New Halifax council sworn in, predominantly women for first time
9 of the 16 Halifax council seats are now held by women
A new Halifax regional council was sworn in, bringing a new face to the mayor's office after 12 years and welcoming an unprecedented number of female councillors.
A large crowd gathered at Paul O'Regan Hall in Halifax’s Central Library on Tuesday evening for the ceremony, where Chief Justice of Nova Scotia Michael Wood administered oaths of office to the 16 councillors and new Mayor Andy Fillmore. Former Mayor Mike Savage, who stepped down, passed on the ceremonial gold chain of office to Fillmore, who acknowledged Savage’s service in his remarks.
In his first speech as mayor, Fillmore noted the shift in council composition, with many new members. "The fact that just about half the faces around the table are new is a clear indication that this is a time of change in HRM," he said. "We've all been hired to improve where we live, how we get around, and to ensure accessibility for everyone." Seven of the 16 councillors are newcomers to council this term.
The newly-elected council features a female majority for the first time, with nine out of the 16 seats occupied by women. "That feels amazing," said Virginia Hinch, a new councillor for Halifax Peninsula North, and the second Black woman elected to council, following Iona Stoddard’s 2020 election. Hinch shared her excitement, saying, "I'm so happy because, you know, more women, the better things run."
Another new addition, John Young, elected in Middle/Upper Sackville - Beaver Bank - Lucasville, became the first African Nova Scotian councillor representing that district. Reflecting on his election, Young said, "I'm standing on the shoulders of the people who came before me, so it's really nice."
Returning Councillor Patty Cuttell from Spryfield - Sambro Loop - Prospect Road expressed enthusiasm about the in-person engagement with her new colleagues. She highlighted the difference from 2020 when, due to the pandemic, council’s early meetings were held online. “We didn't have that opportunity to learn from each other or share ideas,” Cuttell noted, adding that this time feels like a “really different experience.”
Fillmore addressed council priorities, mentioning traffic congestion, transit, and housing affordability. On homelessness and housing, he shared optimism over recent investments in affordable housing, temporary shelters, and efforts from all government levels aimed at ending the encampment crisis in Halifax.
Since his October 19 election, Fillmore has connected with Premier Tim Houston and Municipal Affairs Minister John Lohr, describing his conversation with Lohr as a chance to “reset the relationship” between municipal and provincial governments, especially concerning housing and other pressing issues. Fillmore expressed openness to working with leaders from all political backgrounds, stating he’s “ready to work with anybody who wants to get the good work done.”
The new council’s first meeting is set for Tuesday, November 12.
