The claims involving the former residents of the Nova Scotia Home for Colored Children are, after 10 years, starting to be noticed by the media.
A series of articles were published in Frank Magazine in early 2011 dealing with the litigation, the allegations and the lengthy time that this litigation has been before the Courts.
Bethany Horne produced a documentary called “The Colored Home” for CBC Radio’s Maritime Magazine which aired on November 29, 2011. It was later replayed on the CBC Radio show In the Field on January 17, 2012.
There have also been a number of articles published in the Chronicle Herald during the week of February 13th relating to the abuse which occurred at the NSHCC. Followup articles have also been published.
These articles and documentaries are giving a voice to the victims who were abused while they were residents at the NSHCC.
Now, after many years of struggle in pursuing the individual claims through the court system, a new chapter in the NSHCC litigation is about to unfold.
On Friday, February 17, 2012, the law firm of Wagners filed its Notice of Motion and supporting affidavits to have its proposed class proceeding certified as a class action pursuant to Nova Scotia’s Class Proceedings Act. The filing of these documents represents a significant milestone for the victims of abuse at the NSHCC after many years of ongoing litigation in their individual claims. The filing of the certification motion documents is the first step towards bringing closure for these victims of abuse.
One of the individuals who signed an affidavit in support of the certification motion is Jane Earle, former executive director of the NSHCC. Ms. Earle was interviewed for CBC Radio’s Mainstreet on February 15, 2012.
The Plaintiffs’ Certification motion will be heard in the Nova Scotia Supreme Court at 1815 Upper Water Street, Halifax, before the Honourable Justice Arthur LeBlanc during the week of October 22, 2012.