N.S. premier fires political staffer over comment about Black member of legislature – Halifax

Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston says he fired a political staffer after he was made aware of what he says were racist comments about a Liberal member of the legislature who is Black.

Houston didn’t reveal what was said and hasn’t identified the employee, citing privacy issues, although it has been confirmed that the staffer worked in the Justice Department.

The premier told reporters at the legislature today that he was made aware of the social media comments through a discussion with his staff on Thursday.

Liberal Angela Simmonds says the premier approached her on Thursday and informed her about the comments and that he was considering his options.

Simmonds, who was elected to the House of Assembly in the Aug. 17 provincial election, says she’s surprised she was targeted by personal comments so early in her tenure but expected it would happen at some point.

She says she’s grateful and feels stronger for the support shown to her and other Black members of the legislature during proceedings today that saw several members stand and express their dismay over the incident.

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