Eight new faces join council at swearing-in ceremony

Newly elected members of Halifax Regional Council expressed optimism for the future of the city at its swearing-in ceremony Tuesday.

The 2024 municipal election on Oct. 19 elected Andy Fillmore as the city’s new mayor.

The ceremony was held in Paul O’Regan Hall at the Halifax Central Library.

Eight new faces are on council, including Fillmore and a record-breaking nine women in total. In 2020, the council achieved gender parity for the first time when eight women councillors were elected­ — half of the 16 districts.

District 8 Coun. Virginia Hinch says she feels “humbled” and “blessed” to be elected as first-time councillor. Hinch ran for councillor in Halifax North End in 2020 but was bested by Lindell Smith. She’s glad to see a predominantly female council.

“You know what, it’s about damn time,” she said.

Hinch, the second Black woman elected in council history, says she is confident that the new council will help improve life in HRM.

“We can make a really good impact,” Hinch said. “I’m looking forward to seeing what happens in the next four years.”

Fillmore says he “couldn’t be prouder” to be the mayor of a council that broke the HRM record. Fillmore says that women are vital to governance.

“In my career serving on boards, serving in Parliament, serving on a variety of committees over many years, I know that we get better decision-making when there are more women involved,” he said.

Fillmore says it “feels good” to be working on a council with so much female participation and wants other women to see it as a message.

“This is not just about good governance and good decision-making,” he said. “It’s also about showing other women, and young women as well, that there is a path, a solid career path in public service in a career that can improve people’s lives and improve communities.”

Fillmore replaced former mayor Mike Savage after he chose not to run for another term. Savage served as mayor since 2012.

After taking his oath of office, Fillmore thanked Savage for his 12 years of service. The former mayor honoured Fillmore by presenting him with the chain of office.   

First-time councillor Laura White (District 7, Halifax downtown), didn’t share the same feelings about the women on council.

 “I’m glad that that’s a fact, but it hasn’t affected my day-to-day,” she said.

White says she and the other new councillors are still adapting to their positions.

“A ton of learning is happening,” she said. “We’ve had four days of orientation so far, and that’s going to keep going.”

White is confident in her colleagues and their commitments to their communities.

“We got people that are all excited, and all want to do the best for their communities,” she said.

In his first speech as mayor, Fillmore said he is optimistic about the future of HRM and believes that his team can bring the city into a better era.

“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.”