Latest news with #Dalhousie
Global News
22-05-2025
- General
- Global News
Halifax heritage building slated for demolition saved by appeal court decision
A century-old Victorian home in south-end Halifax has been saved from the wrecking ball, thanks to a Nova Scotia Court of Appeal decision. The battle surrounding the 128-year-old house at 1245 Edward St. has been long and mired in legal proceedings. Sandra Barrs, the past president of the Heritage Trust of Nova Scotia, applauds the court's latest decision and believes the house has a history worth saving. She says everything about the home — from its small turret to its arched windows — offers a glimpse into the past. 'It has been part of the fabric of this neighbourhood for (nearly) 130 years,' she said. Dalhousie University originally bought the lot in July 2021 for $1 million with the intention of demolishing the Victorian home. Story continues below advertisement The next year, the university told Halifax council the house would require significant costs to fix — something the university didn't want to take on. The university received a demolition permit in July 2022, despite a grassroots effort by neighbours to block it. 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 'A neighbourhood group, the Halifax University Neighbourhood Association, got involved,' said Barrs. 'They didn't want to see the property simply demolished because there was no plan to do anything with it, just simply demolish it and leave the lot vacant.' In October 2022, municipal councillors voted to add the lot to its Registry of Heritage Properties, prompting Dalhousie to file a notice for a judicial review. 2:03 N.S. judge puts end to Halifax's heritage designation for south end property A Nova Scotia Supreme Court ruling in November 2023 put an end to the heritage designation, and stated council had wrongly decided that a heritage registration could be granted to a group other than the property owner. Story continues below advertisement 'There is a reasonable apprehension of an attitude of closed-mindedness at the (Heritage Advisory Committee) level, and a reasonable apprehension of bias at the HRM Council level – a bread-crumb trail that led to a clearly unreasonable result,' Justice Peter Rosinski wrote in part. That led the municipality to seek a judicial review from the Court of Appeal, which dismissed the university's claims and said the council's decision was fair and reasonable. The province's highest court also confirmed that Halifax council could award heritage status to a property following a request by a party other than the property's owner. 'We were happy to read not only that the allegations of procedural unfairness were dismissed, but more importantly, that third party registrations of heritage structures was accepted as being with merit,' said Barrs. In a statement to Global News, a Dalhousie University spokesperson said, 'we accept the appeal court's decision.' 'Dalhousie remains committed to finding the right balance between preservation of our most iconic buildings and development that supports continued university and municipal growth,' wrote Michael Fleury. — with a file from The Canadian Press
Time of India
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Who is Anita Anand? Indian-origin appointed as Canada's foreign minister
(Source: X) Anita Anand , the Indian-origin Canadian politician , has been appointed as Canada's new foreign minister in a major Cabinet reshuffle by Prime Minister Mark Carney . Anand replaces Mélanie Joly in the role and previously served as the country's defence minister. She took her oath with her hand on the Bhagavad Gita, a tradition she has followed in previous Cabinet appointments as well. The 58-year-old was born in Nova Scotia to Indian immigrant parents—her mother from Punjab and her father from Tamil Nadu. She has built a strong career in law, teaching, and public service. Before entering politics, she worked as a corporate lawyer and joined an Ontario government expert panel in 2015. She was elected MP from Oakville in 2019 and served as minister of public services and procurement during the Covid-19 pandemic, later becoming defence minister. Anand is married to Canadian lawyer and business executive John Knowlton, and they have four children. Although she had recently announced plans to step away from politics, the fall of former PM Trudeau's government and Carney's rise brought her back into leadership. Anand holds four degrees, including a BA in Political Studies from Queen's University (gold medallist), a BA in Jurisprudence from Oxford, a law degree from Dalhousie, and a Master of Laws from the University of Toronto. The reshuffle comes as Carney builds his newly elected Liberal government. His Cabinet includes 28 ministers and introduces secretaries of state, aiming to signal a fresh start from the Trudeau era. Anand became the first Hindu to serve in Canada's federal Cabinet in 2019. She has earned praise for her disciplined and focused approach, especially during her time at the defence ministry. Carney's appointments balance experience and diversity, with women making up half of the Cabinet. The changes come amid tense Canada-US relations . Carney has promised to stand firm against US President Donald Trump, particularly on trade. In a statement, Carney said the Cabinet was chosen to 'deliver the change Canadians want and need.' Anand visited the Vaishno Devi Temple in Oakville on Mother's Day. She posted on X: "It warmed my heart to see so many families across #Oakville coming to celebrate and remember our mothers together."
CBC
14-04-2025
- Health
- CBC
Thinking about getting a tattoo? Here's what you should know
Tattooing services are regulated and largely considered safe, but there's a growing group of experts concerned over links between tattoo ink and allergic reactions, as well as potential associations between tattoos and certain kinds of cancer. Current evidence largely shows associations — not causation — with cancer, but experts say people should be aware that tattoos do come with a small amount of risk, even if more research is needed to determine the severity of that risk. What are the risks of getting a tattoo? Tattoos are permanent because they're formed when a needle containing ink pierces skin and deposits the pigment in the dermis — the skin's middle layer — according to Dalhousie University dermatologist Dr. Kerri Purdy. The needle being dipped into ink and then penetrating the skin increases the risk of certain infections — like mycobacterial infections — as well as introduces the possibility of spreading diseases like hepatitis and HIV. "That said, the risk is exceedingly low, with people and tattoo parlours being very careful about that," said Purdy, division head of clinical dermatology and cutaneous science at Dalhousie's school of medicine. A 2025 two-part series on tattoo-associated infections published in the Lancet Microbe found that the risk of infection ranged from study to study. In general, roughly one to six per cent of tattooed people experienced a microbial infection after receiving a tattoo, though it's not uncommon for people to experience minor skin elevation or itchiness after a fresh tattoo. Tattoo infections are often mild to moderate, with the second paper in the two-part series explaining that tattooing can lead to life-threatening infections in "rare and extreme cases." Purdy says people can develop allergic reactions to compounds present in the ink itself, once the ink makes it into our skin. Western University chemist Yolanda Hedberg's 2021 study analyzed more than 70 tattoo ink samples, finding traces of potentially harmful metals like nickel and chromium in almost all of the samples tested. Arsenic, mercury and lead all turned up in one sample each. The study samples were collected both in-person and online from vendors in Sweden, but many of the ink samples were fabricated in the U.S. and are commonly available in many countries, including Canada. The study found that 93 per cent of the inks tested violated European labelling requirements. Researchers concluded that 61 per cent of inks contained "pigments of concern," but found that the level of metal exceeded restriction limits in "only a few cases." Hedberg added that the ingredients listed on an ink bottle didn't always match up with the actual ingredients in the ink itself. Different tattoo inks also present different levels of risk, she says. For example, certain red inks contain azo dyes, increasing the allergic risk. Azo dyes are synthetic and do not occur naturally. Many are non-toxic, though some azo dyes are mutagens and carcinogens. While tattoo allergies can develop within days of inking, Hedberg says it's not uncommon for tattoo allergies to develop after several weeks or even months, rather than immediately after inking. The delay likely occurs because it takes time for the body to identify the tattoo as foreign material that needs to be removed. "Generally, you would notice an allergic reaction within three months," she said. Mild cases of tattoo allergies can be treated using topical steroid creams. More significant or swollen allergic reactions can be treated using corticosteroidal injections, while very severe reactions can require medications like prednisone, according to Purdy. What does the research show about cancer? A small number of studies have tracked a potential association between tattoos and the development of certain cancers, including melanoma and lymphoma. A 2025 study of Danish twins found that the risk of skin cancer was 1.62 times higher among people with tattoos. The study looked at twins where one sibling had a tattoo and the other didn't, comparing the health of each twin. The study sampled 2,367 randomly selected twins and a control group of 316 twins, all born between 1960 and 1996. The risk was determined for tattoos that were larger than the palm of a hand. The study identified the lack of information on sun exposure as a possible limitation. Additionally, the study didn't look at factors like how many cigarettes were smoked by study participants. Another study published in the Lancet in 2024 compared almost 1,400 people who had lymphoma to almost 4,200 people who didn't, finding that 21 per cent of the people with lymphoma had tattoos. Nonetheless, the 2024 study found an association, not direct causation. The authors concluded that more research is needed to establish causality. McGill University dermatologist Dr. Elena Netchiporouk says the core compound required to produce black ink — a compound known as carbon black — is a possible carcinogen derived in part from the incomplete combustion of petroleum products. "We know that [carbon black] has very strong proof that it can cause cancer in humans," said Netchiporouk, speaking with The Dose 's Dr. Brian Goldman. Netchiporouk — who wasn't involved in the 2025 Danish study or the 2024 Lancet study — cautioned that current carcinogenic evidence comes from research on ingesting carbon black, not from injecting it into our skin. She also said darker tattoos can also make it difficult to monitor for signs of skin cancer — especially if tattoos cover up moles. It's not clear whether the size of someone's tattoos increase their cancer risk. Netchiporouk says more research is necessary to determine the true cancer risk associated with tattoo inks. What should I do if I'm worried? Purdy recommends that anyone interested in getting a tattoo visit a reputable tattoo shop. Tattoo parlours are regulated by provincial and territorial governments in Canada, while tattoo inks are subject to cosmetic regulations under the federal Food and Drugs Act. "It is the responsibility of the manufacturer or importer to meet the requirements of the Food and Drugs Act and Cosmetic Regulations and ensure that the product they are selling is safe," Health Canada wrote in an email statement. Still, Hedberg says Canada's tattoo regulations are less stringent than Europe's rules. WATCH | Why doesn't New Brunswick have regulations for tattoo shops? Why doesn't New Brunswick have regulations for tattoo shops? 1 year ago Duration 3:16 With the popularity of tattoos growing, one New Brunswick tattoo artist is sounding the alarm over the lack of provincial regulations governing the practice. The EU banned in 2022 thousands of chemicals used in tattoo inks, which has affected certain blue and green pigments. "In Canada, you can still tattoo all colours and they are not restricted here just yet," said Hedberg. Netchiporouk says laser tattoo removal is usually a safe option. However, she notes that the azo dyes typically present in red inks can undergo transformation because they're sensitive to ultraviolet radiation, as well as laser removal. "They can transform into other chemicals in the skin, which can become more likely allergenic," said Netchiporouk. Due to the questions surrounding tattoos, Netchiporouk isn't interested in getting one any time soon.
Yahoo
06-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Canadians anxious over tariffs, food security: Study
OTTAWA — President Trump's newly-launched trade war against Canada has increased anxiety over food security, a new study reveals. Presented Thursday by Dalhousie University and insights aggregator Caddle, the report — Value Shopping in Canada: Trends Shaping Consumer Habits in 2025 — suggests the current political tiff between the two countries, coupled with the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, is reshaping how Canadians shop for food. 'The consumer psyche has been severely impacted by geopolitics,' said Sylvain Charlebois, senior director of Dalhousie 's Agri-Food Analytics Centre, pointing out that data for the survey was collected in the midst of U.S. trade tariff uncertainty. While price still factors greatly influence buying habit, other factors are coming into play — while 36% of respondents said price was the most important factor, followed by 27% who pointed at quality, the country of origin of groceries items rounded out the top three, with 10%. But it's not just about exclusiciley seeking a 'Made in Canada' sticker, either. 'How we define 'quality' is going to be redefined, because all of the sudden we're looking beyond America to procure food,' Charlebois said. 'We're looking at Mexico and other places around the world, and consumers right now are being offered products or food they weren't exposed to before.' As for brand loyalty, the study noted that nearly 80% of shoppers were willing to switch brands to save money, with 51% of shoppers saying promotions or discounts would be enough to switch. Quality and a 'Made in Canada' label both tied for second place, at 33%, followed by 32% who said a cheaper standard price wound tempt them to changing brands. 'GOOD LUCK JUSTIN': Trump says tariff call with 'Governor' Trudeau was 'somewhat' friendly Tariff war brings chill through Pearson airport as travellers navigate 'unfortunate' reality CHARLEBOIS: The cost of retaliation — Canada's trade war misstep Caddle's Jared Kligerman said it's important to understand the context of the report, based on the ongoing inflation-fuelled cost-of-living crisis. 'Fifty per cent of Canadians are $200 away from not being able to pay their bills,' he said. 'As of November of last year, NielsenIQ highlighted that only 17% of Canadians have been unimpacted or have been thriving in the past year — which means the vast majority have made some change to the way they buy and the way they shop due to increasing costs.' On top of that, 35% of Canadians are in a position where even a slight change of prices puts their well-being at risk. The study was based on responses from 3,011 Canadian shoppers conducted between Feb. 11 and 12, 2025. No margin of error data was noted. bpassifiume@ X: @bryanpassifiume
CBC
01-03-2025
- Health
- CBC
Growing number of municipalities use scholarships to land new doctors
A growing number of municipalities in New Brunswick are offering scholarships to medical school students who want to practise in the province after graduation. These "return-to-service" scholarships are offered through a non-profit group called the New Brunswick Medical Education Foundation. Alyssa Long, the executive director, says the scholarships were launched in 2010 to meet the province's growing need for doctors, especially as those in practice now get get older. "The need is critical now," she said. "And we all see and recognize that the average doctor in New Brunswick is over 49 years old, which means over the next 10 to 15 years we are going to see a mass exodus from the labour market." The scholarships come with agreements that, on becoming doctors, recipients return to New Brunswick — in some cases, in specific cities or towns — to practise for at least one year. Over the years, 10 municipalities have offered scholarships, all offering $5,000 to $10,000 a year to a medical student. So far this year, Saint John, Fredericton, Quispamsis and Oromocto councils have all committed they're offering the scholarships. WATCH | Scholarships highlight the steep financial challenges of medical school, students say: Scholarships are being used to tackle N.B.'s doctor shortage 8 minutes ago Duration 3:19 Thousands of New Brunswickers do not have family doctors. Coun. Greg Norton, who pushed the scholarship proposal through Saint John council, says the goal is to make the city more competitive in getting and retaining doctors. According to Long, municipalities through the foundation, awarded $20,000 in scholarships to students in 2023. In 2025 so far, that number has more than tripled, to $77, 000, from both newly and previously committed municipalities. "There are hundreds of vacancies across the province right now in both family medicine and specialties, and our goal is to leverage the pipeline of talent that we have as future doctors and use that to fill those gaps," Long said. There are currently 120 family medicine vacancies in the province, according to the Health Department. Incentive that highlights disparities Medical training in New Brunswick is offered through Halifax-based Dalhousie University and Quebec-based Université de Sherbrooke. Benjamin Peterson and Katie Gowlett are both Saint John-based Dalhousie medical students and part of the school's medical student society. They are also scholarship recipients committed to practising medicine in the province. Gowlett said the scholarships highlight the need for more doctors but also the financial needs of medical students. Tuition for the Dalhousie program is about $23,000 per year. According to an 2023-2024 operating budget plan for the university, this makes Dalhousie the fifth most expensive medical program in the country, out of 13 major universities. "In addition, you would have coverage for books and student fees as needed every year over the span of four years," Gowlett said. "Following that, of course, we don't just eat and breathe tuition money every year. You have to live outside of that. … It's very challenging." And provincial and federal student loans, Gowlett and Peterson said, often don't cover it all, along with living costs, which puts immense pressure on students who are otherwise unable to work while going to school. Gowlett said that an additional $5,000 to $10,000 can decrease a student's reliance on private bank loans with high interest rates. Few residency opportunities Peterson applied for the scholarship to "affirm" his commitment to the province but he is also undecided on what he wants to specialize in. His peers are enthusiastic about trying to help New Brunswick conquer its doctor shortage, Peterson said, but medical students have hurdles in the province. According to the Health Department, current in-province residency opportunities include family medicine, internal medicine, integrated family and emergency medicine and psychiatry in Moncton — a handful out of 37 possible specialities. Medical school graduates who want to pursue residencies in other specialties, such as anesthesia, obstetrics, may need to look elsewhere. "Those are not training programs that are based in New Brunswick and where the demand exists," Peterson said. "There comes that time where a graduating student may be very passionate about practising anesthesia in the community that they grew up in, but they are, by nature of the beast, required to move away for that training." Peterson said this could result in a "return to service" that can only be satisfied in many years time — describing it as a bind for students eager to return to New Brunswick. Some would be more likely to settle where they train. Gowlett said that the province could do more to fill residency gaps for students who want to serve New Brunswickers. "We have strong ties to this area and to be in a position where you may need to abandon those ties to go pursue the education that's required to meet the needs in New Brunswick is quite a challenging predicament to be in." Still, both are grateful for the program.
