Achi news desk-
HALIFAX –
Several Nova Scotia women’s support groups are speaking out against comments on domestic violence by Justice Minister Brad Johns, and at least one is calling for his ouster.
Johns was forced to apologize Thursday for saying that domestic violence is not an epidemic and that there are bigger issues facing the state, including drugs and gun violence.
Natasha Hines of Wellness Within, a reproductive rights group, called Johns’ comments “ignorant and dangerous” and said he should resign or be fired.
Hines says the apology is not enough and adds that his organization has lost confidence in the minister’s ability to continue in his job.
Premier Tim Houston responded to Johns’ comments by saying tackling domestic violence was a priority for the government.
Johns made his comments on the fourth anniversary of the mass shooting in 2020 when a gunman killed 22 people after first attacking his common-law spouse.
This report was first published by The Canadian Press on April 19, 2024.
