When “Democratic” is cast as “Bad”

An article by Rebecca Lau of Global News, posted July 17, 2025, leads with a headline indicating that Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston threatens to overrule Halifax city council on downtown bike lane. She reports that Halifax Mayor Andy Fillmore said he wasn’t surprised the premier asked the municipality to reverse its decision on Morris Street.

HRM Council Jurisdiction 

“Bike lane concerns have been raised by the Halifax Port Authority, the container terminal operator PSA Halifax, Emera, Ambassatours, and local residents. Most recently, Emergency Health Services said that pre-hospital care delivery and public safety could be compromised if Morris Street proceeded as planned,” 

“These types of interventions should not be ignored. They’re data-driven warnings about operational impacts and public risk. As mayor, I will not ignore threats to our economic competitiveness, risks to public safety, or alarm bells about dramatic cost escalations.”(Lau, n.d.)

Coun. Kathryn Morse, who represents District 10, says the premier’s letter and stance is “disappointing” and appears to be part of a “political spat” rather than an actual effort to improve traffic.

“I think it’s not so much about the Morris Street bike lane as (it is) about strong mayor powers. I think it is more an excuse to go after council and to strengthen a position for strong mayor powers,”

So-called strong mayor powers are passed through provincial legislation, giving mayors certain powers to accelerate the implementation of some shared municipal-provincial actions, such as housing and infrastructure. Morse reminds us of a democratic process that could review the decision and reduce the threat of non municipal authorities not “staying in their lane”.

“If there’s new evidence that this bike lane would interfere with port traffic or EHS in any way, then council needs to reconsider and look at that evidence. Our staff, when they made the recommendation, consulted with EHS, consulted with the port, and there were no red flags,” 

“We have congestion issues in HRM; we’re all concerned about it. I think we could do more to work together. There’s a Link Nova Scotia plan, for example, that’s been sitting on the shelf for months. It would be great to see that so we could start to move forward together.”(Lau, n.d.)

Official Opposition Leader Claudia Chender said Houston should “stay in his lane” when it comes to interfering with municipal politics.

“For decades our province’s cities and towns have listened to residents and made decisions based on what was best for their communities,”

“If residents are concerned about traffic congestion, the lack of safe bike lanes or any number of other issues, they can make their voices heard through their city councillor. "(Lau, n.d.)

There is no need for Premier Tim Houston to interfere in municipal decisions. If the decision to review the traffic routing on Morris St. is necessary, the best path is for the citizens of the government closest to the residents and employers impacted to maintain our democratic tradition and avoid creating unhealthy precedent where authoritarian decisions are accepted from layers of government that are not “staying in their lane”.

References

Lau, R. (n.d.). Nova Scotia premier threatens to overrule Halifax city council on downtown bike lane. Global News. Retrieved July 19, 2025, from https://globalnews.ca/news/11292301/nova-scotia-premier-threatens-overrule-halifax-council-bike-lane-morris/

Strong Mayor and Weak Democracy

In a recent Facebook reel, Premier Tim Houston spoke above the tag line that he will always stand up for Nova Scotians and fight for what matters most. He cites the displeasure of those who travel to Halifax with the traffic situation in the Capital city. He speaks of a serious disconnect between serving the needs and aspirations of the citizens of HRM and the actions of HRM council with regard to traffic management on a particular street in central Halifax. 

2024 Nova Scotia General Election results

A review of the 2024 Nova Scotia General Election results shows the success of Houston’s PC’s in most of the Province. Urban Areas of HRM and CBRM voted for parties in opposition to the government. The claim of the Premier to speak with more concern for the people than their elected HRM councillors in these areas is less credible when the election results are considered. When the legitimacy of elected representatives is questioned, particularly in those in high population areas, the threat to democracy is salient.

The threat that a mechanism to overrule decisions by elected representatives through establishment of a “strong mayor” with power to overrule and hire or fire municipal employees may create a scenario where political support or connections of the “strong mayor” to other layers of provincial or federal administrations may be an anti-democratic path to realise political objectives impacting urban citizens in a manner not approved by their elected councillors.

An article by Lyndsay Armstrong of the The Canadian Press suggests that some Halifax councillors are worried about “strong-mayor” powers that may be coming. Tom Urbaniak, a political scientist at Cape Breton University, comments that the province would be wise to wait and see how stronger mayoral authority plays out in Ontario municipalities before following suit.

“In our world today, where democracy is very much at risk, I’m going to respectfully advise caution about major (government) restructuring that was not on the agenda when people last voted,” (Armstrong, n.d.)

“It’s sort of like a mini American presidency, but actually with less congressional oversight. So we need to be very, very careful,” (Armstrong, n.d.)

Armstrong reports that Premier Houston said Thursday he is both “looking at” the possibility of strong-mayor powers and considering using a bill that has passed — but not yet entered into force — to overrule Halifax council’s recent decision to move ahead with a bike lane on a south-end city street.  Armstrong notes that Councillor Sam Austin presented the motion and told council that a move toward strong-mayor powers would undermine councillors’ ability to adequately represent their constituents. Austin said putting so much power into one person’s hands is “deeply problematic,” and Councillor Janet Steele said strong-mayor powers could mute the other voices on council. Steele is reported as saying during the meeting on Thursday”

“It’s moving towards almost authoritarianism, it’s not the way we want to go. These are slippery slopes. I for one don’t want to be sliding down that slope,” Steele said during the meeting on Thursday. (Armstrong, n.d.)

We need only look to the republic to the south to see the negative consequences when political leaders refuse to “stay in their lane” and attempt to enforce their political agenda in areas that are the democratic responsibility of other components of our democracy.

References

Armstrong, L. (n.d.). Strong-mayor powers and why some Halifax councillors are worried it could be coming. Global News | Breaking, Latest News and Video for Canada. Retrieved July 15, 2025, from https://globalnews.ca/news/11287363/halifax-strong-mayor-powers/ 

Affirmation Belonging Care

After 49 years, 11 months and 20 days married to Farris there are so many reasons to celebrate.

Find Farris Fall 2023

We have so much for which to be thankful! For most of the almost 50 years we were blessed with children: Kim for 49 of these years, Chris for 48, Patrick for 44, and George for 39. With thanks to their partners, Crystal, Tyler, Nea, and Katie, we have shared the last 23 years anticipating and celebrating the addition of Lilly, Miles, Gabe, Reid, Locklin, and Skyla to our lives.

Tyler and Gabe 2022

How did a supposedly happily introverted engineering student from a 4 person nuclear family with an engineer father, teacher mother, and engineering student brother find himself unable to envision a future that did not include an extroverted, people person, with lots of friends, six siblings, and more aunts, uncles, and cousins than I could count?

Find Farris Ben Eoin 2024

I have come to believe that our love is based on the complementary nature of our personalities. The A,B,C’s of my attraction and continuing love for Farris, from my analytic personality, are Affirmation, Belonging, and Care. Farris kind of Affirming Person does not always defend me as being right, but she respects and understands that I may have a different opinion, even if it is wrong! Belonging is unconditional regardless of the temperature or tension of the day or time. Care shows up where, for many reasons, it is needed. Certainly in times of physical and mental distress, Farris brings care. In times of distance resulting from inattention, dispute, aggravation, or distraction the path to restoration is care and Farris brings it.

Farris and David July 4 1975

Our Golden Anniversary is a special time for gratitude as we recall memories of our marriage and affirm the faith, hope and charity that supports our journey and pray these virtues will guide us to our Diamond Anniversary.

No Kings No Uranium

Political heat is the radiation that may indicate a dangerous attitude of “My way or no Highway” beginning to glow as Premier Houston reacts to less than enthusiastic support of renewing uranium mining in Nova Scotia.

Some Press Coverage of Uranium Mining in NS

Haley Ryan of CBC News reports that Premier Houston sent West Hants and Pictou County lengthy lists of projects and groups that have seen provincial funding.

Houston said the province has invested about $227.3 million into Hants County — aside from health care — through about 88 projects and groups since he took office in 2021.

The list of projects and funding recipients included flood-risk infrastructure, public housing maintenance, Highway 101 twinning, the Gaelic Council of Nova Scotia, legions, bridges, Mermaid Theatre, ground search and rescue teams, and a bullet point item saying simply "various programs."

"These are just a few of the investments and I have no doubt that your council has many more wants and needs. We would love to be able to meet every ask, but to do that, we need the resources to move forward," (Ryan, n.d.)

Taryn Grant of CBC News reports that the Province plans to issue exploration licences for uranium this summer even as some municipalities ask the province to hit the brakes on uranium exploration in N.S.

"We just have had no communication," said Coun. Brian Connell, who put forward the motion in Annapolis.

"No one can believe how fast the province is moving on this, and many feel that that is by design," said Coun. Alison Smith, who put forward the motion in Lunenburg.

Coun. Alison Smith says the Municipality of the Distrtict of Lunenburg is not taking an advocacy position yet on uranium exploration and mining; it simply wants things to slow down. (Alison Smith/Facebook)

Smith said she was not asking for a vote on whether uranium development should happen. But she noted that there may be an opportunity to take such a stance in the near future.

Last month, Smith and her colleagues asked for a staff report on the risks of uranium mining and exploration in the LaHave River Watershed. Smith said she expects that report back next week.

"When we have more facts in front of us, we may want to take a 'for' or 'against' advocacy position," she said.

The request for a pause builds on several months of public outcry about the province's plans for uranium development. (Grant, n.d.)

In a report by Lyndsay Armstrong of The Canadian Press, published by the CBC, Mi'kmaw chiefs in Nova Scotia advise that continued failure to consult on uranium exploration is a harmful mistake. Pictou Landing First Nation Chief Tamara Young says 'The lack of consultation is unacceptable,'

In her statement, Young said the Mi'kmaq of Nova Scotia understand that Nova Scotia's economy is facing international pressures.

"But any resource development in Mi'kma'ki must include our consent and participation as we are the rightful owners of these lands, waters and resources," Young said, speaking as co-lead of the environment, energy and mines portfolio on behalf of the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi'kmaw Chiefs.

Rosalie Francis, a Mi'kmaw lawyer whose firm is based out of Sipekne'katik First Nation, said the province risks further damaging their relationship with Mi'kmaw communities and sabotaging the potential uranium industry by failing to consult adequately and early.

"By choosing not to consult, it scares away investors, destroys the relationship and gets us back to starting at zero," Francis said in an interview Tuesday.

"It all comes down to trust, and this completely diminishes any kind of trust." (Armstrong, n.d.)

Taryn Grant of CBC News reports that Premier Tim Houston says the province will keep pushing for more resources development even after there was zero interest in Nova Scotia's call for uranium exploration.

The mining association said the province is "on the right track," and now needs to streamline the permitting process for mining projects.

Opposition politicians said the lack of bids on uranium licences begs questions about Houston's "agenda."

"Where is the urgency coming from when Nova Scotians didn't ask for this and there doesn't seem to be interest from industry?" said NDP MLA Lisa Lachance in a statement.

Interim Liberal Leader Derek Mombourquette said he was not surprised.

"Obviously, at this point right now, industry isn't looking at uranium in the province," he told reporters. "I think we need to engage with communities and take a pause." (Grant, n.d.)

Perhaps consultation with other elected representatives, possible industrial partners, and Mi'kmaw communities before executive proclamations to continue pushing for more resource development would be a more democratic process with a higher probability of offering less “smoke” and more “fire”.

References

Armstrong, L. (n.d.). https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/uranium-exploration-consultation-mikmaw-chiefs-1.7559302. CBC News. Retrieved June 17, 2025, from https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/uranium-exploration-consultation-mikmaw-chiefs-1.7559302 

Grant, T. (n.d.). There was zero interest in Nova Scotia's call for uranium exploration | CBC News. CBC News. Retrieved June 17, 2025, from https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/there-was-zero-interest-in-nova-scotia-s-call-for-uranium-exploration-1.7559745 

Grant, T. (n.d.). 3 more municipalities ask province to hit the brakes on uranium exploration in N.S. | CBC News. CBC News. Retrieved June 17, 2025, from https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/3-more-municipalities-ask-province-to-hit-the-brakes-on-uranium-exploration-in-n-s-1.7558276 

Ryan, H. (n.d.). N.S. premier says municipalities who want funding must allow 'economic development' after uranium concerns | CBC News. CBC News. Retrieved June 17, 2025, from https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/n-s-premier-municipalities-want-provincial-funding-must-allow-economic-development-uranium-1.7562763 

Responding Seriously to Housing Needs

Erica Alini, reporting for the Globe and Mail, writes that Prime Minister Mark Carney has pledged billions of dollars in financing for makers of prefabricated homes to help end the country’s housing shortage.

Factory Fabricated and Shipped to Site

Mr. Carney has promised to provide $25-billion in loans and $1-billion in equity financing for companies that largely build homes in factories rather than on construction sites. The federal government will also place bulk orders of prefabricated housing to help jump-start a nascent industry, according to the Liberals’ election platform.

“We will create an entirely new Canadian housing industry,” the Prime Minister said in his first press conference since the election win.

It’s a big, bold bet that could make it faster, cheaper and more environmentally friendly to build a chunk of the 3.5 million homes that official estimates show Canada needs to add by 2030 to restore housing affordability, industry insiders and academics say. (Alini et al., 2025)

Sean Silcoff, Technology Reporter and Rachelle Younglai, Real Estate Reporter, at the Globe and Mail, note that the technology is available to make prefab homes faster. And all levels of government are under pressure to create affordable housing, with many Canadians shut out of home ownership or struggling to pay rent.

Prime Minister Mark Carney speaks with Oliver David Krieg during a visit to Intelligent City in Delta, B.C.

 

“Now is the time to try this again,” said Peter Hass, general manager of the new venture, called Stelumar Advanced Manufacturing Inc., which expects to produce modular components for about 3,000 housing units a year once its factory opens. (Turley, 2025)

Max Fawcett, in an article in Canada’s National Observer, offers the opinion that Canada’s Conservatives still aren’t serious about housing. Jacob Mantle, the newly-elected thirty-something Conservative MP for York-Durham, rose in the House of Commons on Tuesday, June 10, to make a point about housing costs.

“My generation refuses to live in a shipping container,” Mantle said. (Fawcett, n.d.)

Fawcett comments:

For what it’s worth, I suspect many members of his generation (and mine) would be happy to live in the sort of modified shipping containers that are being designed and built right now, including the ones in his own city. But modular housing is so much more than just the use and conversion of shipping containers. It’s an entirely new approach to homebuilding, one that uses factories and their inherent economies of scale to drive down costs. They can be one or two-storey, single or multi-family, and configured in any number of layouts and sizes. In an environment where driving down construction costs is a nearly existential issue for Mantle’s generation, you’d think he would be more open to new ideas and economic innovation — especially when it promises to use more Canadian materials and labour. (Fawcett, n.d.)

George, Joel, Dave and everyone from the Prefab Homes Nova Scotia Team say:

You put the kettle on…

“Of course we handle the permits and site prep. Delivery, utility hook-ups, all the finishing’s too, that’s doing the job right - delivery in 90 days or less” (Prefab Homes Nova Scotia, n.d.)

https://www.prefabhomesnovascotia.ca/studio

 

The Prefabricated home, delivered and quickly made ready for occupancy, is being offered as a way to address our housing needs. Local companies are ready today to respond!

References

Alini, E., Raitt, L., Kelly, C., & McLister, R. (2025, May 5). Mark Carney's bet on prefabricated homes has promise – and big risks. The Globe and Mail. Retrieved June 12, 2025, from https://www.theglobeandmail.com/investing/personal-finance/article-mark-carneys-bet-on-prefabricated-homes-has-promise-and-big-risks/ 

Fawcett, M. (n.d.). Canada’s Conservatives still aren’t serious about housing. Canada's National Observer: Climate News. Retrieved June 12, 2025, from https://www.nationalobserver.com/2025/06/12/opinion/conservatives-still-arent-serious-about-housing?nih=KO9k2fpYhTw9rlRDCmdZHAfFIG6V6Bt1OhCLrUXRVbc&utm_source=National+Observer&utm_campaign=b9cfb40fce-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2025_06_12_01_31&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_cacd0f141f-b9cfb40fce-276932429 

Prefab Homes Nova Scotia. (n.d.). Fastest, Strongest, Most Money Saving Homes. Prefab Homes Nova Scotia. Retrieved June 12, 2025, from https://www.prefabhomesnovascotia.ca/?fbclid=IwY2xjawK3zi5leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF4UDVJcTB1UTVWbURrZ3NuAR7vjtpGdmX-wwTABLuNsRrpqoM-CPLutZFfyxWA2TQ3LOPRu0PUpJjIPCQ3ug_aem_cMkxdeRY9KyWTLWnnN_HJg 

Turley, J. (2025, June 10). Mattamy Homes founder Peter Gilgan to start prefab housing factory in Ontario. The Globe and Mail. Retrieved June 12, 2025, from https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/article-mattamy-homes-peter-gilgan-prefab-housing-factory-ontario/ 

Reflections on Writing the Hive

I sat down to read the Sixth Book in the Hive Series by George Macpherson “Post Scarcity Sanctuary” with an expectation that the fast paced presentation of the struggle, tension, personal interplay, and political realities of creating a civilization that no longer denies the ability to live in communities that meet all our needs and shatters the myth of scarcity that permeates our economic decisions that are fuelled by greed would continue in this volume.

The Hive Series by George Macpherson

This book stars with a “Before You Begin” section that reveals the methods employed by the author to triumph over the systemic obstacles that he needed to overcome to realize his understanding, passion, and truth that “I am a Writer”

I suggest that this “Before You Begin” section should be required reading (or listening) for all teachers charged with the development of their students in growing into their full potential. The standard curriculum, the published course outline, and the traditional methodology may not support the growth of the “non-standard” learner. We need to consider what we might be missing when we constrict the mode of learning and expression to “what we have always done”.

Learning and doing are fundamental characteristics of being human that will flourish to the extent that we focus on encouraging learners and finding paths to support their passion.

The cover of “Post Scarcity Sanctuary” promises a sweeping sci-fi epic of philosophy, survival, and self discovery that explores the paradox of a future where technology has removed every barrier - except the ones within ourselves.

Thanks to George for this important artwork, not only for the inspiration and challenge of its vision, but also for his determination to be a writer and awaken our awareness of the need to encourage expression that earlier attitudes toward development of learners inhibited, contributing to our loss.