Premier reconsidering choice of non-Black deputy in African N.S. affairs office

Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston says his government is re-examining its decision to appoint a deputy minister who is not Black to the Office of African Nova Scotian Affairs.

Houston says his choice for deputy minister was criticized last week during a meeting with representatives from a coalition of several African Nova Scotian community groups.

The premier has drawn fire since he appointed Pat Dunn, who is white, as minister for the office, after the Progressive Conservatives won the Aug. 17 election.

Get breaking National news

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.

Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up

By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Critics have called Dunn’s appointment “inappropriate” and “tone deaf” and also objected to the removal of Kesa Munroe-Anderson, who is Black, as a deputy in the office.

2:02 African Nova Scotian community concerned over appointment of new minister

While Houston has made clear his support for Dunn, he told reporters following cabinet today that he accepts the Black community’s concern over who should be Dunn’s deputy minister.

He added that the community will “see some action there,” although he wasn’t specific about what will be done.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 7, 2021.