Angela Simmonds made history as the first Black deputy speaker in Nova Scotia’s House of Assembly. But after just two years in elected office and a run at her party’s leadership, she resigned. Why? What challenges did she face during her time in politics? What is she most proud of? And what are the hidden pitfalls of entering the political arena?

In this episode, Angela Simmonds tells host Nana aba Duncan her story of running for the leadership of the Nova Scotia Liberal Party and ultimately leaving politics altogether.

This episode features:

Angela Simmonds
Deputy Speaker and Member of the Nova Scotia House of Assembly (2021-2023)

Wisdom Tettey
Political scientist and President of Carleton University

Erin Tolley
Political scientist and Canada Research Chair in Gender, Race & Inclusive Politics at Carleton University

This episode includes audio clips from CTV News Atlantic.

Resources for this episode:

Read the research that supports this podcast:

Report on being Black in Canadian politics

Election rules in Nova Scotia:

Nova Scotia Elections Act

On the link between money and politics in Canada:

Gender and donations in Canadian politics

Ethnicity and donations in Canadian politics

On the politics of appearance:

Hair, skin and Black women political elites

To support the important work being done by Operation Black Vote Canada, consider making a donation.

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