The Association of Nova Scotia University Teachers has accused Government of Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston of political intimidation after an interaction between Houston’s office and a Toronto Metropolitan University professor. The premier’s office reportedly sent TMU Professor Sibo Chen an email, copying a CBC news reporter and the chair of Chen’s department, to complain about his comments in a media interview about NS’s data centre project. ANSUT President Mathew Reichertz stated that this response raises questions about the consequences NS academics could face if they challenge provincial projects. “When the premier’s office takes its objections to a professor’s employer, it sends a troubling message to everyone whose research or analysis might challenge the government’s agenda,” said Reichertz.
