A black-owned food truck in Greenwood, Nova Scotia, was reinstated for his food license this week after the owner opposed an inspector who called him “you” while taking his license last month.
But Rejean Cromwell says he doesn’t have the cash to reopen Seafood through Rejean after wasting the source of income for two weeks and having to offer new seafood twice.
“They believe that just because they’re government officials, they can do what they need: defame and shoot other people and bring them to the ground. But in the meantime, it takes a small man to get up,” Cromwell said Tuesday.
“The first step to getting my kitchen license back. The step of the moment is to ensure that those affected in this case are sanctioned. The third step is to ask for reimbursement of lost wages.”
Cromwell said the inspector at the center of his complaint told him that “you’re causing all sorts of problems” and told his mother he would have to wear diapers if he couldn’t paint in the van all day without the need for on-site restrooms. .
He estimates he has $25,000 in the conflict.
He thought of simply giving up, but said he spoke because he knew it had happened to other food companies run by ethnic minorities. Cromwell said other people are not explicit because his livelihood is at stake.
Cromwell is also exporting seafood from the Maritime Islands to Ontario and plans to make a delivery this week to earn enough cash to reopen his food truck until August 21. He plans to rent an organization and host a birthday party to thank the members of the network who supported him. .
After speaking, Nova Scotia Environment sent an inspector, accompanied by the government’s Afro-Nova Scotia Affairs staff.
“They said there was no challenge to find. He basically tells me that he, the first inspector, didn’t do his job,” Cromwell said.
Nova Scotia Environment needed to communicate about the dispute, but sent a statement by email.
“Nova Scotia Environment rejects any bureaucracy of discrimination,” it reads. “The staff of Nova Scotia Environment and African Nova Scotian Affairs met with Mr. Cromwell. Nova Scotia Environment staff conducted a follow-up inspection and Mr. Cromwell met our food protection needs and must reopen.
The spokesman would say whether the rejection of discrimination amounted to admitting that Cromwell had been discriminated against because he was black.
Cabinet Minister Leo Glavine, a member of parliament in the region, said he heard from others in Nova Scotia and other parts of Canada after CBC reported on Cromwell’s situation.
“The network said loudly and transparently that they supported the seafood shop in Rejean and that they needed to see it closed,” he said Tuesday.
Glavine said officials took a “very different” this time working with Cromwell and making sure everything met provincial standards.
“At this point, I think the inspector’s comments are being reviewed through the department,” he added.
Glavine said he hopes Cromwell’s case will show other ethnic minorities that they can and raise their voices.
“They have to report, not be afraid to be closed, not get a permit,” Glavine said. “They have to come forward, whether it’s direct comments or subtleties that degrade these people. There’s no room for that.”
Glavine said government officials treat all Nova Scotiaers in a similar and respectful manner.
“And if we have inspectors who seem to report only to other people of ethnic origin, it’s a genuine problem. And that’s where the department and I as an MP will take note.”
Glavine said he has eaten Cromwell seafood several times and hopes to dine there once he reopens.
“There’s no doubt that Rejean knows very well how to make ready seafood,” he said.
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