James Bigney
James Bigney is a Nova Scotian activist that, in a court case over pensions for same-sex partners, changed the meaning of spouse in the CCP (Canada Pension Plan) Act, after having lost his partner John Morrow to AIDS.[1]
Bigney resides in Halifax, Nova Scotia. He has 3 university degrees, including a degree in Addictions from McMaster University. Bigney worked in the department of national defense in the federal government of Canada and, in an interview with Alexis Shotwell and Gary Kinsman, discussed the inequalities he faced while employed, such as not being able to take family leave due to his partner being of the same sex. He was subsequently fired from his employment after the death of his partner and unable to obtain short-term disability because of his sexual orientation.[1]
Interview[edit]
In the interview with Kinsman and Shotwell, Bigney discussed the experience his partner, John Morrow, had with AIDS, in which he obtained a brain tumour, cancer, and a weakened immune system, and ultimately passed away on November 29th 1993. Bigney cared for him for six months, and used services from the AIDS Coalition of Nova Scotia for extra help.[1]
Court Case[edit]
After Morrow’s death, Bigney applied for a pension in early 1994 but was denied because his partner and him were both male. He presented his complaint about the pension, with the help of lawyer Rosemary Morgan, to the Human Rights Commission, who couldn’t help him. He then, alongside lawyer Anne Derrick, fought for equal rights for same-sex partners in the CCP (Canadian Pension Plan) and won 7 years later, allowing members of same-sex couples to recieve a pension from their deceased partners. He then appeared in many interviews, newspapers, and, despite receiving criticism, continued his activism.[1]
Bigney's Activism[edit]
James Bigney’s activism work includes working in the Executive Committee of the Nova Scotia PWA (People With AIDS) Coalition along with Wilson Hodder and Janet Connors, volunteering for the Heritage Advisory committee, raising funds on World AIDS Day, and working in the Nova Scotia Heart. He also protested pharmaceutical companies at the World Trade and Convention Center with Peter Woods in the late 1990s. He continues his activism work by fundraising and attending marches.[1]
References[edit]
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