Former N.S. justice minister says he resigned to maintain confidence in government – Halifax [Video]

The man who formerly served as Nova Scotia’s justice minister says he regrets downplaying domestic violence and that he had no choice but to step down after losing the public’s confidence.

In an interview Monday, Brad Johns said he decided to resign from the justice portfolio on Friday after several organizations that assist women told him about the damage his words had caused.

“The comments I said were hurtful and upsetting to people and I wanted to reach out personally to apologize,” said Johns, who added that he sent emails and called around 36 advocacy organizations.

Following cabinet on Thursday, Johns disputed a public inquiry’s finding that domestic violence is an epidemic and said drugs and gun violence are more serious problems.

His comments came on the anniversary of the 2020 Nova Scotia mass shooting, which led to an inquiry that recommended treating domestic violence as an epidemic. The commission …