Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Ecology Action Centre @ecologyaction.bsky.social · 21h

October is International Walk to School Month!

There is still time to register your school or youth group and be entered to win some awesome prizes from this year's sponsors!

Register in English or French: ecologyaction.ca/iwalk

#IWALK #InternationalWalkToSchoolMonth #WalkToSchool

White and dark blue text on a turquoise backdrop. Text reads: "IWALK international walk to school month October 2025. International walk to school month has begun - but there's still time to register! Has your school joined in on the fun?"
Bottom left is an image of a group of kids facing the camera after they walked to school.

Various logos for iwalk, MEC, Fjall Raven, Halifax Cycles, Outdoor Learning School & Store, the Trail Shop, and the Ecology Action Centre on a turquoise backdrop.

3 2

Ecology Action Centre @ecologyaction.bsky.social · 22h

Green and white text overlaid on an image of a wave crashing against a rock in the ocean on the shore of Nova Scotia. Text reads, "Scapegoating. When those in power want to distract us from their B.S., they’ll often try to shift the blame onto someone else. Can’t fix the economy? Why not blame unnamed “special interests” Not delivering on affordable housing? Try get the public mad at their unhoused neighbours or immigrants! Unable to fix traffic issues? Just go after bike lanes! These are all examples of scapegoating, and here in N.S., we’ve seen our fair share. This tactic not only distracts us from real issues and real solutions; it often targets vulnerable communities and allows bad actors to fabricate panic in order to consolidate power."

Light brown and white text overlaid on an image of fishing boats tied up on a dock in southern Nova Scotia. Text reads, "Consolidating power. Speaking of consolidating power, we’ve seen a lot of this from the Houston government: Attempts to pass legislation that would allow them to fire the Auditor General without cause and withhold audit reports from the public. (luckily they failed on this one). Overstepping into municipal affairs regarding transportation and housing development. Pushing for “strong mayor” powers (so far failed on this one too🤞). Taking more control over university governance, what is taught in universities and even the ability to withhold funding. Streamlining approval processes for extractive industries and removing checks and balances. And more. Different levels of governance and checks and balances exist for a reason. When governments start removing them so that they can wield more power, we need to be concerned and speak out."

Teal and white text overlaid on an image of smoke stacks in Nova Scotia. Text reads, "Greenwashing & disinformation. “Sustainable uranium mining,” using biomass burning to “fight climate change,” “de-carbonized oil.” What do all these things have in common They’re all B.S. More specifically, they’re all examples of disinformation and greenwashing. When decision makers talk about inherently risky industries as being “safe and sustainable,” this is a clear sign of B.S. Always ask: are their claims in line with scientific consensus? Who do their claims really benefit? Do they have facts to back them up?"

Blue and white text overlaid on the front doors of two houses in the North End of Halifax. Text reads, "The path ahead. As we move forward, we need to be aware of the tactics governments use to divide us and increase their power. So let’s stay vigilant, and call the 💩 out when we see it! We’ve got this."

2 2

Ecology Action Centre @ecologyaction.bsky.social · 22h

As we talk about the better future N.S. can have, it’s important to connect the dots on what the Houston government has been up to.

It's time to get organized! To help, we've created the Grassrooting Guide, a resource guide to organizing:.
ecologyaction.ca/grassrooting-guide-organizing

Yellow and white text overlaid on an image of a waterfront building in Nova Scotia. Text reads, "When we work together, we can build a better future for Nova Scotia. But to do this, we need to be able to spot the B.S. government tries to throw at us and connect the dots. Eroding democratic processes, scapegoating, overwhelming the public – these moves are part of a broader pattern of consolidating power and avoiding accountability in order to push a singular, corporate agenda. Get out your shovels; let’s dig in one more time..."

Orange and white text overlaid on an image of the coastline of northern Cape Breton. Text reads, "Overwhelming the public. Sometimes referred to as “flooding the zone,” this is when decision makers throw so much at the public, it becomes difficult to keep up. It’s harder to resist countless bad decisions or see what the government is really trying to push forward when we’re buried under a never ending pile of 💩. Sound familiar? No one can fight it all, but we can all do something. Get together with your community and find ways you can plug in!"

Blue and white text overlaid on an image of Sandy Lake in the HRM" Text reads, "Avoiding Transparency & Accountability. The Houston government keeps saying they want “mature discussions.” But it’s hard to do that when they keep hiding from the public and avoiding accountability. We saw this when the province used legislation to undermine democratic processes, tried to hide from the media, made sweeping decisions without consultation and when they used massive omnibus bills to sneak bad policy through with minimal debate. So Houston, where are our “mature discussions?”"

1 4 3

Ecology Action Centre @ecologyaction.bsky.social · 1d

We are proud to celebrate the amazing work by the coastal communities here and also thrilled to announce our podcast series, People, Place and the Ocean
The teaser is out already, and the first episode will be available tomorrow!

open.spotify.com/show/5c9pzy4...

Spotify – Web Player

open.spotify.com

Ecology Action Centre @ecologyaction.bsky.social · 1d

Fairy Creek is touring around NS with at the end of October!

When forestry workers oppose blockaders and police begin arresting protestors, tensions rise on this record-breaking climate frontline.

Fairy Creek Tours Across Nova Scotia This Fall - Cinema Politica

Join Cinema Politica this fall as Fairy Creek tours across Nova Scotia—powerful stories of Indigenous land defense, resistance, and solidarity on screen.

cinemapolitica.org

1

Ecology Action Centre @ecologyaction.bsky.social · 4d

Join Our HRM Alliance and the EAC for at Sandy Lake on October 19th!

Come explore this beautiful forest and pick up some neat tricks to ID our favourite native tree species with a fun game of Tree Bingo.

Sunday, October 19th, 9:30a.m.-12:00p.m.

ecologyaction.ca/get-involved/events/hike-greenbelt

1 1

Ecology Action Centre @ecologyaction.bsky.social · 6d

“They have much better areas that can be developed — close to transit, health care, and grocery stores.” - Dr. Laurette Geldenhuys

Health professionals across Canada marked the first National Day of Action on Planetary Health.

Protecting nature is protecting our health. 🌿

Canadian health care professionals declare Oct. 6 as annual day of action on planetary health - Halifax Examiner

According to Health Canada, the immediate effects of wildfire smoke lead to approximately 240 deaths and $1.8 billion in health care expenses annually.

www.halifaxexaminer.ca

3 5

Ecology Action Centre @ecologyaction.bsky.social · 7d

“It wasn’t that hard to get 7,000 signatures. Nobody wants this.” - Sarah Trask-Duggan
Over 7,000 Nova Scotians signed a petition calling for the uranium ban to be reinstated, all gathered in mere months.

The message to the Province is loud and clear: no one wants uranium mining.

Citizens speak out against removal of uranium ban during Province House visit | CBC News

Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston on Friday tried to assure a group of people concerned about potential natural resource development that they will be consulted if a project is proposed.

www.cbc.ca

3

Ecology Action Centre @ecologyaction.bsky.social · 7d

Join us for the EAC Volunteer Orientation! It's a great way to learn more about the EAC, meet fellow volunteers and learn more about various projects and campaigns you can get involved with.

🌳 TODAY! Wednesday, October 8, from 6 - 8 p.m. - Online

ecologyaction.ca/volunteer-orientation-october-2025

Ecology Action Centre @ecologyaction.bsky.social · 7d

Join Our HRM Alliance and Halifax Moments for an educational guided tour and bioblitz around Lake Banook focused on storm water management.

📅 Saturday, October 18th, 2:00-4:00p.m. ⁠
⁠
ecologyaction.ca/get-involved/events/hike-greenbelt

1

Ecology Action Centre @ecologyaction.bsky.social · 8d

Cabot’s third attempt to co-opt land that’s supposed to be protected is both unwelcome and unwarranted, prompted by nothing but unmitigated gall and greed.

We need the provincial government to have the wisdom and integrity to shut this nonsense down, before this terrible trilogy goes any further.

Golf course developer tees up another bid for West Mabou Crown land | CBC News

The company behind the Cabot Links and Cliffs golf courses is taking a third swing at a potential development that would include part of West Mabou Beach Provincial Park. That land is protected by law...

www.cbc.ca

1 6 4

Ecology Action Centre @ecologyaction.bsky.social · 8d

International Walk to School Month is just around the corner!

Join us and walk for the environment, physical activity, safety and fun! Schools/groups who register and complete our feedback form by Nov. 7 qualify to win great prizes!

Register in English or French here: ecologyaction.ca/iwalk

1

Ecology Action Centre @ecologyaction.bsky.social · 9d

“It can make the difference of being able to afford my insulin that month.”

Nova Scotia’s heating rebate now pays less & helps fewer people. Eligibility thresholds have been cut, leaving 40,000 households without support as winter nears.

Concerns raised about reduced payments, eligibility for heating assistance program | CBC News

The government is lowering the net income threshold for a family to qualify, dropping it from $75,000 to $45,000. The threshold for a single-person household is a net income of $30,000. The one-time p...

www.cbc.ca

1 7 11

Ecology Action Centre @ecologyaction.bsky.social · 12d

Unfortunately nothing is planned currently as this was a grant-funded pilot but we hope that the learnings can be used for future storm kit projects at other locations!

1

Ecology Action Centre @ecologyaction.bsky.social · 13d

The JustFOOD Team has been busy handing out Emergency Food Stormkits.⁠
⁠
We held 2 packing events for International Students, recognizing that those new to NS are often less connected to emergency resources.⁠

Follow the EAC to keep in the know!

ecologyaction.ca/about-us/contact-us/e-newsletter

Two people behind a table with bins full of packaged food, distributing fresh food stormkits to another person on the other side of the table.

Packaged food and information pamphlets on a dark brown wooden table, taken from an above view.

Four people standing behind a folding table with plastic bins full of food on it, helping people fill their storm kit bags at MSVU.

A line of people waiting to build their fresh food stormkits by a row of foldable tables, a blue sun cover that reads "HalifACT" on Dalhousie campus.

1 3

Ecology Action Centre @ecologyaction.bsky.social · 14d

East Coast Environmental Law has published a comparative analysis that examines legislation in an international and Canadian context and is an update from the first edition released in 2018.

ecelaw.ca/resources-library/protecting-the-coast-a-multi-jurisdictional-legislative-review-second-edition

2 2

Ecology Action Centre @ecologyaction.bsky.social · 14d

Join us for a Teen-Friendly Career & Skills Training: Spreadsheets & Data Management

Don’t miss our virtual training session, happening on October 5, from 4–5 P.M.

This free session is open to teens aged 14–18 located in NS.

ecologyaction.ca/form/teens-for-climate

Teens for Climate | Ecology Action Centre

ecologyaction.ca

2 4

Ecology Action Centre @ecologyaction.bsky.social · 15d

🚲 Help newcomers ride into community. Volunteer with Welcoming Wheels and support cycling for equity + connection.

More info: ecologyaction.ca/get-involved/volunteer

2 2

Ecology Action Centre @ecologyaction.bsky.social · 21d

Join this guided hike with the Sandy Lake Conservation Association and EAC's Karen McKendry, to learn more about Sandy Lake area!

This is a free, public hike but registration is required in advance.

Sunday, September 28
9:30-11:30 a.m.

Learn more and register here: www.sandylakecoalition.ca/hikes

Green text in a white box overlaid on an aerial photo of Sandy Lake in the HRM. Text reads, "Join us for a hike at sandy lake. With Sandy Lake-Sackville River Coalition & hike leader, Karen McKendry. Sunday September 28, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. Sandy Lake Regional Park"

In a forest, a group of people listening to the hike leader at a guided hike in Sandy Lake.

3 2

Ecology Action Centre @ecologyaction.bsky.social · 21d

Leaders wanted: Join an EAC committee or action team and help shape bold environmental action in N.S.

For more information & to sign up: ecologyaction.ca/get-involved/volunteer

#HalifaxVolunteer

Ecology Action Centre @ecologyaction.bsky.social · 22d

October is International Walk to School Month!
Join us and walk for the environment, physical activity, safety and fun! Schools/groups who register and complete our feedback form by Friday, Nov. 7 qualify to win great prizes!

Register in English or French: ecologyaction.ca/iwalk

White text on a black background, in the bottom right corner is an image of a group of children standing together to smile for the camera. Text reads: "IWALK international walk to school month October 2025
IWALK gives Nova Scotian children, parents, teachers, and community leaders an opportunity to get outside and discover their neighbourhoods or schoolgrounds."

Ecology Action Centre @ecologyaction.bsky.social · 23d

💚 Thank you all who attended our AGM last week! 💚

Your support means the world to us! We'd like to extend our gratitude for our board members and all those who joined us last Tuesday evening, we had an outstanding time.

Become an EAC member today: ecologyaction.ca/ways-give

A woman in a white blouse and glasses standing at a podium, holding a sheet of paper in the left hand and a microphone in the right.

Two cakes with chocolate frosting and chocolate glaze, with fruit and chocolate crisps on top.

A man in a striped button up and black glasses standing at a podium holding a microphone in his right hand.

A man on the left and a woman on the right, standing and smiling together at the camera, standing in front of a tv screen.

Ecology Action Centre @ecologyaction.bsky.social · 25d

Calling all N.S. teens! 🌎✊ Lead your own climate project with support + mentorship from EAC. Join Teens for Climate today.

ecologyaction.ca/get-involved/volunteer

#HalifaxVolunteer

1 1

Ecology Action Centre @ecologyaction.bsky.social · 28d

🚲 Our Transportation Team is hiring!! 🚲

For more information and to apply, head here: ecologyaction.ca/about-us/work-us

Ecology Action Centre @ecologyaction.bsky.social · 28d

Join this guided hike with the Sandy Lake Conservation Association and EAC's Karen McKendry, to learn more about the fascinating species in the Sandy Lake area, and the efforts to protect Sandy Lake from unsustainable development.

Sat. September 20
9:30-11:30 a.m.

www.sandylakecoalition.ca/hikes

2 4