The Poor Laws of Nova Scotia were based on the Poor Laws of England and came over from England with Edward Cornwallis. Within a year of arriving in Nova Scotia, the first poorhouse/jail was set up on the site of what is now the Governor General’s House at the end of Spring Garden Road, on Barrington Street.
The criminalization of poverty began in Nova Scotia and continues to this day.
A friend and sister blogger, Flora Doehler, sent me this link on a podcast about the Poor Laws in England. It is a very interesting read, particularly if you want to know more about social history of poverty in Nova Scotia. It’s a fascinating listen!!
Listen to the Poor Laws Podcast-BBC Radio 4
Poor Houses in Nova Scotia 