March 23, 2021
SUSAN LEBLANC: My question is for the Premier. We know from other jurisdictions that COVID-19 has hit racialized communities harder. In Toronto’s second wave of the virus, nearly 80 per cent of COVID-19 cases were among racialized groups. I can table that. It is a virtual certainty that this problem exists here in Nova Scotia, but we just don’t know for certain because this government has refused to collect race-based demographic data in health care, despite years of work and advocacy in the African Nova Scotian community to get this done. How does the Premier expect to address racism in this province if his government won’t collect basic data on the problem?
THE PREMIER: I appreciate the member bringing this very important issue forward. Disaggregated data has been a request over a significant amount of time, Mr. Speaker. It is a priority for this government, and I expect once consultation is complete in this regard, that that this will be out very, very soon.
SUSAN LEBLANC: With respect, the consultation has been done over and over and over again. African Nova Scotian communities have already developed solutions, but now they need action. The African Nova Scotian justice institute and policing strategy are ready to go. The African Nova Scotian health strategy is as well and would be a critical tool in the fight against systemic racism during this global pandemic. It has been promised by this government for years. Mr. Speaker, does the Premier agree that in the midst of a global health emergency, we need an African Nova Scotian health strategy now?
THE PREMIER: Disaggregated data is a very important part of how we ensure that we’re looking at health from all the different realities that are present in our society. Those discussions started immediately under this administration. It started before this administration. I was aware of those discussions, and I want to make sure that all stakeholders involved in this discussion are part of that announcement.