Spring snowfall causes school closures

Environment Canada is forecasting 15 to 20 centimetres in the local area.  The low-pressure system may bring ice pellets and rain this morning before switching over to snow, which is expected to continue falling throughout the day and into the evening.  Classes have been cancelled at all schools in the Chignecto-Central Regional Centre for Education and the NSCC Pictou Campus.

 

Court orders Nova Scotia to enter mediated talks with Northern Pulp

Photo credit: Stingray Radio

A judge in B.C.’s Supreme Court has ordered the Nova Scotia government to enter mediated talks with the owners of the Northern Pulp mill.  The Judge’s order followed a hearing Thursday in which the Provincial Government voiced strong opposition against mediation.  Northern Pulp has sought mediation saying it would be quicker and cheaper than folllowing through with its $450-million lawsuit against the province.  The Premier’s Office is disappointed with the court’s decision and is looking at its options moving forward. (With files from CBC)

 

New Nova Scotia law bans use and possession of police vehicles, uniforms and gear

Nova Scotia Justice Minister Brad Johns is shown at the provincial legislature in Halifax on March 24, 2022. A new Nova Scotia law that will make it more difficult for someone to impersonate a police officer will come into effect next month. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Keith Doucette

A new Nova Scotia law that will make it more difficult for someone to impersonate a police officer will come into effect next month. The legislation will be enacted two years after a man disguised as a Mountie and driving a replica RCMP cruiser killed 22 people. Starting May 12, the new law will prohibit the use, possession, sale or reproduction of police-issued items by those other than police organizations. The new law will also prohibit the sale of marked police vehicles and will restrict possession of police vehicle decals and equipment to authorized individuals.

 

N.S. Opposition leader calls for return of daily COVID-19 data

Nova Scotia Liberal Leader Iain Rankin is calling on Premier Tim Houston to resume COVID-19 briefings as the number of virus cases continues to rise.  Rankin says the province also needs to return to daily data reporting that contains case counts and the number of COVID-related hospitalizations.  The province currently issues a once weekly report.  Rankin’s call comes two weeks after the province lifted nearly all restrictions including its indoor masking mandate.

The Nova Scotia government is moving to permanently allow third-party delivery of alcohol with food orders.  The practice was first made legal in May 2021 to help restaurants maintain their businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Meanwhile, the province has also confirmed yesterday it will soon enable the direct-to-consumer interprovincial sale of beer and spirits for personal use.  The amendments will come into effect once new regulations are developed.

The provincial government is investing close to $100,000 for three studies to support community transportation. That includes the province providing $25-thousand to study potential routes and costs in Pictou County. Pictou County Transit is looking to expand its service to include the towns of Westville, Trenton and Pictou.  Also, the Municipality of the District of St. Mary’s is receiving $35,000 to develop a business plan exploring options for a new transit service.

Nova Scotia realtors say new tax measures aimed at non-resident property owners in last Tuesday’s provincial budget send the wrong message.  As of Friday, non-residents who buy a property and do not move to the province within six months of the closing date have to pay a transfer tax of five per cent of the property’s value. The province will also levy a property tax of two dollars per 100 dollars of assessed value of residential properties owned by non-residents, though this won’t apply to buildings with more than three units or those rented to Nova Scotians year-round.

 

It’s seen as the first test of the N-D-P-Liberal confidence deal.  The federal budget will be released Thursday.  New Democrats will be watching to see that spending pledges made in the agreement are honoured by the government.  They want to see indications the Liberals are moving on pledges in the deal, such as a 500-dollar one-time top-up to the Canada Housing Benefit and funding for dental care for low-income families, starting with children.

 

Nova Scotia, New Brunswick working on bid for 2023 world junior hockey championship

Photo credit: The Canadian Press

Nova Scotia and New Brunswick are working on a joint bid to host the 2023 world junior men’s hockey championship.  The bid would see Halifax and Moncton serve as the host cities for the tournament, to be played next December 26th through January 5th.  The provinces say details of the proposal are confidential while the competitive bid process is underway.  Nova Scotia hosted the 2003 championship in Halifax and Sydney.

 

The Northern Subway Selects won the provincial AAA female hockey championship with a 6-0 win in Game 3 over the Bussey Auto Penguins.  The Selects will represent Nova Scotia at the Atlantic Championships April 21-24 in Tyne Valley, PEI.