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Jamaican migrant worker granted federal health care after being fired from N.S. farm [VIDEO]

Kerian Burnett, left, and Stacey Gomez, right, speak to reporters in Halifax on Monday, Aug. 14, 2023. Burnett arrived in Nova Scotia from Jamaica to work on a strawberry farm, but says she was fired after her cancer diagnosis, leaving her without medical coverage. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Marlo Glass
Kerian Burnett, left, and Stacey Gomez, right, speak to reporters in Halifax on Monday, Aug. 14, 2023. Burnett arrived in Nova Scotia from Jamaica to work on a strawberry farm, but says she was fired after her cancer diagnosis, leaving her without medical coverage. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Marlo Glass

A migrant worker who was diagnosed with cervical cancer shortly after arriving in Nova Scotia has been granted health insurance under a federal program.

Kerian Burnett arrived from Jamaica in April 2022 to work on a strawberry farm, and says she was fired after her cancer diagnosis and left without medical coverage.

Her lawyer, Thiago Buchert, says that after nearly eight months Burnett has been admitted to the interim federal health program.

To watch and read more: CLICK HERE (via Global News & The Canadian Press)

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Kerian Burnett receiving treatment. Credit: Contributed

Migrant worker facing bill from Nova Scotia after insurance for cancer treatment cancelled

A migrant worker from Jamaica who learned she had cervical cancer shortly after she started working at a farm in

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About 50 people attended a Black History Month panel discussion titled ‘Experiencing Inclusion and Diversity in the Workplace: Challenges and Solutions" at Dalhousie University on Tuesday night. Credit: Matthew Byard

‘Going through hell:’ Black HRM worker speaks at panel on equity, inclusion in workplace

SOURCE: Halifax Examiner A worker and advocate who took part in a rally in December in support of Black Halifax Regional

Left: Raymond Sheppard, Right: Lionel Desmond

Lionel Desmond was a victim of racism, cousin testifies at inquiry

It was two years ago this month that Raymond Sheppard first wrote in the former Nova Scotia Advocate about the role racism played in the case of his younger cousin, Lionel Desmond, who, in 2017, killed his wife, Shanna, mother, Brenda, and 10-year-old daughter, Aaliyah, before killing himself.

Desmond who served in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) in the war in Afghanistan suffered from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). An inquiry into deaths is now underway.

Lionel Desmond in a 2007 tour in Afghanistan that “was said to be the bloodiest of the Canadian Military’s combat mission,” according to Raymond Sheppard.

Lionel Desmond was a victim of racism, cousin testifies at inquiry

“Three guys that had been harassing him jumped Lionel in the men’s locker room and used racial slurs such as “chocolate milk” in reference to his wife (my sister Shanna). Lionel ended up successfully defending himself against the aggressors and ended up going to summary trial in response to the attack. There would definitely be records of that summary trial if we looked into it.”

Promise Akoi & Gbenga Akintokun

YouTube series helps African immigrants find connections, community in Nova Scotia

A team of African immigrants in Halifax have created a YouTube web series to help keep other African immigrants informed on issues specific to their new community.

The show, which is called Community Update, was created by Gbenga Akintokun. Promise Akoi is the current host. 

Phyllis Marsh-Jarvis Memorial Scholarship

Scholarship named in honour of health advocate to be awarded to Black students in Nova Scotia

A memorial scholarship for Black students studying health professions has been established in the name of a community and health

Black Community Support Line - 1-866-732-1253 Ext. 2

Black Community Support Line: 1-866-732-1253 Ext. 2

The Black Community Support Line (1-866-732-1253, Ext. 2) is available to provide resources, support, and navigation to those of African descent across Nova Scotia. #blackhealthmatters #novascotia #canada #health