New union for Black artists launches in Nova Scotia to fight for fair wages, more protections

Tara Taylor & Shelley Fashan

The founder and president of a new union for Black artists that launched this week says its mandate is to support Black talent and fight for fair wages, unlike local unions from the past that she says were “flawed from the beginning.”

Tara Taylor said the Union of Black Artists Society (UBAS) will have collective agreements for artists in theater, film, television, music, and fashion. 

“It’s for anyone that is interested in the industry. So, either you join with an interest and we train you to do what you want, or you join with credits and then we put you to work. It should be as simple as that,” Taylor said.

Justice Institute alleges systemic racism at Nova Scotia’s Crown prosecutor’s office

Systemic racism plagues the Crown prosecutor’s office in Nova Scotia, and the office’s efforts to address the problem have only made the situation worse, say critics.

Robert Wright is the executive director of the African Nova Scotian Justice Institute, an organization made up of Black lawyers and legal experts whose mandate is to support Black Nova Scotians in contact with the law and to address racism and overrepresentation of Black people in the criminal justice system.  

In an open letter on behalf of the Justice Institute and in the interview with the Examiner, Wright said the institute’s correspondence with government officials and leadership at the Crown prosecutor’s office, formally known as the Public Prosecution Service (PPS), leaves them doubtful their concerns about systemic racism at the PPS are being heard and addressed. 

Angela Simmonds talks leaving politics with CBC’s Portia Clark [AUDIO]

Angela Simmonds & Portia Clark

[AUDIO] – Angela Simmonds was elected as a Liberal MLA in 2021 to represent the Preston riding. She left about halfway into her first term, after running for the leadership of the party. Now, she’s taking on a new challenge! Angela Simmonds talks with Portia about her journey.
Aired: July 5, 2023