Community marking 30th anniversary of the Westray explosion

Today marks the 30th anniversary of the Westray mining disaster in Pictou County.  In the early morning hours of May 9, 1992, a huge explosion ripped through the Westray coal mine in Plymouth and resulted in 26 Nova Scotians losing their lives while on the job.  It marked one of the worst workplace disasters in Canada in generations.  In late 2003, the federal government enacted Bill C-45 (the “Westray Bill”) in direct response to the Westray Mine disaster. The bill provided a new set of rules for corporate liability in Canada.  Danny Cavanagh, president of the Nova Scotia Federation of Labour says a number of events will take place today in New Glasgow to “reflect on this avoidable workplace tragedy and honour the lives lost, and the loved ones left behind.” The itinerary of activities will be overseen by the Nova Scotia Federation of Labour, United Steel Workers, WCB Nova Scotia, Families of Westray and the Government of Nova Scotia. This morning students will visit the Museum of Industry to learn about workplace health and safety and the Westray story, followed by an online roundtable discussion on Westray’s impact on occupational health and safety from 2-3 p.m. This evening at 6, there will be a march to Westray Miners Memorial Park, beginning at the Bluenose Curling Club, followed by a memorial service and celebration of life at the park beginning at 7pm. The Men of the Deeps will attend and there will be remarks from Central Nova MP Sean Fraser, Pictou West MLA Karla MacFarlane, Ken Neumann from the United Steele Workers, and family member Genesta Halloran-Peters.

 

Thirty years after Westray disaster, families say justice still rare in worker deaths

Family members who lost loved ones in the Westray coal mining disaster will mark the 30th anniversary today in a ceremony at a memorial park in New Glasgow, not far from the mine. Genesta Halloran-Peters, who will give an address at the gathering, says the loss of her husband John Halloran had a huge impact on the direction of her life and the lives of her two children, with his absence felt “on every special occasion.” Halloran was one of 26 miners who died on May 9, 1992 when a methane and coal-dust explosion ripped through the shafts in Plymouth, N.S., with 11 bodies never recovered. Halloran-Peters said in an interview Friday the fact nobody was ever convicted for the safety deficiencies documented in a public inquiry has made the loss more painful for relatives. Debbie Martin, the sister-in-law of miner Glenn Martin, says a Criminal Code amendment referred to as the Westray law should be applied more often in worker deaths, and further training of police officers on how to investigate and provide evidence for potential prosecutions is required. The United Steelworkers recently published a legal brief that indicated that since the law — which requires prosecutors to prove “wanton and reckless disregard” for worker safety — came into effect in 2004, there have only been nine convictions or guilty pleas across the country, and no convictions in Nova Scotia. (The Canadian Press)

 

Nova Scotia RCMP attend several incidents involving off-road vehicles over the weekend

On the weekend, RCMP in the province had to responded to a number of collisions involving off-road vehicles.  Shortly before 2:00pm Saturday, Kings District RCMP responded to a single-vehicle collision involving a side by side in which the female passenger had been taken to hospital by Life Flight.  The male driver was taken to hospital in Halifax by ambulance.  At about 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Annapolis District RCMP responded to the scene of a single-vehicle dirt bike. The driver was taken to hospital with what are described as non-life-threatening injuries.  Shortly after 4 p.m., East Hants District RCMP responded to an ATV collision in which the driver was taken from the scene to be treated for injuries, the extent of which aren’t clear at this point.  Colchester County District RCMP responded to a collision involving an ATV shortly after 5:00 p.m. in which the driver and passenger suffered minor injuries.

 

A leading energy price expert says gas prices could go up another five cents across Canada if Russia decides to intensify its assault on Ukraine or declare all-out war. Dan McTeague, president of Canadians for Affordable Energy, says May 9 marks Victory Day in Russia and could prove pivotal when it comes to the trajectory of the war in Ukraine. McTeague says gas prices could go up an additional five cents per litre next week as well if the situation worsens in Ukraine and as Canadians gear up for the May long weekend, which is typically considered the unofficial start of summer. The average price of gas in Canada is pushing towards $1.97 per litre.

 

The provincial government is investing $700-thousand in mental wellness programs at seven youth centres across the province, including Pictou County Roots for Youth in New Glasgow.  The centres are receiving a one-time investment to support programming for at-risk youth, including youth experiencing homelessness. The centres each provide a range of programs including creative expression, healthy relationships and group discussion, and supports such as temporary housing, harm reduction and employment support.

 

Nova Scotia’s two largest airports are getting $19.3 million in provincial funding to attract new airline routes.  The Halifax International Airport Authority is getting $13 million for its air access fund, which is used to encourage airlines to land at Halifax’s airport. The province says the fund for Halifax’s Stanfield International Airport was originally intended to attract international flights.But some of that funding can now be used to try and bring back domestic routes that were cut by Canadian airlines during the COVID-19 pandemic.  The remaining $6.3 million is for the Sydney Airport Authority’s air access fund and for upgrades at the J.A. Douglas McCurdy Sydney Airport.

 

The NSCC Foundation is partnering with The PREP Academy to offer $16,000 in scholarships to African Nova Scotian students who attended the academy and will be attending Nova Scotia Community College in fall 2022.  The PREP Academy is an organization that works to prepare African Nova Scotian high school students for college and university through career, professional and personal development programs and initiatives.  Through the new PREP Academy Possibilities Award, alumni of The PREP Academy can now apply for one of four, new $4,000 entrance awards.

 

More than 800 St. FX graduates crossed the stage Sunday during two Spring Convocation ceremonies.  St. FX also honored 2022 Convocation honorary degree recipient Minh Kauffman, who has used her leadership skills to innovate international educational exchange and community development.  During the morning convocation, students in PhD, masters, and education graduated, while the afternoon convocation degrees were conferred on graduates in Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Business, Bachelor Arts and Science in Health, Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Arts and Science in Climate and Environment.