Happy Friday, Halifax 👋

Do any of you out there wear those sleeveless, white tops? The ones you can buy in packs at several clothing retailers? What do you call them?

Well, some use the term ‘wife beaters’—an obviously misogynistic phrasing that hearkens to the stereotypical drunk husband committing domestic abuse.

Now, I’ve owned several of these tops over the years. I typically wear them under button-ups in the summertime and around the house when I’m doing chores. Admittedly, I have also referred to them using the above term in the past. I’m guessing a few of you have as well.

Amazon was recently in hot water after CBC News reported sellers on the website using the term ‘wife beater’ to describe men’s tank tops. As the article states, this is actually against Canada’s advertising code, citing a conclusion from Ad Standards Canada’s council stating that the use of this terminology, “presented an indifference to its meaning, which some members felt normalizes or even condones violence against women.”

While the mega-corp didn’t bow down to the ruling, as adherence isn’t mandated, the company selling the shirt unlisted the product after CBC published it’s article on the subject. However, a rep from Amazon told the CBC they have no problem with the phrasing.

Amazon continues to be the worst—no surprises there. However, wouldn’t it just be easier to accept it and have third-parties call them tank tops? Maybe it’s a way for sellers to capitalize on search engine optimization, or maybe it’s just dug deep into their lexicon, but there is a far less offensive term that prevents negative media attention from coming your way. Just saying.

Have a great weekend, folks!

– B

📷 @creamy_yet_smooth

🌡️ Traffic & Weather

Today: 🌦️ 14°

Tomorrow: 🌧️ 13°

Next Day: 🌤️ 14°

7-day forecast

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

💨 Here is Halifax’s Air Quality Index and the smoke report.

ARTS

Nova Scotia's Kate Beaton has her Ducks in a row at Vancouver Writers Fest

If you go visit Mabou, Nova Scotia, on the west coast of Cape Breton Island, you’ll be told exactly who came from the 1,500-person town.

“There’s a sign when you come into the village that says, ‘Welcome to Mabou, home of the Rankin Family,’ ” cartoonist Kate Beaton says to the Straight over a video call.

The Rankins, the 12-sibling family famous for their Celtic and folk music, have won six Juno Awards. But they may have reason to worry about their status as Mabou’s most famous progeny.

When Beaton won the national competition Canada Reads in 2023 for her graphic novel Ducks: Two Years in the Oil Sands—still the first and only time a graphic novel has pulled off the feat—she garnered widespread attention, both in the country and in her hometown.

Nathan Caddell from our sister publication The Georgia Straight speaks with Beaton about her graphic novel and her upcoming appearance at Vancouver Writers Fest.

🤔 Need To Know

🔥 A 23-year-old man was handed a $25,000 fine for causing the Barrington Lake wildfire after lighting a tire on fire while drinking with friends on May 25, 2023—Dalton Stewart must complete an educational training course on wildfire prevention.

🐋 A rafting company and it’s owner are being charged with disturbing a humpback whale that was spotted in the Shubenacadie River last year—a video posted to the company’s social media page shows water being splashed onto the small whale until it could swim away.

🏛️ The Nova Scotia government has removed the ability for constituents to file complaints regarding their municipal politicians—the president of the Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities says municipalities had received many complaints since the program opened last year.

🍻 Kick off your weekend at The Pint! Cold drinks, bold bites, and unbeatable vibes on Argyle. Round up your crew and make Friday night the highlight of your week!

🧑‍🍳 If you haven’t tried Schoolhouse Gluten-Free Gourmet’s Cinnamon Buns, now’s your chance - but only for a limited time!*

*Sponsored Post

SPONSORED BY MAYWORKS KJIPUKTUK/HALIFAX

No Dominion / No Domain

No Dominion/No Domain brings together two artists, Eva Grant and Curtis Botham, whose works reflect on land, life, labour, infrastructure and industrial capitalism.

Eva Grant’s work of St’át’imc speculative futurism reimagines longhouses and Salish structures as though assembled from salmon bones. Curtis Botham’s works confront the landscapes of extraction that underpin industrial modernity.

Presented by Mayworks Kjipuktuk/Halifax and hosted at the Khyber Centre for the Arts, the exhibition runs October 11-31, 2025. Events include Nocturne: Art at Night Festival from 6PM-12AM on Saturday, October 18, and a closing reception from 6-8PM on Monday, October 27.

🗞️ In Other News

🚓 Nova Scotia’s police watchdog has partnered with its Alberta counterpart to look into the police’s handling of the Glen Assoun case—Assoun spent 17 years in prison for a murder he didn’t commit in Halifax, with an assessment showing RCMP had destroyed evidence related to the case.

⚖️ The bouncer accused of killing a patron at the Halifax Alehouse told the court he relaxed pressure on the man’s neck when he stopped trying to hit him—Alexander Levy says he has performed this technique around 100 times during his 16-year career.

🚨 Three men have been charged in a drug trafficking case targeting unhoused people in Lower Sackville—one of the men, Frank George Duffy, has been charged with trafficking and possession of a prohibited weapon.

SPONSORED BY NOVA SCOTIA MUSIC WEEK

Discover your next favourite artist!

Plan your fall road trip to Nova Scotia Music Week 2025 in Yarmouth/Kespukwitk NEXT WEEK from October 23-26 and be part of an unforgettable event where music from over 75 local artists, community, and Nova Scotia pride come together!

Passes and wristbands are on sale now!

SPONSORED BY NEPTUNE THEATRE

Love is Chaos!

Neptune Theatre's How The Other Half Loves Opens Next Week

Directed by Jeremy Webb, How The Other Half Loves is a classic British farce by Alan Ayckbourn, where misunderstandings spiral out of control, marriages unravel, and chaos takes centre stage.

Tickets start at just $33! Book yours today.

🗓️ Things To Do

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

🗓 Like, Totally ‘80s Ladies Dance Party: Come out to this ladies-only bash in support of Christmas Daddies. Tease the hair, throw on your leg warmers, and grab your besties. Happening at the Mic Mac Amateur Aquatic Club. | Oct. 17 | 7:00PM | $25 |

🗓 Alderney Landing's Fire and Water Cultural Festival: The annual Fire and Water Cultural Festival is back in Alderney Landing this weekend at the Downtown Dartmouth Waterfront. Expect dazzling fire performances, Indigenous teachings, an African drumming circle, live performances, creative workshops, and more. | Oct. 17-18 | 6:00PM |

🗓 SALTSCAPES presents Nova Scotia Loyal Expo: Experience the charm and abundance of the seasons at the Nova Scotia Loyal Expo. Live culinary demonstrations, delicious tastings and inspiring music. Taking place at the Halifax Exhibition Centre. | Oct. 17-19 | 10:00AM | $12.50 |

🗓 Halifax Mooseheads: Cheer on the hometown team as they face off against the Newfoundland Regiment at the Scotiabank Centre. | Oct. 17-18 | 7:00PM | From $27.25 |

🗓 South End Vintage Market: Halifax’s monthly vintage market is back with 40+ vendors to shop from at the Dalhousie Student Union. | Oct. 18 | 10:00AM |

🗓 Mehregan Festival: Mehregan is one of the most important traditional Persian celebrations after Nowruz, honouring Mehr (Mitra)—the ancient symbol of love, friendship, and light. Join the Iranian Cultural Society of Nova Scotia for a joyful afternoon celebrating Persian heritage with music, dance, and community spirit on the Halifax Waterfront. | Oct. 18 | 1:00PM |

🗓 Nocturne 2025: Ground: Nocturne’s 18th annual Art-at-Night Festival is happening across the city. Plan out your festival with the website’s agenda and map tool. The main project showcase will happen on Saturday, Oct. 18 at 6pm. | Oct. 16-18 |

🗓 All Things Fall Bedford-Hammonds Plains Craft & Vendor Market: Come out to this fall-themed market at the St. John’s Church. 45+ vendors and crafters with door prizes and take-out lunch available. | Oct. 18 | 10:00AM | $2 |

🗓 Quatuor Cobalt: Reflections of Time: Quatuor Cobalt presents a program that bridges musical eras with vibrant originality. This spirited Canadian ensemble, praised for its bold creativity and refined sound, showcases works by trailblazing women composers, each piece enriched with distinct depth and character. Held at the Main Stage at St. Andrews. | Oct. 18 | 7:30PM | From $30 |

🗓 Halifax Wanderers: Show your support for the Halifax Wanderers as they go up against Atlético Ottawa at the Wanderer Grounds. | Oct. 18 | 5:00PM | From $24.10 |

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

⚓️ What’s In The Harbour

🚢➡️ The Zim Virginia container vessel arrives in Halifax from Valencia at 5:20am and departs for New York at 5:30pm.

🚢 The MSC Kim container ship arrives in Halifax from Montreal at 5:45am.

🚢➡️ The Torrens vehicle carrier arrives in Halifax from Zeebrugge at 5:55am and departs for New York at 3:50pm.

🚢➡️ The Pearl Mist cruise vessel arrives in Halifax at 8am and departs for Canadian seas at 6pm.

🚢 The Crystal Serenity cruise ship arrives in Halifax at 9am.

🚢➡️ The Norwegian Getaway cruise ship arrives in Halifax at 1:30pm and departs for Canadian seas at 10pm.

➡️ The Oceanex Sanderling departs Halifax for St. John’s at 5pm.

➡️ The Nolhan Ava container ship departs Halifax for Argentia at 6pm.

🍴 Where To Eat & Drink

🥪 The Osney Cafe & Social has a sandwich you’ll want to try. Bulgogi beef, kimchi, cucumber, daikon, and gochujang mayo on an East Coast Bakery challah bun.

🍗 The Battery Beer Bar offers a $10 chicken wing deal every Sunday with the purchase of a beverage. Fiery hot sauces available!

👀 In Case You Missed It

🥂 Jaime Landry grew up playing a mock version of Dragons' Den with her siblings, but she never expected to one day bring her business on the show. In last Thursday's episode of CBC's Dragons' Den, now in its 20th season, Landry pitched her Hubbards-based company, Black Harbour Distillers, to the panel of five, including guest Dragon and Property Brothers star Drew Scott. Landry came with one ask: $1.5 million for 33 percent of her company. The Coast’s Brendyn Creamer speaks with Landry about her business and her experience on last week’s episode of Dragons’ Den.

🚨 A woman was killed in an RCMP shooting in Eastern Passage on Tuesday—the Serious Incident Response Team say the woman approached officers with a knife, even after being tasered.

⚖️ A retired RCMP has been charged with three counts of sexual assault, according to the Serious Incident Response Team—former sergeant Darrell W. Johnson allegedly committed criminal offences against a woman known to him.

That’s it!

Thanks for reading The Coast Daily today.

If you found something useful, consider forwarding this newsletter to another Haligonian.

And before you go, let us know: