NDP MLA Suzy Hansen took to social media Friday to respond to comments Community Services Minister Karla MacFarlane made on Thursday regarding the increasing visibility of homeless tents in HRM.
CBC’s Michael Gorman reported Thursday that MacFarlane told reporters the increasing visibility of tents in parks around Halifax, Dartmouth and other parts of Nova Scotia’s largest municipality is part of the “natural evolution” of summertime.
“We always see tents increase,” she said in response to a reporter’s question following a cabinet meeting in Halifax.
MacFarlane said many people who couch surf or spend time in shelters put up tents in the summer months because it’s doable at that time of year.
“I think it’s just a lot of individuals are looking for that outlet and freedom to be outside, much like ourselves. But we take this issue extremely serious. We know it’s not a good situation.”
In a forty-second video clip, Hansen, the NDPs Housing spokesperson said:
“Hey everyone, I just want to hop on here to say that I’m shocked and disappointed that Minister MacFarlane would say the increasing visibility of tents in parks around Halifax and Dartmouth is part of the natural evolution of summertime.
I have lived here my whole entire life and I have never seen this natural evolution, ever.
Folks are not choosing a tent because it’s fun, they’re living rough because they have no choice.
For the minister in charge of this file to say what she said and [to not] understand the lived experiences of those sleeping outside with no other options is just plain shocking and embarrassing.
The Houston government has to do better.”
Hansen doubled down with additional comments in the video’s comment section.
View this post on Instagram
