Urban wilderness near Halifax protected
An urban wilderness area near Halifax that is home to threatened birds including the Canada warbler and the rusty blackbird has been protected.
The Nova Scotia Nature Trust says the 120 hectares of lakes, wetlands and coastal barrens on the Pennant River near Sambro was donated anonymously.
The area adjoins the protected Terence Bay Wilderness Area, located about 30 minutes from downtown Halifax. The nature trust says the waterways are an important migratory corridor for fish, as well as birds and other wildlife that use it as an essential travel route.
The mossy forests and wetlands also provide important habitat for several species of birds, including the threatened olive-sided flycatcher, the threatened Canada warbler and the rusty blackbird, designated a special concern on Canada’s endangered species list.
And every spring, blue herons gather by the dozens at the river mouth to feed on the migrating gaspereau. The area also has several swimming holes, hiking trails and fishing pools.
The new conservation area adds to a growing list of lands protected in Halifax by the nature trust, including the Purcell’s Cove Conservation Lands in the Halifax Backlands, Troop Island, Rogues Roost and the 100 Wild Islands.
The family of a Newfoundlandborn woman who alleges she suffered a decade of harassment at her civil service office in Scotland — including once being taped to a chair — say they are disappointed that a tribunal has ruled against her claim.
The BBC reports the Scottish Employment Tribunal ruled against DeeAnn Fitzpatrick’s complaints of a racist and misogynistic workplace culture.
A statement from her family says they are “hugely disappointed” by the result, although they are not surprised, given a judge had decided some evidence would not be allowed.
The family says the tribunal did however highlight that the human DeeAnn Fitzpatrick is seen, in an undated handout image, during an alleged incident where her coworkers taped her to a chair for complaining about harassment in the office.
resources department could have been more proactive in dealing with the matter by launching an investigation, questioning staff and reminding staff that such matters might be regarded as grounds for disciplinary action. Fitzpatrick, a fisheries officer originally from Bell Island, N.L., claims co-workers mocked her for having a miscarriage, used racist language, and threatened female staff members.
A photo published by the BBC in May showed Fitzpatrick taped to a chair with tape over her mouth — an incident she claims was a response from two male co-workers at Marine Scotland’s office in Scrabster for “(speaking) out against the boys.”
The image prompted an outcry in the U.K. — Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said she was “absolutely horrified” by the photo, and ordered a review.