Moving ethnic vendors in Halifax market raises concerns about racism
A proposal by administrators of a popular Halifax farmers’ market to move six ethnic food vendors from the main floor to the less busy upper level has ignited a debate about how welcoming longtime Maritimers are to immigrants.
The vendors facing relocation at the Seaport Farmers’ Market are Mary’s African Cuisine, Viji’s Veggies, Pierogies 4 U, Stella’s ( Antiguan cuisine), Unique Asian and Turkish Cuisine. Many are not happy about the change.
In a blistering critique in a local newspaper, The Coast, community activist Sherwood Hines suggested the proposed changes carry “blatant undertones of racism” and are evidence of a broader push by longtime residents to keep immigrants out of local economic and political circles and to preserve “authentic Maritime culture.”
Julie Chaisson, executive director of the market, said Wednesday the proposed changes are aimed at improving the customer experience and helping businesses succeed.
Rather than have different types of businesses on the main floor, managers decided to cluster vendors with similar products, creating a “destination” for customers looking to eat, she said.
First, they moved most artisan vendors to the upper floor. Now, they want to transfer all preparedfood vendors who work only weekends upstairs.
The vendors’ ethnicity was not a factor in the decision, she said.
Since it became clear that some vendors were unhappy with the proposed change, administrators say they are exploring other options.
This is not the first time Nova Scotia has drawn scrutiny over allegations of community friction along ethnic lines.
“‘ Polite racism,’ inequality still linger in N. S., say minority groups,” read a CBC News headline in November.
A month earlier, the Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia released a study that found many immigrants blamed racism and discrimination for difficulties in getting a job.
“Every group told stories about a lack of understanding and appreciation from other cultures,” the report said.
“Refugee claimants felt they were treated as criminals, Muslims felt misunderstood and stigmatized, visible minorities mentioned being treated permanently as foreigners, seniors feel devalued and ignored, African communities experience racism for the first time in their lives and feel criticized because of their parenting practices.”
In the wake of the negative publicity, Lena Metlege Diab, the province’s immigration minister, pointed out more than 2,600 newcomers had settled in Nova Scotia last year, more than at any time in the last decade. Further, 71 per cent of those who arrived in 200711 have remained.
“Nova Scotia is a welcoming community and we want to ensure our province is seen by immigrants as an excellent choice,” she said.
Mary Nkrumah, who operates Mary’s African Cuisine, said it’s unfair only some prepared food vendors are being asked to move upstairs.
“The treatment we are going through is not nice,” said Nkrumah, who is from Ghana.