Halifax fire chief apologizes to black firefighters who experienced racism

HALIFAX – Halifax’s fire chief has apologized to any black firefighters who experienced racism with the fire department.

Doug Trussler offered the apology today on behalf of the Halifax Regional Municipality and the fire department after a complaint was filed with the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission.

Trussler says the department should have done more to make the work environment inclusive.

He also says any suggestion in the community that there are lower recruitment standards for blacks, women and other minorities is wrong.

In 2007, the Halifax Association of Black Firefighters told management there were several instances of racism dating back to 2002.

Trussler says the allegations of poor treatment were not addressed as effectively as they could have been.

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