Divisive Development

Written by Victoria Goodday, Editorial Intern at Corporate Knights

The A. Murray MacKay Bridge looms behind local politician Jerome Downey; a small memorial is all that marks the community destroyed for its construction. Photo by Paul Trussler.

Halifax, Nova Scotia, is a small port city rich in Maritime history and down-home hospitality. Known for its hard-partying students and sailors, the city’s lively cultural scene has earned it the nickname of “the New Orleans of the East”. The similarities between the two cities don’t stop there. Like New Orleans, Halifax has an urban core characterized by a sharp racial divide and a population plagued by racial tension.

A history tainted by discriminatory policy decisions has left Nova Scotia’s capital fighting to achieve an inclusive society. Home to the largest proportion of Canadian-born blacks in the country, its racially disparate downtown and isolated black neighborhoods challenge Canada’s “cultural mosaic” moniker.

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Halifax Downtown Four-Way Fraces

Written by Tim Bousquet, News Editor at The Coast

The downtown Halifax council election heats up in District 12, with the incumbent facing the young scion of an old political family, a student and an environmental consultant.

For local politics, downtown Halifax is the place to be this year.

In the battle for media attention, Halifax elections lag behind coverage of the American and Canadian federal elections, and what press coverage locals do get is mostly focused on the mayoral race between Peter Kelly and Sheila Fougere. But the most dynamic and interesting local election is arguably the council contest for District 12.

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Downey Seeks Downtown Halifax Seat

Written By Halifax Chronicle Herald

Left: Jerome Downey, Right: Graham Downey

Jerome Downey, grandson of long-time Halifax city councillor Graham Downey, announced he’ll be running for office in this year’s municipal election. He’ll be vying for the Halifax-Downtown seat.

“I am looking forward to the opportunity to represent and make the progressive changes Halifax-Downtown residents, visitors and business owners desperately desire,” says Downey. “I’m working to make sure our best interests as a community are being addressed and heard in city council. My platform is based on rejuvenation and a change of attitude and actions in city hall. We need to enhance our community’s vibrancy, protect our local economy and make our streets safer.”

Downey was raised and continues to reside in downtown Halifax. He graduated from St. Patrick’s High School and is a graduate of Mount Allison University with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. Currently, he is an account executive with a major financial institution in Halifax.