Christine Saulnier (she/her)
@csaulnier.bsky.social
CCPA-NS Director; mom of 3; PhD poli sci; Acadian; justice-seeker; equity promoter. Cupe 3912 member. Opinions are mine. https://policyalternatives.ca/offices/nova-scotia
« I don't know where people will go if libraries start cutting programs or reducing hours »
A critical resource that should be adequately funded as a no-barrier public service and community space.
#nspoli
A critical resource that should be adequately funded as a no-barrier public service and community space.
#nspoli
N.S. libraries ask users to contact MLAs, municipalities about impending cuts | CBC News
The head of a regional library service in western Nova Scotia says that without increased funding from the province and municipalities, branches will have to reduce operating hours and services, and e...
www.cbc.ca
November 25, 2025 at 1:12 PM
« I don't know where people will go if libraries start cutting programs or reducing hours »
A critical resource that should be adequately funded as a no-barrier public service and community space.
#nspoli
A critical resource that should be adequately funded as a no-barrier public service and community space.
#nspoli
Low profit, high volume. Selling imperfect products- who cares if the pie is cracked.
No ads needed. Consumers go where they get a good deal.
Buy local, support local.
No ads needed. Consumers go where they get a good deal.
Buy local, support local.
A new business model in NS grocery is hitting all the marks for consumers. 🇨🇦❤️👌
#Gateway #GroceryAffordabikity #NovaScotia #NewBusinessModel #cdnpoli #nspoli #peipoli
#Gateway #GroceryAffordabikity #NovaScotia #NewBusinessModel #cdnpoli #nspoli #peipoli
This store sells groceries for a fraction of the price. Here's how they do it
YouTube video by CBC News Nova Scotia
youtu.be
November 25, 2025 at 1:08 PM
Low profit, high volume. Selling imperfect products- who cares if the pie is cracked.
No ads needed. Consumers go where they get a good deal.
Buy local, support local.
No ads needed. Consumers go where they get a good deal.
Buy local, support local.
Reposted by Christine Saulnier (she/her)
Happening tomorrow! Free to sign up! 3pm EST / 6 pm PST us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
North America in the World Economy: Now—and After You-Know-Who. Free to all, register today!
James K. Galbraith holds the Lloyd M. Bentsen Jr. Chair in Government/Business Relations at the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs and a professorship in Government at The University of Texas ...
us02web.zoom.us
November 24, 2025 at 5:28 PM
Happening tomorrow! Free to sign up! 3pm EST / 6 pm PST us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
« I have coworkers who are homeless, who live in their cars or sleep on friends’ couches, because they aren’t being paid enough to afford rent,” CUPE 1259 President Dawn Vardy said. These are long term care workers, severely underpaid. An essential public service. #nspoli @cupens.bsky.social
Union filing for conciliation as long term care talks with province break down
The union representing some long term care workers is beginning the process of filing for conciliation as it says talks broke down on Monday with the provincial government. In a news release, CUPE say...
halifax.citynews.ca
November 20, 2025 at 11:51 AM
« I have coworkers who are homeless, who live in their cars or sleep on friends’ couches, because they aren’t being paid enough to afford rent,” CUPE 1259 President Dawn Vardy said. These are long term care workers, severely underpaid. An essential public service. #nspoli @cupens.bsky.social
Choirs for Change Concerts in support of the #Halifax Refugee Clinic.
Concerts are on Saturday November 29 (7:30PM) and Sunday November 30 (4:00PM). Tickets and details are here - thank you!
Saturday:
www.zeffy.com/en-CA/ticket...
Sunday:
www.zeffy.com/en-CA/ticket...
Saturday:
www.zeffy.com/en-CA/ticket...
Sunday:
www.zeffy.com/en-CA/ticket...
Choirs for Change presents: A Safe Place to Land November 29
Choirs for Change is proud to present A Safe Place to Land, a joint concert experience with Polaris and Astra.The programme tells a story of journeys undertaken and new places found, told through a bl...
www.zeffy.com
November 19, 2025 at 11:27 PM
Choirs for Change Concerts in support of the #Halifax Refugee Clinic.
Reposted by Christine Saulnier (she/her)
Homelessness in Halifax has increased by 400% since 2018 and it’s expected to continue to increase.
Sam Austin said he has “a lingering reluctance around the politics around the issue, and cautioned that closing encampments to meet political objectives would go awry.”
(by @jentaplin.bsky.social)
Sam Austin said he has “a lingering reluctance around the politics around the issue, and cautioned that closing encampments to meet political objectives would go awry.”
(by @jentaplin.bsky.social)
Halifax closing all designated homeless encampments within two years
Homelessness in Halifax has increased by 400 per cent since 2018, but city staff say fewer than 100 people are sleeping rough.
www.saltwire.com
November 19, 2025 at 11:51 AM
Homelessness in Halifax has increased by 400% since 2018 and it’s expected to continue to increase.
Sam Austin said he has “a lingering reluctance around the politics around the issue, and cautioned that closing encampments to meet political objectives would go awry.”
(by @jentaplin.bsky.social)
Sam Austin said he has “a lingering reluctance around the politics around the issue, and cautioned that closing encampments to meet political objectives would go awry.”
(by @jentaplin.bsky.social)
“Work is becoming less of a guarantee against poverty,”
24% of Nova Scotia food bank users are employed.
10.3% increase in food bank usage. High food & housing costs, low wages, the lack of government policy to address these issues, makes life very difficult for too many in our province.
#nspoli
24% of Nova Scotia food bank users are employed.
10.3% increase in food bank usage. High food & housing costs, low wages, the lack of government policy to address these issues, makes life very difficult for too many in our province.
#nspoli
Nova Scotia food banks at their limits as demand rises
Food bank use in Nova Scotia jumped 10 per cent this year, with more people seeking help as housing a food costs rise.
www.saltwire.com
November 17, 2025 at 12:50 PM
“Work is becoming less of a guarantee against poverty,”
24% of Nova Scotia food bank users are employed.
10.3% increase in food bank usage. High food & housing costs, low wages, the lack of government policy to address these issues, makes life very difficult for too many in our province.
#nspoli
24% of Nova Scotia food bank users are employed.
10.3% increase in food bank usage. High food & housing costs, low wages, the lack of government policy to address these issues, makes life very difficult for too many in our province.
#nspoli
@franklyless.bsky.social raises the alarm about families needing more support to afford essentials as they “forage on Facebook” for infant formula.
She also said the federal government could consider nationalizing production.
She also said the federal government could consider nationalizing production.
'Something is terribly wrong': Baby formula among most stolen food items as costs spiral, researcher says | CBC News
The price of baby formula in Canada has risen roughly 84 per cent since 2017, according to Statistics Canada, driving some parents to turn to strangers on social media for help. One researcher says fo...
www.cbc.ca
November 14, 2025 at 1:21 PM
@franklyless.bsky.social raises the alarm about families needing more support to afford essentials as they “forage on Facebook” for infant formula.
She also said the federal government could consider nationalizing production.
She also said the federal government could consider nationalizing production.
"Across Atlantic Canada, bustling newsrooms are shrinking or being shut down altogether. In August 2024, SaltWire Network, Atlantic Canada’s largest newspaper chain, sold its more than two dozen publications to Postmedia"
Inverness Oran is a thriving local
Happy to support @halifaxexaminer.ca
Inverness Oran is a thriving local
Happy to support @halifaxexaminer.ca
What’s left of Nova Scotia’s Postmedia newsrooms?
signalhfx.ca
November 13, 2025 at 7:25 PM
"Across Atlantic Canada, bustling newsrooms are shrinking or being shut down altogether. In August 2024, SaltWire Network, Atlantic Canada’s largest newspaper chain, sold its more than two dozen publications to Postmedia"
Inverness Oran is a thriving local
Happy to support @halifaxexaminer.ca
Inverness Oran is a thriving local
Happy to support @halifaxexaminer.ca
I guess it is the newest neoliberal trickle-down promise.
Trickle-down rights.
Trickle-down housing.
Trickle-down rights.
Trickle-down housing.
That should say, not abusing fixed term leases. In other words, the government is reassuring renters that they don't need strong tenant rights because more competition in the market will force landlords to treat you better.
November 12, 2025 at 4:39 PM
I guess it is the newest neoliberal trickle-down promise.
Trickle-down rights.
Trickle-down housing.
Trickle-down rights.
Trickle-down housing.
More information on how those restrictive grocery store convenants work. Wonder why bread is not available in a convenient perhaps more affordable store near you?
November 12, 2025 at 2:29 PM
More information on how those restrictive grocery store convenants work. Wonder why bread is not available in a convenient perhaps more affordable store near you?
Listening to NS Public Accounts about housing with a focus on rental supplements. Excellent interventions by @adsumforwomen.bsky.social about why nonmarket housing is critical, while gov admits they are waiting for competition among landlords to self-regulate (?) things like not fixed term leases.
Legislative Television and Broadcasting Services
Legislative Television Broadcast and Recording Services records and broadcasts proceedings of the Nova Scotia House of Assembly.Video and audio of proceedings in the legislative chamber, of legislativ...
nslegislature.ca
November 12, 2025 at 2:01 PM
Listening to NS Public Accounts about housing with a focus on rental supplements. Excellent interventions by @adsumforwomen.bsky.social about why nonmarket housing is critical, while gov admits they are waiting for competition among landlords to self-regulate (?) things like not fixed term leases.
Ah the « free market ».
An investigation into « legal instruments that can block competitors from setting up stores on certain properties. »
Market shares of Sobeys and superstore from 46-70%. No need for actual collusion.
Can’t even imagine a nonprofit option or at least resurgence of co-op.
An investigation into « legal instruments that can block competitors from setting up stores on certain properties. »
Market shares of Sobeys and superstore from 46-70%. No need for actual collusion.
Can’t even imagine a nonprofit option or at least resurgence of co-op.
Federal investigation probes grocery store competition in Halifax | CBC News
Since last year, an investigation into the ability of new grocers to set up in the Halifax Regional Municipality has been quietly ticking along under Competition Bureau Canada.
www.cbc.ca
November 12, 2025 at 1:05 PM
Ah the « free market ».
An investigation into « legal instruments that can block competitors from setting up stores on certain properties. »
Market shares of Sobeys and superstore from 46-70%. No need for actual collusion.
Can’t even imagine a nonprofit option or at least resurgence of co-op.
An investigation into « legal instruments that can block competitors from setting up stores on certain properties. »
Market shares of Sobeys and superstore from 46-70%. No need for actual collusion.
Can’t even imagine a nonprofit option or at least resurgence of co-op.
« Public funds set aside for disability assistance benefits were limited by an arbitrary cap & were treated as discretionary, which resulted in many applicants being placed on wait-lists. »
In violation of people’s basic rights. I wonder, as I look out at snow thinking of those who are unhoused.
In violation of people’s basic rights. I wonder, as I look out at snow thinking of those who are unhoused.
Nova Scotia judge approves $32-million settlement for people with disabilities
HALIFAX — A judge has approved one of the largest class-action settlements in Nova Scotia’s history, saying the agreement could see the province paying $32 million to as many as 2,600 disabled residen...
halifax.citynews.ca
November 12, 2025 at 12:56 PM
« Public funds set aside for disability assistance benefits were limited by an arbitrary cap & were treated as discretionary, which resulted in many applicants being placed on wait-lists. »
In violation of people’s basic rights. I wonder, as I look out at snow thinking of those who are unhoused.
In violation of people’s basic rights. I wonder, as I look out at snow thinking of those who are unhoused.
Austerity playbook. Blow a $500 million + revenue hole and then start cutting staff. But don’t worry about the cuts because it is via retirement and it is not essential front line. Reminds me of Harper’s descriptor of only cutting « back-office » staff, turns out they do imp work too. #nspoli
November 10, 2025 at 9:16 PM
Austerity playbook. Blow a $500 million + revenue hole and then start cutting staff. But don’t worry about the cuts because it is via retirement and it is not essential front line. Reminds me of Harper’s descriptor of only cutting « back-office » staff, turns out they do imp work too. #nspoli
Reposted by Christine Saulnier (she/her)
The best comment I’ve seen so far in response to Tim Houston’s latest Remembrance Day-related manufactured drama has been; “if the provincial government really wants to show they think Remembrance Day is important, they should finally recognize it as a statutory holiday in Nova Scotia”
November 7, 2025 at 6:43 PM
The best comment I’ve seen so far in response to Tim Houston’s latest Remembrance Day-related manufactured drama has been; “if the provincial government really wants to show they think Remembrance Day is important, they should finally recognize it as a statutory holiday in Nova Scotia”
A democratic socialist running on free & fast transit, free universal child care, rent freeze, city owned grocery stores, a $30 min wage and tax increases to the wealthy. Inspiring people to vote like never before— winning 75% of young voters. Lessons to be learned.
November 5, 2025 at 2:50 AM
A democratic socialist running on free & fast transit, free universal child care, rent freeze, city owned grocery stores, a $30 min wage and tax increases to the wealthy. Inspiring people to vote like never before— winning 75% of young voters. Lessons to be learned.
Reposted by Christine Saulnier (she/her)
Let the justices make you and Fortune friends
November 5, 2025 at 2:33 AM
Let the justices make you and Fortune friends
« We welcome Prime Minister Carney’s promise to protect affordable child care for the 900,000 children who now have access, but that doesn’t provide comfort to all the families who are on waitlists or for those who live in communities where there is no licensed child care,”
The 2025 Federal Budget is out. Read Child Care Now’s statement on what it means for child care in Canada: https://childcarenow.ca/2025/11/04/media-advisory-mark-carneys-economic-plan-must-expand-child-care-system/
November 4, 2025 at 11:01 PM
« We welcome Prime Minister Carney’s promise to protect affordable child care for the 900,000 children who now have access, but that doesn’t provide comfort to all the families who are on waitlists or for those who live in communities where there is no licensed child care,”
« Fossil fuels the big winner of new federal climate plan »
Will no longer reach poverty reduction targets for 2030.
Worsening the income gap.
Health care infrastructure investment, but not in staffing. Nothing for long term care.
@policyalternatives.ca Fed budget analysis rolling out
Will no longer reach poverty reduction targets for 2030.
Worsening the income gap.
Health care infrastructure investment, but not in staffing. Nothing for long term care.
@policyalternatives.ca Fed budget analysis rolling out
Post-election budget could plunge Canada into another federal election - CCPA
With so much on the line, the newly elected federal government has tabled a budget that, in many ways, could pass as a Conservative budget.
www.policyalternatives.ca
November 4, 2025 at 10:53 PM
« Fossil fuels the big winner of new federal climate plan »
Will no longer reach poverty reduction targets for 2030.
Worsening the income gap.
Health care infrastructure investment, but not in staffing. Nothing for long term care.
@policyalternatives.ca Fed budget analysis rolling out
Will no longer reach poverty reduction targets for 2030.
Worsening the income gap.
Health care infrastructure investment, but not in staffing. Nothing for long term care.
@policyalternatives.ca Fed budget analysis rolling out
Haven’t seen this level of cuts since Harper; 40,000 public sector job losses.
Also cuts to Stats Canada to the frequency of data? Remember when Harper cut long form census? More capital spending on the military than on housing. More capital on military than housing. Red flags.
Also cuts to Stats Canada to the frequency of data? Remember when Harper cut long form census? More capital spending on the military than on housing. More capital on military than housing. Red flags.
November 4, 2025 at 10:40 PM
Haven’t seen this level of cuts since Harper; 40,000 public sector job losses.
Also cuts to Stats Canada to the frequency of data? Remember when Harper cut long form census? More capital spending on the military than on housing. More capital on military than housing. Red flags.
Also cuts to Stats Canada to the frequency of data? Remember when Harper cut long form census? More capital spending on the military than on housing. More capital on military than housing. Red flags.
Reposted by Christine Saulnier (she/her)
On Oct 1 the Standing Committee on Science and Research passed an egregious motion calling for the disclosure of disaggregated data for research applications to federal granting council from 2020-2025. On Oct 20 they amended the timeframe to 2000-2025.
@picardonhealth.bsky.social
@picardonhealth.bsky.social
November 4, 2025 at 4:49 PM
On Oct 1 the Standing Committee on Science and Research passed an egregious motion calling for the disclosure of disaggregated data for research applications to federal granting council from 2020-2025. On Oct 20 they amended the timeframe to 2000-2025.
@picardonhealth.bsky.social
@picardonhealth.bsky.social
Speaking of government budgets. Public funding used to be 70% of what universities needed and is now down to 35%.
“Fighting for the right to a public university”, written about the Dal Faculty strike, also applies to @cupe3912.bsky.social's strike mandate, which can “be seen as strong resistance to right-wing neoliberal tendencies that strangle universities”.
www.policyalternatives.ca/news-researc...
#Nspoli
www.policyalternatives.ca/news-researc...
#Nspoli
Fighting for the right to a public university - CCPA
The Dalhousie Faculty Association (DFA) was locked out by the university three weeks ago (August 20th). The DFA’s calls for fair wages and supportive measures for newer and precariously employed facul...
www.policyalternatives.ca
November 4, 2025 at 6:18 PM
Speaking of government budgets. Public funding used to be 70% of what universities needed and is now down to 35%.
@pamframpton.bsky.social asks some good questions about an EDUCATION report done by academics for the NL gov that was then edited and now has fake references. Taking away from the report’s recommendations. Eroding trust is costly for a democracy #nlpoli
www.saltwire.com/newfoundland...
www.saltwire.com/newfoundland...
October 29, 2025 at 12:10 PM
@pamframpton.bsky.social asks some good questions about an EDUCATION report done by academics for the NL gov that was then edited and now has fake references. Taking away from the report’s recommendations. Eroding trust is costly for a democracy #nlpoli
www.saltwire.com/newfoundland...
www.saltwire.com/newfoundland...
A budget with vision!
The economy is built not just on roads and ports, but on paid and unpaid care for each other. AFB 2026 makes the investments necessary to strengthen Canada’s physical and social infrastructure. Gender equality is key to this goal. Demand better. Read our rec's for #budget2025: bit.ly/48RGuzY
Alternative federal budget 2026: Gender equality - CCPA
What the Canadian government should do on gender equality. Because true independence needs a new economic model.
bit.ly
October 28, 2025 at 4:47 PM
A budget with vision!