HALIFAX — Brad Johns says he resigned as Nova Scotia’s justice minister because he lost the public’s confidence when he made comments downplaying domestic violence.

In an interview today, Johns says he volunteered to step down Friday after several organizations that assist women told him about the damage his words had caused.

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.

Johns says he “misspoke” on Thursday, adding that domestic violence is a priority for the government and his former department.

He says he realized that the only way to demonstrate the government’s commitment to the issue was to resign as justice minister.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 22, 2024.

The Canadian Press