New Halifax council sworn in, predominantly women for first time

A historic moment took place as a new Halifax regional council was officially sworn in, marking a significant change in leadership with a fresh face taking over the mayor’s chair for the first time in 12 years. The inauguration ceremony, held at the Central Library’s Paul O’Regan Hall in downtown Halifax, was attended by a large crowd eager to witness the swearing-in of 16 councillors and the new mayor.

Chief Justice of Nova Scotia Michael Wood presided over the event, administering the oaths of office to the councillors and the mayor. Outgoing Mayor Mike Savage passed on the symbolic gold chain of office to the newly elected Mayor Andy Fillmore, who expressed his gratitude to Savage for his years of service to the community. In his inaugural speech, Fillmore acknowledged the significant turnover in council members, with seven out of the 16 councillors being new to their roles.

A notable milestone for the council is the record number of women serving, with nine out of the 16 councillors being female. This achievement reflects the council’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity, with first-time councillor Virginia Hinch expressing her excitement about the increased female representation. Hinch, representing District 8, Halifax Peninsula North, is the second Black woman to be elected to regional council, following in the footsteps of Iona Stoddard.

Another groundbreaking moment came with the election of John Young as the first African Nova Scotian councillor for the district of Middle/Upper Sackville – Beaver Bank – Lucasville. Young highlighted the importance of honoring those who paved the way for him and expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve his community.

Returning councillor Patty Cuttell of Spryfield – Sambro Loop – Prospect Road emphasized the value of collaboration among council members, noting the challenges posed by the virtual nature of meetings during the pandemic. With the council now able to convene in person, Cuttell looks forward to more engaging and productive discussions.

Mayor Fillmore outlined key priorities for the council, including addressing traffic congestion, improving public transit, and tackling affordability issues. He also emphasized the importance of addressing housing and homelessness, citing recent developments in affordable housing construction and government investments in temporary shelters.

In his efforts to foster collaboration between the municipal and provincial governments, Fillmore has engaged with Premier Tim Houston and Municipal Affairs Minister John Lohr. He underscored the need for a strong partnership to address pressing issues such as housing and infrastructure.

As the council prepares for its first meeting on November 12th, there is a sense of optimism and enthusiasm among members to work together towards building a better and more inclusive Halifax. With a diverse and dynamic team in place, the council is poised to make meaningful progress on key issues facing the community.