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Christine Saulnier (she/her)

@csaulnier.bsky.social
2.1K followers 648 following 432 posts

CCPA-NS Director; mom of 3; PhD poli sci; Acadian; justice-seeker; equity promoter. Cupe 3912 member. Opinions are mine. policyalternatives.ca/offices/nova-…

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Reposted by Christine Saulnier (she/her)
CCPA Nova Scotia @ccpanovascotia.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
Join the authors of our newest report, entitled “One of the hardest places to organize in the country”: Understanding and overcoming barriers to unionization in Nova Scotia, as they share the key findings and recommendations from the report. #nspoli
Text reads: “CCPA-NS webinar: Understanding and overcoming barriers to unionization in Nova Scotia. Event details: Friday, October 16th, 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm (AT), Virtual via Zoom. Registration is required. Join the authors of our newest report as they share the key findings and recommendations from the report. There will also be an opportunity for questions and discussion.” Report cover, with title of report clear, “‘One of the hardest places to organize in the country’: Understanding and overcoming barriers to unionization in Nova Scotia.” CCPA-NS logo in bottom right corner.
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Reposted by Christine Saulnier (she/her)
CCPA Nova Scotia @ccpanovascotia.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
On November 5th, join us for an evening of live music, a delicious dinner, and great conversation with our special guest speaker Megan Leslie! For more information on the event and to purchase tickets: www.policyalternatives.ca/news-researc...
Text reads: “Join the CCPA Nova Scotia office for our 18th annual fundraising gala dinner. Thursday, November 5th. Doors open at 6:00 pm. Mount Saint Vincent University. Join us with guest speaker Megan Leslie as we celebrate another year of promoting progressive policy alternatives! Our annual fundraiser gala will feature live music, a delicious dinner, and great conversation.” Badge reads “Tickets on sale now!” Photo of Megan Leslie, a white woman with brown hair wearing a toque and smiling, with caption: “Megan Leslie. Former Member of Parliament for Halifax.”
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Reposted by Christine Saulnier (she/her)
CCPA Nova Scotia @ccpanovascotia.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Workers may have a right to unionize, but our report found that they face barriers to exercise that right. Our new report makes eight recommendations on how to make the unionization process in Nova Scotia more fair, so that more workers get the benefits of unionization. #nspoli
Text reads: “Workers have the right to unionize, but face barriers to exercise that right. Our research found that: Workers faced difficulty getting union cards signed – It is hard to get done when you can’t do it at work, there are multiple sites or there is high turnover. Delays at the Labour Board benefitted employers. Workers faced multiple redundant steps – First, they had to sign a union card to show their support, then they had to hold a vote to show their support again. The barriers don’t end if the union gets certified as collective bargaining proves just as difficult.” CCPA-NS logo in bottom right corner.Text reads: “Unionization holds many benefits for workers. Based on our survey, unionized workers: Had more paid sick days; Were more likely to have better benefits – Including prescriptions, vision care, dental care, and extended health benefits; Were more likely to have a workplace pension plan. Labour Force Survey data shows that, on average, unionized workers get paid more: Non-unionized workers make an average of just over $30/hour; Unionized workers make an average of just under $37/hour.” CCPA-NS logo in bottom right corner.Slide 3: Text reads: “Nova Scotia can make the unionization process easier and more fair. Key recommendations:
Implement card check or single-step certification 
Improve successor rights.
Restore meaningful first contract arbitration.
Repeal the Michelin Amendment.
Implement stricter timelines for Labour Board decisions.
Increase resources for the Labour Board.
Provide more educational and informational resources and support about labour rights. 
Incorporate education about union history and labour rights into the P-12 curriculum on civics education.” CCPA-NS logo in bottom right corner.
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Reposted by Christine Saulnier (she/her)
CCPA Nova Scotia @ccpanovascotia.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Also see our full list of recommendations to Nova Scotia’s Labour Standards: www.policyalternatives.ca/news-researc...
policyalternatives.ca
The Foundations of Decent Work: An Evaluation of Nova Scotia Labour Standards | CCPA
This report finds that Nova Scotia continues to lag behind other jurisdictions regarding standard and minimal protections for workers in the province.
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Reposted by Christine Saulnier (she/her)
CCPA Nova Scotia @ccpanovascotia.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Read Christine’s full presentation here: www.policyalternatives.ca/news-researc...
policyalternatives.ca
Strengthening Labour Standards in Nova Scotia: Progress and the work that remains | CCPA
CCPA Nova Scotia director Dr. Christine Saulnier speaks on Bill 256.
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Reposted by Christine Saulnier (she/her)
CCPA Nova Scotia @ccpanovascotia.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Yesterday, CCPA-NS Director Christine Saulnier spoke at the Nova Scotia Legislature’s Public Bills Committee on Bill 256, which would amend Nova Scotia’s Labour Standards Code. This bill is a good start, but there is still so much to be done. #nspoli
Slide 1: The Nova Scotia Legislature with text above reading: “New CCPA-NS blog. Strengthening Labour Standards in Nova Scotia: Progress and the work that remains. By Christine Saulnier. September 14, 2026.” Quote reads: “Labour standards establish the floor beneath which working conditions should not fall. That floor must be high enough to support workers and their families. A floor that should protect their health and dignity. Raising the floor also contributes to a fair and productive economy.” CCPA-NS logo.Slide 2: Text reads, “Bill 256 is a good start – but there is more to be done to support workers. This bill would: Ban tip theft; Qualify workers for overtime pay after 44 hours of work rather than 48 hours; Introduce new tools to recover unpaid earnings owed to workers.” CCPA-NS logo.Slide 3: Text reads, “Bill 256 does not address other key issues in Nova Scotia’s Labour Standards, like: 44 hours is still too much to qualify for over time – 40 hours should be the standard; Scheduling and work hour unpredictability; No paid sick days, few statutory holidays, and very limited vacation days; Exclusions of certain workers, like gig workers; Lack of proactive enforcement.” Graphics alongside each point as follows: alarm clock, box of tissues, hand holding a phone, and gavel. CCPA-NS logo.Slide 4: Text reads, “Read CCPA-NS Director Christine Saulnier’s full presentation to the Nova Scotia Legislature at www.policyalternatives.ca/news-research/bill-256-strengthening-labour-standards-in-nova-scotia/. Also see our report from last year for more recommendations on how Nova Scotia’s Labour Standards can better support workers at www.policyalternatives.ca/news-research/the-foundations-of-decent-work-an-evaluation-of-nova-scotia-labour-standards/.” Cover from The Foundations of Decent Work report. CCPA-NS logo.
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Christine Saulnier (she/her) @csaulnier.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
“Our study busts the myth of the mom-and-pop landlord. If you’re a renter in Halifax, it’s more likely you’re renting from big business. Corporate ownership is a defining feature of the Halifax rental market” says author @hannahmain.bsky.social Imp new Dal Legal Aid report #HousingIsAHumanRight
tenantsrightsguide.ca
Housing Research | Learn More, Support Housing Justice — Dalhousie Legal Aid - Tenants' Rights Guide
Explore housing research and tenant rights insights from Dalhousie Legal Aid to promote housing justice and access to legal support in Nova Scotia.
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Christine Saulnier (she/her) @csaulnier.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
Help us spread the word about this event in St.John’s at MUN on Sept 25th @munfaculty.bsky.social
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Christine Saulnier (she/her) @csaulnier.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
Join @nolore.bsky.social and I and @russellawilliams.bsky.social In St.John’s for this event! September 24th
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Christine Saulnier (she/her) @csaulnier.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
Left in limbo adds stress for these families! They have reverted to the old HRCE policy: eligibility is by distance ie more than 2.4 km for jr/sr high & more than 1.6 km for pp-elementary. I got into the bus planner website to get status for my teen. (Resetting pw as required takes 48 hours)
hrce.ca
Student Transportation
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Reposted by Christine Saulnier (she/her)
Terri @terriclarke.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
The NS government has made changes to its income assistance regulations to exclude residents living in tents from getting access to the same level of financial support housed residents get. “It’s a very cruel policy decision by the province, and I think Nova Scotians will judge them accordingly.”
ctvnews.ca
N.S. government changes income assistance rules to exclude people living in tents
The Nova Scotia government has made changes to its income assistance regulations to exclude homeless residents living in tents from getting access to enhanced financial support.
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Christine Saulnier (she/her) @csaulnier.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
This is community. I was so hoping we would see more public investment in this type of housing. Instead we have expensive retirement condo type and nursing homes. What a fantastic model this collective is!
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Reposted by Christine Saulnier (she/her)
Cindy Blackstock @cblackst.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
If Canada spent as much time and energy stopping its discrimination against First Nations children as it does trying to evade legal accountability - this case would have been over years ago and children would not have been needlessly harmed.
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Christine Saulnier (she/her) @csaulnier.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
A law professor said in this cbc piece that parliamentary privilege appears to override the Charter. Perhaps someone should test that? www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
cbc.ca
36 people banned from N.S. Legislature for protest over budget cuts | CBC News
People who were present or participated in a protest that shut down Province House in March are now facing bans from the legislature's grounds.
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Christine Saulnier (she/her) @csaulnier.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
I was banned from Province House including the grounds for 5 months for humming. As I said to the media: “I think this is an overreach, and it doesn't send the right message around valuing of democracy.” www.saltwire.com/nova-scotia/...
She called the notice a "badge of honour," saying it represents her solidarity with those affected by the province's budget.
When it comes to issuing bans broadly, Saulnier urged the House to reconsider.
"I think this is an overreach, and it doesn't send the right message around valuing of democracy," she said.
"There's a narrowing of public space, of public engagement, and that's concerning.
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Christine Saulnier (she/her) @csaulnier.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
Amazing! I note VIA does have free travel for up to 17 with an adult in the summer— which is something, but he is travelling alone. This is my youngest, visiting my middle.
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Christine Saulnier (she/her) @csaulnier.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
I did my undergrad in Ottawa in the late 80s. It was the only way I could afford to go home to NB. I had train pen pals :) and it was fun.
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Christine Saulnier (she/her) @csaulnier.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
Ok *no longer and also how sad is it that we don’t have more trains? At 16 I took a train from Rogersville NB to near Metaghan NS. It stopped at an intersection where my Pepere was waiting. My teen is going one way to Moncton for $90 and it takes almost 5 hours and there are so few days it runs.
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Christine Saulnier (she/her) @csaulnier.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
I wonder if they know longer allow it. There were more trains then- so shouldn’t be because it is too busy.
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Christine Saulnier (she/her) @csaulnier.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
Back in the late 90s I definitely attended live music dance parties there. I remember Teresa Malenfant playing there.
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Christine Saulnier (she/her) @csaulnier.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
#NovaScotia leading in the worse way again. Full national report on private health care #nspoli
policyalternatives.ca
Public versus private health care spending in Canada | CCPA
Canada already sees a higher portion of private health care spending than a lot of countries, and it needs to change
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Reposted by Christine Saulnier (she/her)
Yvette d’Entremont @dentremy.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
Today marks the Day of Commemoration of the Great Upheaval. It began in 1755 when Acadians were forcibly removed by the British from their homes in present-day Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and P.E.I. Between 1755 and 1763, about 10,000 Acadians were deported on crowded ships. Thousands died.
youtube.com
Heritage Minutes: Acadian Deportation
YouTube video by Historica Canada
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Christine Saulnier (she/her) @csaulnier.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
« Patriarchy is built on not believing women. It supports men’s arrogance, credibility, attitudes, and more. When we believe women, the foundation of patriarchy starts to crack. » well-said Start believing women @suzannerent.bsky.social
halifaxexaminer.ca
If we start believing women we may stop dangerous men - Halifax Examiner
Women have been gaslit for centuries and we're all paying for it.
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Christine Saulnier (she/her) @csaulnier.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
A super interesting episode. I had missed the incident that led to Europe acting to protect their data— it is possible! « From a French government office running Linux to a secret European defense coalition that bypasses Washington, Europe is quietly swapping out the old architecture »
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Christine Saulnier (she/her) @csaulnier.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
I actually don’t like either. I like the concept, but maybe if it was a photo of City Hall and said they. While the left one is more aggressive, I still think both can be interpreted as targeting an elected woman.
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Christine Saulnier (she/her) @csaulnier.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
The Examiner does the hard work of reminding us why and how we need to hold our elected officials to account.
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Christine Saulnier (she/her) @csaulnier.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
I saw The Odyssey in IMAX with my 16 year old who knows too much of Greek mythology to love Nolan’s interpretation, though it has made an impression. Interesting reflections here.
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Reposted by Christine Saulnier (she/her)
Stephen Thomas @stephenjwt.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
Great new report from @hadrianmk.bsky.social and @policyalternatives.ca Think twice: A citizen’s guide to artificial intelligence in Canada. The harms outweigh the speculative benefits of #AI adoption. Canadians should be prepared to push back. #cdnpoli www.policyalternatives.ca/news-researc...
policyalternatives.ca
Think twice: A citizen’s guide to artificial intelligence in Canada | CCPA
Canadians need to think twice about the promise and inevitability of artificial intelligence and be prepared to push back on the AI industry
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Christine Saulnier (she/her) @csaulnier.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
Why we need the Examiner (and CCPA): As Tim says:« there exists an enormous complex of well-funded government communication organizations, wealth-aligned think tanks, and corporate media that operates to manufacture narratives that are deemed acceptable and condemn narratives deemed unacceptable. »
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Christine Saulnier (she/her) @csaulnier.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
There is a weak federal tax rule that came into effect in 2023-that says any residential property sold within 365 days of purchase is classified as business income, regardless of the seller’s intention. With exceptions. And likely little enforcement given lack of staff at CRA.
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Reposted by Christine Saulnier (she/her)
CCPA — Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives @policyalternatives.ca · 21/07/2026
"People are struggling. They’re really struggling to make ends meet. We’ve certainly been calling for a $20 minimum wage for a long time, and we should be there already," said @ccpanovascotia.bsky.social Director, @csaulnier.bsky.social. globalnews.ca/news/1197314...
globalnews.ca
Labour advocates warn Nova Scotia wages aren’t keeping pace with cost of living - Halifax | Globalnews.ca
Researchers are calling for employers to offer a living wage, as recent data shows more Atlantic Canadians are struggling to hold on to their paycheques.
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Christine Saulnier (she/her) @csaulnier.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
Time to fund them to do so: « #midwives have training to extend their care further into the postpartum period, to see higher-risk pregnancies — through interdisciplinary care teams — and provide a wide range of sexual and reproductive health care across the lifespan. »
cbc.ca
N.S. midwives ‘excited’ to use new scope of practice, but waiting on province to take advantage | CBC News
Nova Scotia midwives are one step closer to being able to offer more health care to patients, but the health minister says the next step would require more money and there isn’t any in the budget to g...
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Reposted by Christine Saulnier (she/her)
king's co-op boo store 👻 @kingsbookstore.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
five dollars all across the country! how do we do it you ask?? frankly that's none of your business
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Christine Saulnier (she/her) @csaulnier.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
« EverWind Fuels gets approval for largest wind project in Nova Scotia, but the renewable electricity is not for Nova Scotians. » NS Power must be relieved. Catching up on @halifaxexaminer.ca’s many imp articles. #nspoli
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Christine Saulnier (she/her) @csaulnier.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
Read the new NL report: www.policyalternatives.ca/news-researc... Thanks for collaborating @russellawilliams.bsky.social
policyalternatives.ca
The Value and Benefits of Public Spending for Households in Newfoundland and Labrador | CCPA
This report examines the value of public services to households in Newfoundland and Labrador.
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Reposted by Christine Saulnier (she/her)
CCPA Nova Scotia @ccpanovascotia.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
ICYMI: CCPA-NS Director Christine Saulnier was interviewed, along with Melissa Marsman from the NFSL and Johanne Perron from the NB Coalition for Pay Equity on our recent report on gender pay inequity in Atlantic Canada. Take a look at the Global News segment! #nspoli #nbpoli
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Reposted by Christine Saulnier (she/her)
CCPA Nova Scotia @ccpanovascotia.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
ICYMI: Christine Saulnier and Daniel Cerdas Sandí were interviewed by CKDU 88.1FM on their new report on pay inequity in Atlantic Canada. Check out what they had to say: www.ckdu.ca/community-ne... #nspoli
Header: Closing the gap: Atlantic Canadian women still facing gender pay inequity
Sub-header: 
June 30th, 2026 | CKDU 88.1FM | by Jenna Mcconnell
Read the full piece at CKDU 88.1FM.
Quote: It will not disappear by itself. This is the result of labor market structure, but also is the result of the societal structure, so we need a structural solution. We need better policy choices, we need to attend to this as some structural problem. There is not a single solution.
– Daniel Cerdas Sandí, report co-author and CCPA-NS Research Assistant
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Reposted by Christine Saulnier (she/her)
CCPA — Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives @policyalternatives.ca · 26/06/2026
ICYMI: @csaulnier.bsky.social paints the portrait of the gender wage gap in Newfoundland and Labrador, which is the second highest in Canada. @ccpanovascotia.bsky.social #nlpoli www.cbc.ca/listen/live-...
cbc.ca
© CBC/Radio-Canada 2026. All rights reserved.
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Reposted by Christine Saulnier (she/her)
CCPA — Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives @policyalternatives.ca · 26/06/2026
Dans toutes les provinces canadiennes, les femmes gagnent moins que les hommes. C’est cependant dans les trois provinces maritimes que l’écart est le moins important, constate @ccpanovascotia.bsky.social. @csaulnier.bsky.social ici.radio-canada.ca/nouvelle/226...
ici.radio-canada.ca
Atlantique : les écarts de salaire entre hommes et femmes
Dans toutes les provinces canadiennes, les femmes gagnent moins que les hommes. C’est dans les trois provinces maritimes que l’écart est le moins important.
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Reposted by Christine Saulnier (she/her)
CCPA Nova Scotia @ccpanovascotia.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
We are hosting a webinar tomorrow, Thursday, June 25th with provincial representatives across Atlantic Canada. Register here: us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/bM7lY-EQSAuX8EzK4bA0Kg
us02web.zoom.us
Welcome! You are invited to join a meeting: Webinar: Pay Equity in Atlantic Canada. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the meeting.
Following the release of our upcoming report on pay inequity in Atlantic Canada, we’ll be hosting a community discussion where we’ll talk about the report findings, and of the status of pay equity in…
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Reposted by Christine Saulnier (she/her)
CCPA Nova Scotia @ccpanovascotia.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
Our new report, Closing the Gaps: Gender pay inequity in Atlantic Canada by Daniel Cerdas Sandí and Christine Saulnier, is available on the CCPA website, along with provincial fact sheets: www.policyalternatives.ca/news-research/closing-the-gaps/ #nspoli #nbpoli #nlpoli #peipoli
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Reposted by Christine Saulnier (she/her)
Suzanne Rent @suzannerent.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
“For the work that we do, it’s (the report) really showing that it’s a collective systemic problem. I would hate for women to think that they need to ‘lean in.'" @csaulnier.bsky.social Sheryl Sandberg's Lean In is a scam. If you lean in too much, people use your back as a bridge to get ahead.
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Reposted by Christine Saulnier (she/her)
Suzanne Rent @suzannerent.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
New report shows women in Atlantic Canada still being paid less than men Reported by Yvette d'Entremont @dentremy.bsky.social www.halifaxexaminer.ca/women/new-re...
halifaxexaminer.ca
New report shows women in Atlantic Canada still being paid less than men - Halifax Examiner
“The gender pay gap is not inevitable. It is the result of policy choices, labour market structures, and how society values different kinds of work."
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Christine Saulnier (she/her) @csaulnier.bsky.social · 21/06/2026
Congratulations Matt!
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Christine Saulnier (she/her) @csaulnier.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
Very good news Funding to expand and continue to decrease parental cost, improving wages and benefits, would be better, but funding to sustain is critical. Also time for provincial governments to do more #ChildCareForAll www.cbc.ca/news/politic...
cbc.ca
Ottawa adding $5.4B for child care to sustain national program over next 2 years | CBC News
The federal government is giving provinces and territories an additional $5.4 billion over two years for the national $10-a-day child-care program to help with "cost pressures," Canada's families mini...
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Christine Saulnier (she/her) @csaulnier.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
8th week of the strike in long term care
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Reposted by Christine Saulnier (she/her)
CCPA Nova Scotia @ccpanovascotia.bsky.social · 27/05/2026
The regional living wage report is one of the key reports published by us. This report is incredibly important, and takes time, detailed focus, and expertise. We are asking for your support to continue this work by donating to the Nova Scotia spring campaign: policyalternatives.ca/NSgiving #nspoli
Header: Did you know that we calculate the living wages in Nova Scotia annually?
Sub-header: The data collection and analysis takes time, detailed focus and expertise. 
Text: You can help us continue this work by donating to CCPA-NS: http://policyalternatives.ca/NSgiving
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Christine Saulnier (she/her) @csaulnier.bsky.social · 20/05/2026
Long term care workers in 6th week of strike. Time for the government to bring something more to the bargaining table. This care work is so undervalued. Families are filling in gaps and government is relying on them to do so. #nspoli www.saltwire.com/nova-scotia/...
saltwire.com
Workers still at N.S. nursing homes strained as strike enters week six: 'Even before the strike, there weren't enough people'
Care workers at Nova Scotia nursing homes deal with emotionally and physically demanding situations every day but still show up with a smile
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Reposted by Christine Saulnier (she/her)
Kydra @kydrathelibrarian.bsky.social · 07/05/2026
NSCC was affected by the Houston government’s recent budget cuts, the college’s answer to the deficit from these funding losses was to cut jobs. Yesterday, myself and all my librarian colleagues found out that we were losing our jobs, that there would no longer be librarians at NSCC campuses.
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Reposted by Christine Saulnier (she/her)
APTN News @aptnnews.bsky.social · 05/05/2026
May 5 is Red Dress Day, the national day of awareness and remembrance for missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQ+ people. Today is about honouring those taken and recognizing the ongoing impact on families and communities.
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