corner Brook at 6pm.

🚢➡️ The Annie B container vessel arrives in Halifax from New York at 5:50am and departs for Kingston at 10pm.

SPONSORED BY LIVE ART DANCE

One Stage, Two Shows!

Live Art Dance, in partnership with Upstream, returns with an incredible double bill! A mesmerizing solo from local artist Gillian Seaward-Boone, paired with a soaring piece from Compagnie ODD with live music from the electrifying Raphael Wenroth-Browne. An evening of dance not to be missed – get your tickets today!

🍴 Where To Eat & Drink

🍨 The chilly weather doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy some ice cream. Try out Churned’s candy cane ice cream bars, a perfect snack for the holiday season.

☕ Tako Loko has an authentic Mexican ponche for you to try. Fruity, cozy, and straight from home. The perfect warm beverage to shake off the cold.

👀 In Case You Missed It

🎶 As everyone checks their music streaming app of choice for their annual wrap-up, Spotify has released its stats calculating the most listened-to artists, albums and songs from the Halifax area. Some of the report’s findings are a no-brainer. Others are quite surprising. While Spotify has its own wide range of ethical issues and controversies, this report on Halifax's listening habits presents an interesting picture. The Coast’s Brendyn Creamer goes over Halifax’s music streaming stats for 2025.

🌿 Justice Minister Scott Armstrong is asking Mi’kmaw chiefs to help in cracking down on treaty truckhouses selling cannabis—a spokesperson for the assembly of chiefs says Armstrong’s description of truckhouses is not fair considering the treaty rights involved.

⚖️ A man found guilty of sexual offences had his ruling appealed based on a constitutional rights violation—his case took too long to come to court, with his trial not ending until 35 months after the charges were laid.

That’s it!

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