#a nova scotian way of life

[surfingthesealand]

Pride couples 🏳️‍🌈🌈🧑🏼‍🤝‍🧑🏼💑🏼

[tepkunset]

A little bit of history of the Mi’kmaq in Newfoundland

My name is Lydia-Isaac. I was born in Ktaqmkuk, but have spent most of my life in Sipekne'katik and Kespukwitk. As far as most people are concerned, that means I’m a Newfie raised Nova Scotian, but Newfoundland and Nova Scotia are simply built on top of the same territory known as Mi’kma’ki. As far as I’m concerned, despite moving around a lot growing up, I can at least say I’ve never had to leave my people’s homeland.

Pre-Colonization Travel

Evidence says that the Mi’kmaq of Unama’ki (Cape Breton) travelled across the Gulf of Saint Lawrence to Ktaqmkuk (Newfoundland) for seasonal hunting and fishing at least as early as the 16th century. Oral history says this goes back even further.

Relationship with the Beothuk

There are mixed historical analyses on what the relationship between the Beothuk and the Mi’kmaq was like. There is a common myth among settlers that the Mi’kmaq are responsible for the Beothuk genocide, pushing in on their territory and killing them on behalf of French settlers, whom the Mi’kmaq were allied to. This should be highly scrutinized and criticized for what it truly is: Displacement of blame onto another Indigenous Nation as a scapegoat. Most tales of hostilities between the Mi’kmaq and Beothuk come from English accounts. The one explanation we have from a Beothuk source, the captured woman known as Shanawdithit, said to one Bishop Inglis: “Originally they [the Beothuk] had intercourse with the Mi'kmaq and they could partially understand each other, and that the Mi'kmaq who have been visitors here for centuries were formerly on friendly terms but their enmity has been implacable and of the deadliest character for about 150 years.” According to this, hostilities only began after outside colonial pressures were in place. Make no mistake that those responsible for the Beothuk genocide are the settlers who hunted them and their resources, and spread deadly diseases.

Colonial Changes

The relationship between the Mi’kmaq and the land/its other living beings is not just one of harvesting resources, but a spiritual connection and responsibility. The principles of this relationship is known as Netukulimk, which guides the Mi’kmaw way of life. One of the core understandings of Netukulimk is the concept of Msit No’kmaq; the understanding that all spirits are related. (It is also worth mentioning that everything that casts a shadow has a spirit.) Therefore, a person is responsible to respect the life around them—that of the land, of the flora, of the fauna—just as you would respect another family member. When you harvest, you only harvest what you need. When you hunt/fish, you only hunt/fish what you need. And you offer thanks to that which you have taken from, every time. This way of life is one of sustainability!

Unfortunately, that sustainability was catastrophically interrupted by colonizers when Newfoundland came under British control. The caribou herds for example, which were a staple reliance for the Mi’kmaq and originally numbered up to 300,000, went near extinct. With this, so too came the astronomical death of the Mi’kmaq. John G. Millais wrote of Steve Bernard, a Mi’kmaw hunter and wilderness guide: “Steve is the sole survivor of eleven children born to old Joe Bernard, late chief of the Newfoundland Micmacs, all of whom have died from the bottle, consumption, or strains, the three principal causes which decimate the red men.” One survivor in a family of eleven children.

Those that survived this period of death were forced to largely assimilate into the settler’s society, but this too the settlers made a challenge. Getting a job as a Native person was near impossible, save for ill-paid work on the docks and boats. This is where the Newfinese slur jackatar/jack-o-tar comes from, the insinuation being that you are a poor grunt worker because of your race. (Employers denying work to Natives is still a problem today by the way, and the very reason that my family moved to NS.) It was not uncommon for communities of congregated Mi’kmaq to be forcefully relocated and then destroyed, such as Crow Gulch. In the 1870’s, Newfoundland established five reserves to try and control congregation: Conne River, Codroy Valley (Grand River), Halls Bay, St. George’s, and Gambo. But the only one still considered reserve land today is Conne River (Samiajij Miawpukek).

Joseph Fucking Smallwood

In 1949, Newfoundland joined Canada. When asked about the island’s Native population, Premier Joseph Smallwood falsely claimed there were no Indians in Newfoundland. This meant that the Mi’kmaq living on the island were not registered under the Indian Act, enabling the new province to ignore the People’s existence and rights. It also meant settlers were taught in schools the myth that all Indigenous peoples of Newfoundland were killed off, for a very long time.

Miawpukek First Nation

It wasn’t until 1987 that Miawpukek First Nation (Conne River) was federally recognized, after a long-time campaign from Indigenous activists on the island insisting they were not, in fact, ghosts.

But Samiajij Miawpukek is just one of many traditional Mi’kmaw communities, and that’s not even counting those living in urban areas. What about them?

Qalipu First Nation

Qalipu First Nation was established in 2011 by the federal government as an “easy” solution to catch all the rest of the Mi’kmaq in Newfoundland. The problem is, they were not expecting very many applicants—because of that old Joseph Smallwood-sourced myth—so they decided that the checks for applying for Status and membership were not required. This was a huge mistake, as it opened up doors for over 100,000 people to apply. Naturally, the Mi’kmaq of other provinces were rightfully cross with the government for this, and questioned the legitimacy of the Band.

It took nearly a decade for Qalipu leadership to sort out membership, limiting the number of members down to those actually involved with the Band, and making cultural participation a requirement. In 2019, the First Nation was recognized by the Mi’kmaw Santé Mawio’mi (Grand Council).

Today

Thanks to revitalization efforts, the Mi’kmaw language is making a come-back on the island after many decades of near extinction. With this comes the revival of practicing traditional songs, dances, artwork, and other expressions of cultural identity. To paraphrase from my uncle: it’s about relearning what was taken from us for so long.

What should come next, in my opinion, is the restoration of Netukulimk on a large scale. There are many who agree and are working on just that, so we’ll see what comes in the future of the island.

[bigdreamsandwildthings]

Review: A Sweet Sting of Salt (Rose Sutherland)

Rating: ★★★★★/5

"It hadn’t been easy at first, when Jean’s heart still took to pounding in her chest whenever Muirin was gone for more than an hour, but over and over again she returned whole and happy, and so Jean learned what the fishermen’s wives knew: How to look to the horizon and wish for fine weather, a calm and gentle sea. To let Muirin go and hope she would be held safe by the waves, and wonder how soon she would return. Jean couldn’t have asked her to do anything else. She held her love in an open hand."

I was absolutely entranced by this lovely, lovely book.

Jean lives in Barquer's Bay, Nova Scotia, where she's the only midwife since her mentor Anneke retired. She lives her life around the births of the babies around town, and spends the rest of her time at home in her little cottage by the sea. When a cry rouses her from sleep one night, the last thing she expects to see is a woman on the beach, desperate and well-enough along in her pregnancy that the baby is almost here. Jean knows she has to help her - but Muirin has her secrets, more than Jean could guess, and she will be caught up in all of them before their time together is through.

This is my favourite kind of book. There are elements of folkloric fantasy, and it's a tableau of a period in history set in a place that I haven't read much of before. I absolutely *adored* how this book felt; I could practically feel the sting of the Nova Scotian sea on my face, feel the cold settle in my bones as winter hits. It's so wonderfully atmospheric, and the fantasy elements had me guessing at exactly what was really happening the whole time.

I adored Jean equally, too. She's a fierce woman who's been through the ringer for being a lesbian, but she's got this community of like-minded and supportive friends around her that made me ache for her. Her romance with Muirin is subtle and so well-developed. Muirin herself is so mysterious and mischievous, so quirky and sweet and adventurous, and I loved her immediately. How the two women came to understand each other even without the words to express it is written so well.

And the story! The tension! I literally couldn't put it down by the end because I absolutely HAD to know how things were going to play out. Tobias is a piece of shit and I am SO glad things went the way they did with him. I just love how things are a slow build, how you guess at what's really going on. It's masterfully written and perfectly paced, with enough slow moments in the interim that you really get to know Jean and her lifestyle and the little cottage she calls home.

I can't say enough good things about this book. I loved it so, so much.

[tellthemeerkatsitsfine]

A few things on my couple of days in the Scottish Highlands, as I lie in bed not wanting to get up yet, for my first full day in Edinburgh (I woke up early but I'm tired).

It was, of course, incredible. Better than I imagined, in my imagination where I tried to temper expectations. There was no need to do that. I didn't do any social media posting while I was there, mainly because I was so genuinely in the moment that I didn't feel any desire to look at my phone. During the rest of the trip, I've been posting during the down time, when nothing else is happening. During the last 2 days, I had almost nothing but down time, as I was just sitting on trains, but the down time was for enjoying incredible views.

I rode the train London-Edinburgh-Glasgow-Fort William on Thursday, stayed in Fort William overnight, then on Friday got a train that went Fort William-Mallaig, then stayed in my seat while that same train went Mallaig-Glasgow. Then got another train Glasgow-Edinburgh. Since I got here, I've been thinking the train rides are so cool but too short because everything on this island is too close together. Yesterday I did not have to get up from a train seat between 8 AM in Fort William and 3:30 PM in Glasgow, so that was nice. Though with views like that, I could easily have gone longer.

I took some pictures while I was there, but not too many, because I knew pictures don't do it justice. The internet is full of pictures of those places, I've been looking at them a lot for the past year. And they're pretty, but the reality was obviously much better, and there's no way to keep that so I didn't try too hard. I also sort of don't want to reduce them to a post on social media, so I won't put those pictures here. Just trust me, mountains and ocean and train in the same place is incredible. Most incredible scenery I've ever seen in my life. The only thing that comes close is when I read tripped around NZ, but this was better because it was from a train, instead of from a van that I kept being afraid my Kiwi friends would drive off those precarious cliffs.

Recommended music pairings: it turns out that listening to the entirety of the 1993 album North Country, by Canada's Cape Breton band The Rankin Family, goes nicely with the rail journey from Fort William to Mallaig, rated on the internet as one of the most scenic train journeys in the world. For the ride back from Mallaig to Fort William, may I recommend the 1993 album Closer to Paradise, by Canada's Cape Breton band The Barra MacNeils? Something as cool as this was no time to mess around with music I'm unsure about. Have to go with Nova Scotian folk music that came out when I was three, that mybdad purchase from folk festival merch tents that year so hearing them in the living room are among my earliest memories and they're still among my favourite albums today. I've had 30 years of testing those albums enough to be sure they're the right thing to play during one of the most scenic train journeys in the world, and I was right.

...I also like saying this because I feel like I only reference music by men on here, but I do sometimes listen to women, I promise! Rankin Family and Barra MacNeils are two bands with a mix of genders, but both dominated by female vocals. And the Rankins, at least, had their membership change a bit through the years but always had more female members than male ones. Jimmy Rankin might be the only one of them who went on to a major soli career (I don't mean to disparage that, I love his solo albums), but Raylene's vocals really carried that band.

Every time I listen to the Rankin song Leis an Lurgainn, I feel like I should be listening to it while riding trains through incredible mountain scenery. I finally got to do that and confirm that yep, I have found a situation that matches the soaring sensations this song invokes.

During the bits between Fort William and Glasgow, I went with David O'Doherty's Live in His Car During a Pandemic album, for it's nice reflective vibes that pair well with mountains, it turns out. Every time I listen to this album, I feel like I should be lying on my back at the top of a hill near the ocean, in the middle of the night in a wind storm. But trains through mountains are a close second for the best environment in which to listen to it.

I mixed in some Bobby Watt, and a bunch of that song that goes by many names - Go Lassie Go, Wild Mountain Thyme, Blooming Heather, Purple Heather - and I have so many versions of it on my phone, because it's my favourite of those folk songs that everyone has covered (best versions are Kate Rusby, Bruce Guthro, and Buddy MacDonald). It's about the purple flowers that grow on Scottish mountains, and I got to listen to it while seeing the purple heather on Scottish mountains for real, and that was so fucking cool!

Then for the last couple of hours of the journey, I listened to the recording of the last night of Late 'n' Live from Edinburgh 2007, featuring Andy Zaltzman, 2/3 of We Are Klang, 4/3 of Pappy's Fun Club (Crosby, Parry, Clark, & Dodds), and David O'Doherty with Kitson compering. One of my top few favourite bootlegs and for good reason. My God was that ever funny. And such a classic that it's one of the very few bootegs I feel like it's okay to reference directly. It was 17 years ago, it counts as ancient history at this point. I am so grateful to the person who preserved that one. Every time I listen to it (which is quite a lot), I feel like I should be listening to it while arriving by train you Edinburgh for the Fringe Festival. Didn't think I'd get to actually do it one day.

All right I'm going to go have breakfast now and them go watch some comedy. Hope everyone's having a good day.

[dan-and-the-dandelions]

an introduction of sorts

Established in 1962 in mainland Nova Scotia, Dan & The Dandelions have been a classic on Canadian and American radio stations alike since their debut album. Starting off as a folk quartet in the late 1950s, The Dandelions have come a long ways.

Frontman, Dan Miller, was born and raised in a Nova Scotian farm off the Bay of Fundy. Growing up the oldest of 4 siblings and having both parents pass away at a young age, Dan has always been quite aware of his surroundings and place in society’s food chain. As a boy, Dan adored the music of Hank Snow, Wilf Carter, and Patsy Cline, even naming three barn cats after them. After being diagnosed with autism in the 90s, Dan begins fighting and protesting for the better treatment of children and testing of adults that may have been overlooked.

In 1959, Dan formed a small folk quartet called Miller, MacLaughlin, Murray, and Nixon. It had two school buddies, Simon Nixon and Craig “Crash” Murray, and his life-partner, Pete MacLaughlin(married 2006). After Crash had left the group, the other three renamed the band and began travelling across Canada eventually meeting bassist, Blanc Monet.

Simon Nixon was the band’s drummer, an orphaned southern boy adopted by his aunt and uncle in Nova Scotia. Dan and Simon met at 9 and 10 years old in a one-room schoolhouse. “We met the December of 1954– Simon had never seen the snow before, he was like a cactus in a snowy tundra,” said Dan in his 1994 autobiography, Dan Miller; Maritime Boy, Guitar-Wielding Hero. Simon married Scottish paranormal-investigator, Anne Abercrombie upon finding out she was pregnant with their first child. The couple have three children, Lenora (later Lennan), Esme and Celeste.

Pete MacLaughlin, a multi-instrumentalist, son of the CEO of MacLaughlin Oral Care and later husband of Dan Miller. On top of that, Pete is a devote animal activist and gay-rights activist after being outed at the height of the AIDS epidemic. Miller and MacLaughlin had been together since they were teenagers, the two had met during the summer of 1958 and began dating in 1961.

The last member to join was French-Canadian bassist, Hugo-Michel “Blanc” Monet. When he first joined the band, Blanc could barely speak English and was taught by his bandmates. He is the younger brother of famous model and radio personality, Colette Monet, the siblings grew up in an apartment in Québec city. Before joining The Dandelions, Monet was married to Melvina Harris, the two had no children. After his divorce with Melvina, Blanc married fellow musician, Natalie Benoit in 1969, they had one daughter, Avril Monet. A decade after Natalie’s death in 1973, Blanc married friend of the band’s, Jael Levi in 1983, they have one son, Antoine Monet-Levi, and Blanc began treating Jael’s daughter, Juniper Levi like his own.

The only girl in the band would be single mother, protest singer, and women’s rights activist Jael Levi. After being forced to marry at 16 her verbally abusive dear husband, James Hall, mysteriously died (she killed him and was never caught) the next year. Levi had her first child at 18, refusing to let the child have her dead father’s last name she was named Juniper Levi. Jael began writing songs and met Dan & The Dandelions in 1966 after their second album hit the charts.

Their east coast roots have most definitely influenced the band, the usage of fiddles and even bagpipes and the lyrics and stories of maritimers being woven into lyrics. Blending country, folk, and rock into a genre of their own.

CREATED BY @shitandpissworldtour

[revolutionarywarhistory]

Favoring the British Crown: enslaved Blacks, Annapolis, and the run to freedom [Part 1]

This watercolour sketch by Captain William Booth, Corps of Engineers, is the earliest known image of an African Nova Scotian. He was probably a resident of Birchtown. According to Booth's description of Birchtown, fishing was the chief occupation for "these poor, but really spirited people." Those who could not get into the fishery worked as labourers, clearing land by the acre, cutting cordwood for fires, and hunting in season. Image and caption are courtesy of the Nova Scotia Archives, used within fair use limits of copyright law.

In 1777, William Keeling, a 34 year old Black man ran away from Grumbelly Keeling, a slaveowner on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, which covers a very small area. [1] The Keelings were an old maritime family within Princess Anne County. William, and possibly his wife Pindar, a "stout wench" as the British described her, would be evacuated July 1783 on the Clinton ship from New York with British troops and other supporters of the British Crown ("Loyalists") likely to somewhere in Canada. [2] They were not the only ones. This article does not advocate for the "loyalist" point of view, but rather just tells the story of Blacks who joined the British Crown in a quest to gain more freedom from their bondage rather than the revolutionary cause. [3]

Reprinted from my History Hermann WordPress blog.

Black families go to freedom

There were a number of other Black families that left the newly independent colonies looking for freedom. Many of these individuals, described by slaveowners as "runaways," had fled to British lines hoping for Freedom. Perhaps they saw the colonies as a “land of black slavery and white opportunity,” as Alan Taylor put it, seeing the British Crown as their best hope of freedom. [4] After all, slavery was legal in every colony, up to the 1775, and continuing throughout the war, even as it was discouraged in Massachusetts after the Quock Walker decision in 1783. They likely saw the Patriots preaching for liberty and freedom as hypocrites, with some of the well-off individuals espousing these ideals owning many humans in bondage.

There were 26 other Black families who passed through Annapolis on their way north to Nova Scotia to start a new life. When they passed through the town, they saw as James Thatcher, a Surgeon of the Continental Army described it on August 11, 1781, "the metropolis of Maryland, is situated on the western shore at the mouth of the river Severn, where it falls into the bay."

The Black families ranged from 2 to 4 people. Their former slavemasters were mainly concentrated in Portsmouth, Nansemond, Crane Island, Princess Ann/Anne County, and Norfolk, all within Virginia, as the below chart shows:

Not included in this chart, made using the ChartGo program, and data from Black Loyalist, are those slaveowners whose location could not be determined or those in Abbaco, a place which could not be located. [5] It should actually have two people for the Isle of Wight, and one more for Norfolk, VA, but I did not tabulate those before creating the chart using the online program.

Of these slaveowners, it is clear that the Wilkinson family was Methodist, as was the Jordan family, but the Wilkinsons were "originally Quakers" but likely not by the time of the Revolutionary War. The Wilkinson family was suspected as being Loyalist "during the Revolution" with  “Mary and Martha Wilkinsons (Wilkinson)... looked on as enemies to America” by the pro-revolutionary "Patriot" forces. However, none of the "Wilkinsons became active Loyalists." Furthermore, the Willoughby family may have had some "loyalist" leanings, with other families were merchant-based and had different leanings. At least ten of the children of the 26 families were born as "free" behind British lines while at least 16 children were born enslaved and became free after running away for their freedom. [6]

Beyond this, it is worth looking at how the British classified the 31 women listed in the "Book of Negroes" compiled in 1783, of which Annapolis was one of the stops on their way to Canada. Four were listed as "likely wench[s]" , four as "ordinary wench[s]", 18 as "stout wench[s]", and five as other. Those who were "likely wench[s]" were likely categorized as "common women" (the definition of wench) rather than "girl, young woman" since all adult women were called "wench" without much exception. [7] As for those called "ordinary" they would belong to the "to the usual order or course" or were "orderly." The majority were "stout" likely meaning that they were proud, valiant, strong in body, powerfully built, brave, fierce, strong in body, powerfully built rather than the "thick-bodied, fat and large, bulky in figure," a definition not recorded until 1804.

Fighting for the British Crown

Tye Leading Troops as dramatized by PBS. Courtesy of Black Past.

When now-free Blacks, most of whom were formerly enslaved, were part of the evacuation of the British presence from the British colones from New York, leaving on varying ships, many of them had fought for the British Crown within the colonies. Among those who stopped by Annapolis on their way North to Canada many were part of the Black Brigade or Black Pioneers, more likely the latter than the former.

The Black Pioneers had fought as part of William Howe's army, along with "black recruits in soldiers in the Loyalist and Hessian regiments" during the British invasion of Philadelphia. This unit also provided "engineering duties in camp and in combat" including cleaning ground used for camps, "removing obstructions, digging necessaries," which was not glamorous but was one of the only roles they played since "Blacks were not permitted to serve as regular soldiers" within the British Army. While the noncommissioned officers of the unit were Black, commissioned officers were still white, with tank and file composed mainly of "runaways, from North and South Carolina, and a few from Georgia" and was allowed as part of Sir Henry Clinton's British military force, as he promised them emancipation when the war ended. The unit itself never grew beyond 50 or go men, with new recruits not keeping up from those who "died from disease and fatigue" and none from fighting in battle since they just were used as support, sort of " garbage men" in places like Philadelphia. The unit, which never expanded beyond one company, was boosted when Clinton issued the "Phillipsburgh Proclamation," decreeing that Blacks who ran away from "Patriot" slavemasters and reached British lines were free, but this didn't apply to Blacks owned by "Loyalist" slavemasters or those in the Continental army who were  "liable to be sold by the British." In December 1779, the Black Pioneers met another unit of the same type, was later merged with the Royal North Carolina Regiment, and was disbanded in Nova Scotia, ending their military service, many settling in Birchtown, named in honor of Samuel Birch, a Brigadier General who provides the "passes that got them out of America and the danger of being returned to slavery." Thomas Peters, Stephen Bluke, and Henry Washington are the best known members of the Black Pioneers.

The Black Brigade was more "daring in action" than the Black Pioneers or Guides. Unlike the 300-person Ethiopian Regiment (led by Lord Dunmore), this unit was a "small band of elite guerillas who raided and conducted assassinations all across New Jersey" and was led by Colonel Tye who worked to exact "revenge against his old master and his friends" with the title of Colonel a honorific title at best. Still, he was feared as he raided "fearlessly through New Jersey," and after Tye took a "musket ball through his wrist" he died from gangrene in late 1780, at age 27. Before that happened, Tye, born in 1753, would be, "one of the most feared and respected military leaders of the American Revolution" and had escaped to "New Jersey and headed to coastal Virginia, changing his name to Tye" in November 1775 and later joined Lord Dunmore, The fighting force specialized in "guerilla tactics and didn’t adhere to the rules of war at the time" striking at night, targeting slaveowners, taking supplies, and teaming up with other British forces. After Tye's death, Colonel Stephen Blucke of the Black Pioneers replaced him, continuing the attacks long after the British were defeated at Yorktown.

After the war

Many of the stories of those who ended up in Canada and stopped in Annapolis are not known. What is clear however is that "an estimated 75,000 to 100,000 black Americans left the 13 states as a result of the American Revolution" with these refugees scattering "across the Atlantic world, profoundly affecting the development of Nova Scotia, the Bahamas, and the African nation of Sierra Leone" with some supporting the British and others seized by the British from "Patriot" slaveowners, then resold into slavery within the Caribbean sea region. Hence, the British were not the liberators many Blacks thought them to be.Still, after the war, 400-1000 free Blacks went to London, 3,500 Blacks and 14,000 Whites left for Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, where Whites got more land than Blacks, some of whom received no land at all. Even so, "more than 1,500 of the black immigrants settled in Birchtown, Nova Scotia," making it the largest free Black community in North America, which is why the "Birchtown Muster of Free Blacks" exists. Adding to this, these new Black refugees in London and Canada had a hard time, with some of those in London resettled in Sierra Leone in a community which survived, and later those from Canada, with church congregations emigrating, "providing a strong institutional basis for the struggling African settlement." After the war, 2,000 white Loyalists, 5,000 enslaved Blacks, and 200 free Blacks left for Jamaica, including 28 Black Pioneers who "received half-pay pensions from the British government." As for the Bahamas, 4,200 enslaved Blacks and 1,750 Whites from southern states came into the county, leading to tightening of the Bahamian slave code.

As one historian put, "we will never have precise figures on the numbers of white and black Loyalists who left America as a result of the Revolution...[with most of their individual stories are lost to history [and] some information is available from pension applications, petitions, and other records" but one thing is clear "the modern history of Canada, the Bahamas, and Sierra Leone would be greatly different had the Loyalists not arrived in the 1780s and 1790s." This was the result of, as Gary Nash, the "greatest slave rebellion of North American slavery" and that the "high-toned rhetoric of natural rights and moral rectitude" accompanying the Revolutionary War only had a "limited power to hearten the hearts of American slave masters." [8]

While there are varied resources available on free Blacks from the narratives of enslaved people catalogued and searchable by the Library of Virginia, databases assembled by the New England Historic Genealogical Society or resources listed by the Virginia Historical Society, few pertain to the specific group this article focuses on. Perhaps the DAR's PDF on the subject, the Names in Index to Surry County Virginia Register of Free Negroes, and the United Empire Loyalists Association of Canada (UELAC) have certain resources.

While this does not tell the entire story of those Black families who had left the colonies, stopping in Annapolis on the way, in hopes of having a better life, it does provide an opening to look more into the history of Birchtown, (also see here) and other communities in Canada and elsewhere. [9]

© 2016-2023 Burkely Hermann. All rights reserved.

[nudibranchpropaganda]

Talk about your OCs!!!!!!!!!!

i desperately wanted to respond to this immediately but i had a physiology exam this morning :(( have my post exam sleep deprived caffeine induced ramblings mwah <3

there's 3 of them rn and i love them all to pieces i have gone into wayyyyyy too much detail under the read more

so there's my demon baby who currently has no name. legit just The Demon in my brain. they started as a reader insert but i genuinely fell in love with them and am probs gonna keep adding to that au for a while (keep an eye out if u liked it)

Personally i see them as genderfluid - they can shape shift at will, but tend to lean towards mma/wrestler builds (1000000% can and will fuck u standing up) and charcoal grey skin (to blend in w the smog that fills their home skies).

physical characteristics? definitely has bat wings. love thin, membranous, and slightly translucent wings. they generally have claws and sharp teeth, a tail cause its fun to whip around and provides a nice counterweight + extra arm to grab things. they change the style of their horns like some ppl change their hair colour, a personal fav are ones either like a ram's or greater kudus's, but honestly if u like a different kind they've probably worn them for a bit for sure. tall and broad no matter what. this bastard is BIG and will use it to their advantage.

they feed off emotions, there's a whole taste menu thing i could get into, but generally they feed on fear cause its most readily available. their fav is happiness. just pure joy. tastes like bubbly sunshine and keeps them satiated for weeks. they can also amplify emotions, but can't create them if they aren't already there. summoned in the stereotypical way: fire, blood, latin chant (soap was just fuckin around for a laugh). no aversion to generic holy items, they aren't evil just another species. bright light will fuck them up tho cause they are nocturnal and have "evolved" for life in the darker hours.

can be mean. can be very very mean. knows where to hit to make it hurt, will absolutely be a little cruel on occasion when hurt by something. can also be very very warm, reading emotions makes it easy for them to give ppl what they need. generally is pretty sweet though, kinda like a creme brulee - brittle hard outside that you gotta crack to get to the soft sweet inside.

when i wanna get into their headspace i listen to maneater by the blue eyed blondes, gimme by she keeps bees (thnx for the rec on that one), keep it down by migrant motel, and i like the way you die boy by black honey. the pintrest board that i dump all the vibes in

the last one is still sorta in the work shopping phase. they're a cod oc, early to mid 30s again. i know their call sign is Jaws bc they tore someones throat out with their teeth when they got pinned down during a mission. they're head hunted by laswell after the 141 is a known force for their recon and undercover work. they get pretty close to gaz and soap, but struggle initially to break into the group cause the boys are such a well oiled machine at this point and don't really want to disrupt the status quo.

there's also the protag of my other cod fic (once again i have yet to name her). she's bi, in her mid 30s, and moved out to the edge of the forest after her last long term relationship ended (have yet to decide whether it was divorce or death). she's definitely a recluse, has a little bit of a hobby farm garden going (hugelkultur ftw), and grew up on stories about how the woods used to eat people (nova scotian; apalachian for sure).

BAD relationship w/her mother. they dont speak anymore. kind enough to her neighbours, but everyone kinda thinks shes a little strange, a little offputting (same girl). big on enjoying the little moments with the people she loves, sitting on the porch and drinking tea together kinda life.

she's honestly super special to me and i love her so much. abandoned and cranky but forced to confront that physical manifestation of grief and rage inside her when she gets attacked in the home she used to share w/her wife. and then soap? just kinda working his way into her life and very quickly getting close to her and being kind and gentle and reaching out a hand for her? idk if that was how it came out but that was what i was going for :)

anyways i listened to black hole by Griff on repeat when writing that fic, also kiss with a fist by florence and the machine. alrighty aphrodite by peach pit, lost without by shane guerrette, ghosts and monsters by saint chaos, and west virginia by the builders and the butchers were some more songs that made the writing playlist for her. pintrest board if ur interested :)

they had some trouble with their last unit too, butting heads with a shitty CO/team mate (tbd). this 100% made it into their rap sheet and gave them a bit of a rep as a trouble maker, they chose to lean into it a bit though and cause some problems on purpose for assholes. they are pretty standoffish at the start, can take a while to warm up to people. not super chatty, but enjoys spending time w/friends and will just chill and listen. loyal to a fault, but not to many ppl (eventually the 141, las, a few old team mates).

they aren't close with their family, parents passed in a car accident while they were on deployment and their sister feels like they abandoned her for the military (give an oc a happy backstory challenge has been failed). playing around with the idea of them faking their death and leaving their old team behind to go undercover at one point (the angst of being recognized by someone who thought they were dead and accidentally burning that bridge tho)

disco! in the panic room by bug hunter, hey child by the x ambassadors, choke by i dont know how but they found me, bury me face down by grandson, aint lookin by the wild feathers if i end up writing them w/one of the 141. a pintrest boards 4 u to browse :)

wow that got really long, thanks for sticking with it!! im sure i'll start posting a little more about all of them as i flesh them out, once i get through the paper and presentation i have for a couple of my classes next week im gonna have wayyyyy more time to write and explore them :))))))))

[oasisvisa]

Why Nova Scotia is an Attractive Destination for Immigrants

Nova Scotia, located on the eastern coast of Canada, has become a top choice for immigrants due to its blend of natural beauty, vibrant communities, and ample opportunities. This province offers a high quality of life, rich culture, economic prospects, excellent education and healthcare, affordability, and strong community support, making it an appealing destination for those seeking a new home.

High Quality of Life

One of Nova Scotia's biggest draws is its exceptional quality of life. The province boasts stunning coastlines, scenic views, lush forests, and charming towns. Whether you enjoy hiking, boating, or simply relaxing by the sea, Nova Scotia offers numerous ways to connect with nature and enjoy a peaceful lifestyle. The clean air, low crime rates, and welcoming communities make it a safe and pleasant place for families and individuals alike.

Rich Culture

In addition to its natural beauty, Nova Scotia has a rich cultural heritage. The province is home to a blend of Acadian, Mi'kmaq, and Scottish cultures, which is celebrated through various festivals and local traditions. This cultural diversity provides newcomers with a unique experience and a chance to immerse themselves in a vibrant community. The friendliness of the locals also helps immigrants settle in smoothly.

Economic Opportunities

Nova Scotia presents diverse economic opportunities across sectors such as technology, healthcare, education, and tourism. Its strategic location along the Atlantic Ocean offers access to international markets, making it an attractive spot for businesses and professionals. The province is committed to innovation and growth, providing a favorable environment for career advancement and new professional challenges.

Excellent Education and Healthcare

Education and healthcare are crucial factors for immigrants when choosing a new home. Nova Scotia excels in both areas, with several esteemed universities and colleges offering quality education. Families can benefit from strong public education systems for their children. Additionally, the province has an accessible and efficient healthcare system, ensuring residents receive the care they need.

Affordable Living

Another reason for Nova Scotia's growing popularity is its affordability. Compared to other Canadian provinces, Nova Scotia offers lower housing costs and a lower overall cost of living. This financial advantage allows immigrants to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without the burden of high expenses, making it easier to manage day-to-day living and plan for the future.

Strong Community Support

Perhaps the most significant draw for many immigrants is the province's strong sense of community. Nova Scotia's small-town charm and tight-knit communities facilitate meaningful relationships and support networks. The warm and accepting nature of Nova Scotians helps newcomers integrate quickly, with community services and social events aiding in their adjustment.

Nova Scotia stands out as a highly attractive destination for immigrants due to its excellent quality of life, rich cultural heritage, economic opportunities, top-notch education and healthcare, affordability, and strong community support. Whether you seek a beautiful setting, career advancement, or a welcoming community, Nova Scotia offers a range of benefits that make it a desirable place to start anew in Canada.

For expert guidance on your immigration journey, contact Oasis Visas today! We're here to help you every step of the way. Reach out to us via email at info@oasis-india.com. Let’s make your dreams of living and working abroad a reality!

[independentartistbuzz]

Halifax-Based Nigerian Afro-Folk Artist Blessing Tangban Delivers Ethereal and Hopeful Single “Prayer”

Emerging from New Orleans’ vibrant jazz scene, Blessing Tangban debuted an introspective, vulnerable and folky sound with 2014’s debut EP Nowhere Girl that opened us up to the world of a lost a 15-year-old Nigerian immigrant in America, starting college, falling in love, getting heartbroken and finding her faith.

Over the course of the last decade, Blessing’s musical career continues to bloom. Her soulful musical spirit has led her to tours around the world, working with renowned African musicians (Johnny Drille, M.I. Abaga) and having her music synced in multiple films. She now resides in Canada where the country has welcomed her with multiple prestigious shows and Canadian artist collaborations. Blessing also won the Galaxy Music Award for best vocal performance for her song “Tebe Tebe.” She’s currently nominated for five African Nova Scotian Music Awards (ANSMA) at their 26th annual ceremony for Rising Star of the Year, Artist of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, Emerging Artist of the Year and Music Video of the Year for her song “Teach Me.” 

Blessing’s latest single, “Prayer,” is a transcendent and hopeful piece written as a prayer to God that she would get through a valley of uncertainty and struggle in her music career and life. The beautiful single is quite literally a written down prayer to God by Blessing which she also hopes restores faith in her listener to continue to be bold and trust in God during times of low light.

I was going through a time where I was struggling to believe that I would get a breakthrough in my life and music career. Things were so tough, rejections and setbacks everywhere I turned and this song just came to my spirit as a way of affirming my faith that I would get everything God has promised me and I would get a breakthrough no matter how negative things seemed to be looking on the outside. That’s why I called it prayer because it is quite literally a prayer I was making and it turned into a song. I had gotten many promises from people and life that fell through and I was just praying and affirming that God’s promises to me won’t return to him without fulfilling the purpose for which it was sent to me. – Blessing Tangban 

[dilawarmughal980]

Dwayne Dougla Relationships: Know About His Relationship Timeline 

Are You Curious To Know About Dwayne Douglas Relationships? Dwayne Douglas Johnson, better known as "The Rock," has become one of the most recognizable faces in Hollywood, known for his larger-than-life persona and impressive physique. However, before becoming a household name in the entertainment world, Dwayne was a successful professional wrestler, making a name for himself in the ring as "Rocky Maivia" and later as "The Rock."

Who Is Dwayne Douglas?

Dwayne Douglas, born May 2, 1972, in Hayward, California, defies simple categorization. Known globally as “The Rock,” he stands tall at 6 feet 5 inches. Now, how old is the rock? At 52, his journey spans from thrilling the crowds in wrestling rings as Rocky Maivia to dazzling audiences on the big screen. His diverse roles in Dwayne Johnson movies have showcased his range. The Rock’s net worth, a testament to his success, mirrors his multifaceted career.

Dwayne Douglas’s Early Life and Family

Growing up, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson was always on the move. His father, Rocky Maivia, was a wrestling icon. This made Dwayne’s early life unique. Ata Johnson, his mother, provided constant support. The Rock’s ethnicity, a blend of Samoan and Black Nova Scotian, enriched his upbringing. How tall is The Rock now? A towering 6 feet 5 inches.

Dwayne Douglas’s Amazing Career

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s career is nothing short of phenomenal. Starting in 1996, Dwayne Johnson, wrestling as Rocky Maivia, captivated audiences. Soon, he became The Rock, a wrestler with unmatched charisma. His wrestling fame paved the way for a transition to acting. By 2001, Dwayne actor roles in “The Scorpion King” showcased his versatility.

Dwayne Douglas Relationships

Relationship with Dany Garcia

Dwayne Johnson first met Dany Garcia in college. Their connection blossomed into marriage in 1997. This union made Garcia the Rock of Johnson’s first wife. Together, they navigated Dwayne’s ascent in the rock movies and wrestling. The pair welcomed a daughter, grounding Dwayne Johnson’s relationships. Despite their divorce in 2007, they remained close. Garcia transitioned from Dwayne Johnson wife to his manager.

Love Story with Lauren Hashian

In 2006, Dwayne Johnson met Lauren Hashian. Their love sparked on the set of “The Game Plan.” By 2007, after his divorce, Dwayne and Lauren began dating. Their bond grew, blending personal joys with professional triumphs. As Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s fame soared in the rock movies, Lauren remained his steadfast support. Together, they welcomed two daughters, enriching Dwayne Johnson relationships Read More

[jacobpavletich]

Tumbler Post #3: Dwanye “The Rock” Johnson 

Dwayne Johnson, commonly known as "The Rock," stands as a towering figure in the realm of entertainment, sports, and entrepreneurship. Beyond his undeniable charisma and formidable physical presence, Johnson's multifaceted identity as a biracial individual of Black Nova Scotian and Samoan descent adds layers of depth to his persona. Through his diverse career spanning wrestling rings, Hollywood blockbusters, and entrepreneurial ventures, Johnson has become not only a global icon but also a catalyst for conversations surrounding race, ethnicity, and cultural diversity. His journey from a professional wrestler to one of the highest-grossing actors in Hollywood exemplifies the power of representation and perseverance in an industry often fraught with stereotypes and barriers. By proudly embracing his heritage and breaking down racial boundaries, Johnson has become an influential voice for empowerment, social change, and inclusivity on a global scale. 

Johnson often speaks about his multicultural background with pride, empowering others from diverse backgrounds to embrace their identities. His success story serves as inspiration for individuals who may feel marginalized or underrepresented in society. One article that I can say relates to the rocks story is the YouTube video directed by Vin Diesel. The video went into detail about when Vin was young and inspired to be a actor, he faced a lot of problems regarding his race and his appearance. The rock faced a lot of the same criticism growing up as well. Both Vin and Rock are now huge figures in this world today representing their culture and race. 

Johnson frequently celebrates his Samoan heritage, showcasing aspects of Polynesian culture in his work and personal life. This helps raise awareness of Polynesian traditions and fosters a sense of pride among people of Pacific Islander descent. Johnson relates to a lot of the articles we read over our semester since he stands up for his own culture and beliefs. Below is a picture of Johnson. 

In short, Dwayne Johnson sparks important conversations about race, ethnicity, and cultural diversity in various ways. He does this by sharing his own background, playing diverse roles in movies and TV, and speaking out on social issues. By doing this, he encourages people to embrace their identity, challenge stereotypes, and work towards a more inclusive society. Johnson's influence reaches far beyond entertainment, inspiring others to join the conversation and make a difference in the world. 

“Multi Facial-Vin Diesel Online.” YouTube, YouTube, 28 June 2013, www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gf4Ydp8CGk8. 

Nazareth, Danny. “What Is Dwayne ‘the Rock’ Johnson’s True Ethnicity?” Sportskeeda, Sportskeeda, 4 Sept. 2021, www.sportskeeda.com/wwe/what-is-dwayne-the-rock-johnsons-true-ethnicity. 

[canthermdistributors]

Nova Scotia Portable Heaters & Coolers: Your Ultimate Guide to Year-Round Comfort

Welcome to the ultimate guide on Nova Scotia portable heaters & coolers! Whether you're battling the chill of winter or seeking relief from the summer heat, having the right portable heating and cooling solutions is essential for maintaining comfort in your home, office, or outdoor spaces. In this comprehensive article, we'll explore everything you need to know about portable heaters and coolers in Nova Scotia, including the best options available and how they can enhance your daily life.

Understanding the Importance of Portable Heating and Cooling Solutions

Living in Nova Scotia means experiencing diverse weather conditions throughout the year. From frigid winters to humid summers, the ability to regulate indoor temperatures is crucial for staying comfortable and productive. Portable heaters and coolers offer a flexible and efficient way to control the climate in any space, allowing you to create a cozy environment in the winter and a refreshing oasis in the summer.

Exploring Portable Heating Options in Nova Scotia

Portable Diesel Generator Canada: Powering Your Heating Needs

When it comes to reliable heating solutions, portable diesel generators are a popular choice among Nova Scotians. These versatile devices not only provide heat but also offer the convenience of portability, allowing you to warm up any space, whether you're at home, on a camping trip, or at a remote worksite. With their efficient fuel consumption and durable construction, portable diesel generators are an excellent investment for those seeking dependable heating in cold weather conditions.

Portable Heater Canada: Compact and Efficient Heating Solutions

For smaller spaces or on-the-go heating needs, portable electric heaters are a convenient option for residents of Nova Scotia. These compact devices come in various sizes and styles, ranging from ceramic heaters to infrared models, allowing you to choose the perfect heating solution for your specific requirements. With features like adjustable thermostats and built-in safety mechanisms, portable heaters provide reliable warmth without sacrificing energy efficiency.

Enhancing Comfort with Portable Cooling Solutions

Scotia Cooling Solutions: Beat the Summer Heat

When summer temperatures soar in Nova Scotia, staying cool becomes a top priority. Scotia cooling solutions offer a range of portable air conditioners and evaporative coolers designed to combat the heat and humidity, providing refreshing relief in any environment. Whether you're relaxing at home, working in the office, or enjoying outdoor activities, portable cooling units allow you to stay comfortable and focused, even on the hottest days of the year.

Portable Cooler Heater: Dual-Functionality for Year-Round Comfort

For ultimate versatility, consider investing in a portable cooler heater that offers both cooling and heating capabilities. These innovative devices are ideal for use throughout the year, providing cooling relief in the summer and supplemental warmth in the winter. With features like programmable thermostats and multiple fan speeds, portable cooler heaters ensure personalized comfort no matter the season or weather conditions.

Conclusion: 

Stay Comfortable Year-Round with Nova Scotia Portable Heaters & Coolers

Having the right portable heating and cooling solutions is essential for maintaining comfort and productivity in Nova Scotia's ever-changing climate. Whether you're in need of reliable heating during the winter months or refreshing cooling in the summer, there are plenty of options available to suit your needs. From portable diesel generators to compact electric heaters and dual-function cooler heaters, finding the perfect solution is easier than ever. Invest in Nova Scotia portable heaters & coolers today and experience year-round comfort like never before!

[culturalpsychology101]

Family History

Being from the Maritimes, I grew up in a predominantly Caucasian household. It wasn't until later in my teenage years that I found out that my biological father is African Nova Scotian. Having grown up without my biological father in my life, I was not exposed to the culture, which I now feel has greatly impacted my thoughts, values and beliefs in everyday life. Had I been able to explore that side of my culture earlier in life, I think I would likely have somewhat different or more complex views, beliefs, and ways of thinking. My goal in the future is to be able to fully immerse myself into the culture for a period of time to understand more about where I came from and to apply what I learn to my everyday life, and even my schooling. Not only will this give me a greater understanding of a different culture, but it would also be a step in the right direction to improve my cultural globalization and comfortability with my cultural self.

[steveskafte]

THE THREADBARE SIDE Living in the place with the highest tides in the world, I've always thought that the lowest was a better way to say it. After all, that's the point when you see everything exposed, more of what's hiding than elsewhere. It's a metaphor for how I explore in general, really. If it's not at least a little bit hidden, I'm less likely to feel the draw of it. The scenes I photograph are not widely recognized by anyone but locals – and not many of them, either – I take fewer pictures where others go. Unless you've spent as many hours wandering as I have, you'll get a Nova Scotian vibe from my work rather than that spark of instant recognition. A sort of: "Oh, that's vaguely familiar" sensation at first glance. That's the heart of my home province at play, always sneaking in like a memory you might never have made. Pandering is real safe ground for a photographer to live. You can end up playing up the tourist angle, until every picture you take could be slapped up on an advert extolling the virtues for visitors. I capture a lot of a subjects that some might call ugly. Dark weather, derelict buildings, the threadbare side of life. Sometimes, I'll go to someone's beautiful small town just to visit dirty alleys and rundown apartment buildings. That doesn't always go over well. A recent post I made about my visits to a now-defunct trailer park brought out a lot of vitriol. As someone who would be considered poor, I must say that us poor folks have a real hard time looking in the mirror. We want to be proud to the point that we won't let anyone see the struggle. But I can't resist telling tales where no one ever bothered, from children's graves and lives long lost up to our very present poverty. We live in times of constant terror for making ends meet, so many of us can say that. So the story I'm sharing is as much mine as anyone else's. That's the real trick of my work, if you haven't caught it already. I'm not in my photos because I'm particularly thrilled with my own physical appearance. What I want is to be remembered. Like a driftwood tree, battered at low tide, or a cabin in the woods that's one winter away from rubble. I'm reminding the world that I don't want to be forgotten – and being grateful for every day it doesn't happen. November 11, 2023 Hall's Harbour, Nova Scotia Year 16, Day 5844 of my daily journal.

[the-firebird69]

The clones are using serious psychological factors on these particular people and this cross section and they're riding like crazy and you guys fall for it and there's some reasons but as they become smaller the molar of seeing that they're not very smart either and they're doing stupid s*** that the empire wants now this island is owned and operated by practically nobody and it is in a remote area and it's Nova scotian and it's a rather good-sized Island in the chain of islands up there and it's the way it used to be only maybe 10 years ago you can tell that they're still cars and so forth and they are using cars that are not susceptible to EMP really it's emitters. And there's a lot of dead people they killed in a while ago some of them are racing and very recent and the guy who brought him out there so now he is. And it is Angelina Jolie and she was murdered by the clone brought them there. And it means that they're aware that they're not controlling the females or the decent looking females. The stuff is predictable but it's very mean and it's predictable cuz they're telling you what they're doing you know son says it you should stop the other thing and then sitting here watching it and they don't know what the result is if he does and the clothes keep saying you don't do that anymore you didn't do that in front of us and this is what we have to do is wipe you out because you're a useless buffer and there's no resistance and you're trying to classify what you're doing and what you are and they say there's a suicidal and lame you should know put them there and had them become what they are are useless pile of s*** you took their willpower and you took their Joy you took their meaning for life and you ruined it and you don't know that you did that. The scoot around with these people and killing them one by one and somehow they come back but for real they're doing probably to attract your armies and to mess around with you up in the northern country and it's probably a good reason for it and we know what it is they want to see what your plan is because you want to attack the wall and that's what it is

Thor Freya

There's a larger and much more sinister reason for these things happening and these guys can't figure out day-to-day stuff that easily but it is mac and his bunch

Olympus

[atlanticcanada]

As carbon tax drives up fuel costs efficiency experts call for more green energy supports

The carbon tax has been the talk of the town in the Maritimes this week as people prepare for the hike in gas prices when the federal government's carbon pricing plan kicks in on Canada Day.

As politicians argue over its merits and flaws, Maritimers are the ones who are having to deal with the transition.

Energy efficiency experts and environmentalists here are calling on the government to get real and stop the political finger-pointing and deliver more supports to help those who are on the low and middle income break their reliance on fossil fuels.

"I think we need to start having a mature conversation about bringing down climate pollution," said Gretchen Fitzgerald, national program director with the Sierra Club of Canada.

Whether Maritimers like it or not, the carbon tax comes into effect on July 1, and will increase the cost of fuel in Nova Scotia by 14 cents per litre, which will increase again by another 4 cents the next weekend when the clean fuel adjuster comes into effect.

Fitzgerald says we have long established our provincial and federal climate targets, and it's time to focus on what renewable energies will help us reach those goals.

But there's a reluctance to "going green" says Fitzgerald and as fossil fuels are phased out, it marks a major transition in our economy and way of life.

"Part of it is just because the fossil fuel industry is just so entrenched in our political machinery," said Fitzgerald. "And let's face it, (it's entrenched) in our mental thinking about how we think the world works."

Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston has called on the federal government to drop the carbon tax amid the high cost of living and inflationary pressures, and says Nova Scotians can't afford the increase in fuel costs.

"Nova Scotians are concerned about this new federal tax and how it will increase the cost of everything - food, clothing, over-the-counter medicine, building our homes and more," said Houston.

"We have the same goal as the federal government - to reduce our carbon emissions - but Nova Scotia's plan doesn't require taxing people. We are asking the federal government once again to work with us and not raise the price of everything for Nova Scotians."

Chris Benjamin is a senior energy coordinator with the Ecology Action Centre in Halifax and says the carbon tax is meant to change our behaviour and cut our dependence on fossil fuels.

"This is all about transitioning to a carbon-free economy," said Benjamin, who points out the carbon tax rebate program will put money back in most people's pockets while helping to fund other green energy programs.

Programs like helping people replace their oil or gas-based home heating systems with greener electric options like heat pumps.

"That transition to heat pumps and renewable energy sources will actually help people save on their energy bills," said Benjamin.

When it comes to electric vehicles, Benjamin wants to see the government make them mandated so auto retailers have to increase the number of EVs on the lot.

"Despite the higher cost, there's actually a lot more demand for electric vehicles that the supply can offer," said Benjamin.

"People are waiting to get an EV and they are just not available."

There's a lack of charging infrastructure available and Benjamin says that should be mandated that more charging stations are set up.

"We'd like to see those at every gas station but also available at hockey rinks and any gathering place and community centre," said Benjamin.

"That's an investment and that's where the carbon tax can play a part, that can be invested in EV infrastructure."

Efficiency Nova Scotia is a partner with both the provincial and federal governments and helps Nova Scotians who want to transition from fossil fuels by making their homes more energy efficient, like installing an electric heat pump.

They can deliver rebates and energy programming to a variety of Nova Scotians and they are seeing requests for rebate and programming support climb in recent months.

"Since the Canada Greener Homes Program was launched in 2021, we've had around 20,000 Nova Scotians apply," said Janet Tobin, a spokesperson with Efficiency Nova Scotia.

"And in just the past year we've had nearly 6,000 applications through our Home Warming Program which is more than double what we have seen in previous years."

For the latest Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page.

from CTV News - Atlantic https://ift.tt/NFZIyKS