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
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!
Saying, 'Well, I don't care, I’m happy to get infected. If I get infected, I can deal with it,' that's great if you choose to do that, but you're also making that choice for the others around you, too," said Halperin.
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
October 25, 2025 at 12:43 PM
Saying, 'Well, I don't care, I’m happy to get infected. If I get infected, I can deal with it,' that's great if you choose to do that, but you're also making that choice for the others around you, too," said Halperin.
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Asking for a bit of security!
« Right now, part-time faculty have to apply for a separate contract for every course they teach every term, even if they have taught the same course before…many members work for years with no guarantee of income beyond short, months-long contracts. »#pse #nspoli
« Right now, part-time faculty have to apply for a separate contract for every course they teach every term, even if they have taught the same course before…many members work for years with no guarantee of income beyond short, months-long contracts. »#pse #nspoli
Part-time SMU, MSVU faculty hit the picket lines in Halifax
The professors and instructors at SMU walked off the job Thursday morning joining colleagues from Mount St. Vincent in striking.
www.saltwire.com
October 23, 2025 at 5:57 PM
Asking for a bit of security!
« Right now, part-time faculty have to apply for a separate contract for every course they teach every term, even if they have taught the same course before…many members work for years with no guarantee of income beyond short, months-long contracts. »#pse #nspoli
« Right now, part-time faculty have to apply for a separate contract for every course they teach every term, even if they have taught the same course before…many members work for years with no guarantee of income beyond short, months-long contracts. »#pse #nspoli
“I look forward to the savings in the solid waste department and the opportunity for us to increase our workforce and to better serve our citizens” Says the Cape Breton Regional Muncipality's Deputy Mayor. This is what the evidence shows of bringing services back in house. #nspoli
Cape Breton Regional Municipality dumping garbage contractors
Cape Breton Regional Municipality council voted to lease equipment and hire operators to take over weekly curbside collection
www.saltwire.com
October 23, 2025 at 2:28 PM
“I look forward to the savings in the solid waste department and the opportunity for us to increase our workforce and to better serve our citizens” Says the Cape Breton Regional Muncipality's Deputy Mayor. This is what the evidence shows of bringing services back in house. #nspoli
« These workers are the poorest paid precarious academic staff in Canada.
Ranked the 3rd best undergraduate university in the country, Part-Time Faculty members, who deliver the core mission of SMU, are among the lowest paid. » #canlab
Ranked the 3rd best undergraduate university in the country, Part-Time Faculty members, who deliver the core mission of SMU, are among the lowest paid. » #canlab
In solidarity with @cupe3912.bsky.social SMU
@ansut.bsky.social @caut.bsky.social @cautdefencefund.bsky.social
@ansut.bsky.social @caut.bsky.social @cautdefencefund.bsky.social
October 22, 2025 at 11:59 PM
« These workers are the poorest paid precarious academic staff in Canada.
Ranked the 3rd best undergraduate university in the country, Part-Time Faculty members, who deliver the core mission of SMU, are among the lowest paid. » #canlab
Ranked the 3rd best undergraduate university in the country, Part-Time Faculty members, who deliver the core mission of SMU, are among the lowest paid. » #canlab
To understand some of the issues at stake and why there is strike action at MSVU starting Oct 22 and possible other strike at SMU by @cupe3912.bsky.social members
Read on.
Read on.
“[Contract instructors], much like their counterparts in other precarious sectors, are severely undercompensated, with few or no benefits, limited advancement opportunities, and very little job security.” - Dr. Larissa Atkison
Learn more: www.policyalternatives.ca/news-researc...
#NSpoli
Learn more: www.policyalternatives.ca/news-researc...
#NSpoli
October 21, 2025 at 11:16 PM
To understand some of the issues at stake and why there is strike action at MSVU starting Oct 22 and possible other strike at SMU by @cupe3912.bsky.social members
Read on.
Read on.
Community-based public utilities and cleaner energy. Interesting alliance.
Can we expand these options as alternatives to NS power?
#nspoli
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Can we expand these options as alternatives to NS power?
#nspoli
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
N.S. municipal electric utilities say Maritime alliance brings big benefits | CBC News
Nova Scotia municipalities with their own electric utilities say a new Maritime alliance will strengthen their sector, which is the province’s only alternative to Nova Scotia Power.
www.cbc.ca
October 14, 2025 at 11:57 AM
Community-based public utilities and cleaner energy. Interesting alliance.
Can we expand these options as alternatives to NS power?
#nspoli
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Can we expand these options as alternatives to NS power?
#nspoli
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Fall is beautiful in Nova Scotia. This is a lovely 5km hike. Wolfville watershed nature preserve. The Annapolis valley is a treasure.
October 11, 2025 at 4:50 PM
Fall is beautiful in Nova Scotia. This is a lovely 5km hike. Wolfville watershed nature preserve. The Annapolis valley is a treasure.
Reposted by Christine Saulnier (she/her)
“We’re staying, we’re not leaving, we’re not going anywhere. They can try to come at us with their guns and their injunctions and whatever they wanna do, but we’re not leaving.” www.halifaxexaminer.ca/indigenous-n...
October 9, 2025 at 10:00 PM
“We’re staying, we’re not leaving, we’re not going anywhere. They can try to come at us with their guns and their injunctions and whatever they wanna do, but we’re not leaving.” www.halifaxexaminer.ca/indigenous-n...
resounding 86 per cent of respondents said significant changes are needed to improve women's health.”Ask & they will answer. 27,317 responded, they expected 2000. Action clearly needed as well women report—”a pattern of dismissal and bias within the health-care system.”
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Dismissed and depressed: Survey digs into women’s health in the Maritimes | CBC News
The results of a first-of-its-kind survey in the Maritimes paint a bleak picture of women censoring their health concerns amid a pattern of dismissal and bias within the health-care system.
www.cbc.ca
October 9, 2025 at 10:33 PM
resounding 86 per cent of respondents said significant changes are needed to improve women's health.”Ask & they will answer. 27,317 responded, they expected 2000. Action clearly needed as well women report—”a pattern of dismissal and bias within the health-care system.”
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
“A resounding 86 per cent of respondents said significant changes are needed to improve women's health.”Ask & they will answer. 27,317 responded, they expected 2000. Action clearly needed as well men report—”a pattern of dismissal and bias within the health-care system.”
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Dismissed and depressed: Survey digs into women’s health in the Maritimes | CBC News
The results of a first-of-its-kind survey in the Maritimes paint a bleak picture of women censoring their health concerns amid a pattern of dismissal and bias within the health-care system.
www.cbc.ca
October 9, 2025 at 10:12 PM
“A resounding 86 per cent of respondents said significant changes are needed to improve women's health.”Ask & they will answer. 27,317 responded, they expected 2000. Action clearly needed as well men report—”a pattern of dismissal and bias within the health-care system.”
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Reading media stories about prefabricated homes. Is that not what Kent homes are? Why aren’t they leading on this? Has not the Maritimes always used these mini-homes as affordable options for decades?
kenthomes.com
kenthomes.com
kenthomes.com
October 8, 2025 at 11:52 AM
Reading media stories about prefabricated homes. Is that not what Kent homes are? Why aren’t they leading on this? Has not the Maritimes always used these mini-homes as affordable options for decades?
kenthomes.com
kenthomes.com
New report. Proud to be co-author. To say our labour standards is outdated is an understatement!
Nova Scotia workers deserve better. Our new report finds outdated labour laws, weak enforcement, and growing gaps for vulnerable workers.
Read more: www.policyalternatives.ca/news-researc...
#nspoli #workersrights #LabourStandards #DecentWorkNS #CanLab
Read more: www.policyalternatives.ca/news-researc...
#nspoli #workersrights #LabourStandards #DecentWorkNS #CanLab
The Foundations of Decent Work: An Evaluation of Nova Scotia Labour Standards - CCPA
Foundations of Decent Work_ An evaluation of Nova Scotia Labour StandardsDownload
www.policyalternatives.ca
October 7, 2025 at 1:25 PM
New report. Proud to be co-author. To say our labour standards is outdated is an understatement!
Reposted by Christine Saulnier (she/her)
"While the wage increases are welcome, there is still a gap between the new numbers and what it takes to keep food on the table and the lights on," says @csaulnier.bsky.social director of @ccpanovascotia.bsky.social #canlab www.ctvnews.ca/business/art...
Five provinces increase minimum wage, but some worry it may not have the ‘intended effect’
Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia and P.E.I. increased their minimum wage on Oct. 1. What does that mean for employees and the businesses they work for?
www.ctvnews.ca
October 2, 2025 at 4:25 PM
"While the wage increases are welcome, there is still a gap between the new numbers and what it takes to keep food on the table and the lights on," says @csaulnier.bsky.social director of @ccpanovascotia.bsky.social #canlab www.ctvnews.ca/business/art...