Ottawa funding more searches for unmarked graves at former N.S. residential school

From left, Dorene Bernard, Marc Miller, Chief Mike Sack and Kody Blois MP for King’s-Hants, Nova Scotia. Photo: Angel Moore/APTN

The federal government is providing more than 326-thousand dollars for healing programs and fieldwork to look for unmarked graves near a former Nova Scotia residential school.  Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations Marc Miller made the announcement yesterday during a visit to the Sipekne’katik First  Nation, north of Halifax.  The federal money is targeted for research, memorialization and search operations on the grounds where the largest residential school in Atlantic Canada once stood.  Fieldwork on the grounds of the former Shubenacadie Indian Residential School will analyze areas not included during an earlier investigation by Parks Canada.

 

RCMP’s inability to track officers during N.S. killings questioned at inquiry

A public inquiry investigating Nova Scotia’s mass shooting has received evidence the RCMP lacked technology to track their officers on foot during the rampage.  Documents were released publicly this week with a senior RCMP manager acknowledging the absence of global positioning systems on police radios as officers responded to the 2020 rampage in Nova Scotia.  Darryl Macdonald — the commander of the RCMP’s operational communication centre in PEI — has told the inquiry that the need for a GPS tracking system should have been addressed by now.  Steve Topshee — a lawyer for families of two victims — told The Canadian Press that police commanders needed better GPS to know where their officers were located as the attempted to find a killer dressed in a Mountie uniform murdered 22 people. (The Canadian Press)

 

Systemic failures and racism: Hearings for Desmond inquiry conclude in Nova Scotia

A Nova Scotia inquiry has wrapped up public hearings into an Afghan war veteran’s fatal shooting of three family members and then himself more than five years ago.  The inquiry into the deaths of Lionel Desmond, his wife, daughter and mother heard from 69 witnesses during 55 days of hearings that began in January 2020 and were delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  In their final submission, lawyers for the family said Desmond faced racism and systemic failures as he tried to reintegrate with his family while dealing with PTSD, major depression and a possible brain injury.  Provincial court Judge Warren Zimmer, who is leading the inquiry, is expected to submit a final report later this year. (The Canadian Press)

 

County Council plans to voice concerns to province over proposed new taxes on seasonal residents

The Municipality of Pictou County will be sending a letter to the provincial government to voice concerns with the proposed new taxes on seasonal residents.  The proposed new taxes will see a deed transfer tax of five percent and a property tax of $2 per $100 assessment.  Municipality of Pictou County Warden Robert Parker says the effects of the new taxes would be devastating to rural areas in the province that have a lot of seasonal property owners.  MOPC Council recently received letters from the municipalities of Chester and Guysborough counties expressing the same concerns.

 

Province creates community housing growth fund

The provincial government is investing $2.5 million to create a community housing growth fund to strengthen the sector and grow the number of non-profit housing units in Nova Scotia.  Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister John Lohr says growing the sector is key to increasing the supply of affordable housing options and that means groups need the tools and expertise to oversee new developments.

 

N.S. speeds up application process for Ukrainians, partners with YMCA to offer supports

The Nova Scotia government says it’s streamlining the immigration process for displaced Ukrainians and working to provide more support to those arriving in the province.  Premier Tim Houston says in a statement that the province is prepared to welcome those fleeing the Russian invasion of Ukraine with open arms.  His government is easing requirements for immigration and settlement programs and urgently processing applications.  It’s also engaged the YMCA as a community partner to help assess the needs of Ukrainian newcomers and connect them to the information they need, including in accessing jobs.

 

Fuel prices increase in New Brunswick

There was a jump at the pumps in New Brunswick overnight.  Gas increased 10.1 cents to $1.829 cents per litre.  Diesel is up 11.9 cents this morning to $2.155 cents per litre.  Nova Scotia sets its fuel prices at midnight tonight.

 

Local MP named as one of this year’s Young Global Leaders

The World Economic Forum has named Central Nova MP and Immigration Minister Sean Fraser as one of this year’s Young Global Leaders. The Forum names researchers, entrepreneurs, activists, and political leaders who are under the age of 40 and are committed to having a positive impact on their community and the world. This year, there are 109 leaders from 42 countries. Fraser has been selected for his contributions to: Canada’s economic and humanitarian immigration and refugee programs, Canada’s economic response to COVID-19, and his efforts to advance progressive environmental policies in Canada.

 

New Glasgow receives Bee City Canada Certificate

Keeley Shipley, Tess Murray and Ashley Kenney of the PC Youth Climate Council present council with Bee City Canada Certificate (Facebook)

Members of the Youth Climate Council have presented New Glasgow council with a Bee City Canada Certificate.  A Bee City is part of a North American movement to support pollinator protection. Bee City communities support collaboration and establish and maintain healthy pollinator habitat within the municipality or First Nation’s boundaries.