The Nova Scotia NDP has removed MLA Paul Wozney as the party’s caucus whip after a social media post was critical of Bill 148 and called for protests against government, drew accusations that he was calling for violence protest. Wozney has since deleted the social media post and apologized, saying he never meant to encourage or condone any violence. “I understand that as an elected official my words really matter and that’s why I’ve removed the post,” wrote Wozney. “I want to be clear that I did not intend to encourage or condone violence in any way – that is never acceptable.” The PC government was quick to jump on Wozney’s post and called on NDP Leader Claudia Chender to remove Wozney from his critic roles and position as party whip. Wozney, who is the MLA for Sackville-Cobequid, posted some criticism of Bill 148 and the recent $470 million remedy from the Nova Scotia Supreme Court, that found the province’s wage restriction law for public sector workers, that was introduced by the former Stephen McNeil Liberal government in 2015. In February, the Nova Scotia Supreme Court ruled that Bill 148 was unconstitutional and awarded compensation for the public sector workers whose wages were impacted. In his social media rant, Wozney acknowledged the court awarding the financial damages to the public workers was a “symbolic win” but argued there was a long-term impact and precedence set for how to infringe on workers’ rights. At the end of the social media post, Wozney called for further public action, to force governments to abandon laws and legislation that went after workers rights and their earnings. “Don’t leave it to the courts,” wrote Wozney. “Learn from France. Own the streets. Shut government down. Grind the province/country to a halt.” In his apology statement, Wozney emphasized that he only supports peaceful and responsible protests and never meant to offend anyone and apologized for any harm caused by his “careless comments.” Although Wozney’s post didn’t directly reference violence, PC MLA Damian Stoilov said that’s the way he interpreted the message after Wozney made a reference to France, where protests and riots have played out. “Paul Wozney is saying if Nova Scotians disagree on something, they should mimic riots in France where thousands of shops were looted and buildings burned to the ground,” said Stoilov in a press release. “Ms. Chender needs to send a message that her party opposes violent rhetoric by removing Mr. Wozney from his critic roles and as Caucus whip, and announce what other steps she will take to discipline him.” Chender said she has spoken to Wozney and the party agreed the right move was to remove Wozney as caucus whip. “MLA Wozney has removed the post and apologized for his careless words. We have spoken about his serious error in judgment, and he acknowledges the harm that he has caused,” said Chender. Chender added that respectful, peaceful protest and civic engagement are “essential parts of a healthy democracy and strengthen our province.” “Nova Scotians have proven that we can stay true to these values,” said Chender. “And speak up about our differences and frustrations while taking care of each other and holding governments accountable.” For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
