A heat warning is in effect for most of Nova Scotia and Cape Breton until Wednesday. Daytime highs are expected between 29 and 33 degrees, with humidex values reaching up to 39. Overnight lows will stay around 18 degrees. Environment Canada says the heat and humidity will be most intense through Tuesday, easing along the Atlantic coast and in Cape Breton by midweek. Officials urge residents to stay hydrated, limit outdoor activity, and check on vulnerable people. Signs of heat illness include dizziness, nausea, and extreme fatigue, and if heat stroke develops it is a medical emergency.

 

A national advocacy group is threatening legal action against Nova Scotia over its ban on travel in the woods.

The Canadian Constitution Foundation says Premier Tim Houston’s restrictions, which include prohibiting hiking, camping, fishing, and picnicking in wooded areas and on wooded trails go too far and infringe on Charter rights. The group supports the province’s burn ban but says safety concerns shouldn’t outweigh fundamental freedoms. They’ve given the province notice to lift the ban or face court action. A petition against the restrictions gathered over 2,000 signatures in 24 hours. The fine for breaking the rules is $25,000. The province and the Department of Natural Resources and Renewables says the measures are necessary to reduce wildfire risk.

 

Two major wildfires continue to burn out of control in New Brunswick, prompting evacuation orders and emergency responses. The largest, near Miramichi, has grown to nearly 240 hectares and forced evacuations of homes and cottages. Another wildfire near Canterbury is about 15 per cent contained, with crews working hard to control it. New Brunswick, like Nova Scotia, has closed access to all Crown lands to reduce fire risk, banning hiking, camping, fishing, and off-road vehicles until further notice. Authorities are urging residents to stay out of the woods and reconsider camping plans.

 

Prime Minister Mark Carney’s approval is cooling slightly, but still strong.

A new Abacus Data poll puts the Liberal government’s approval at 50 per cent — down two points since mid-July, and the lowest since March. Carney’s personal approval sits at 48 per cent, with 19 per cent disapproving.

The dip comes after U.S. President Donald Trump imposed new 35 per cent tariffs on Canada following a missed August 1 trade deadline.

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is seeing his best numbers in months — with 42 per cent positive and 41 per cent negative — as he campaigns in an Alberta byelection set for August 18.

 

Fire crews battled a small forest fire in Lower Truro on Sunday, as Nova Scotia remains in the grip of a historic drought.

The Cobequid District Fire Department responded to the call Sunday afternoon and, with mutual aid from nearby departments and the Department of Natural Resources, quickly contained a blaze about 50 by 50 feet in size.

No cause has been determined.

Most of Nova Scotia remains under a very high to extreme wildfire risk, with another hot, dry week ahead.

 

Premiers from Nova Scotia and PEI, along with New Brunswick officials, announced a new partnership with PAL Airlines to restore regional flights across the Maritimes.

Over $9 million is being invested to bring daily flights connecting Halifax, Sydney, Charlottetown, Fredericton, and Moncton.

Tickets will go on sale later this year, improving travel options across the region.

 

A Pictou County man is facing charges after jumping from the George Street Bridge into the East River early Sunday morning on August 3rd.

Police say 36-year-old Matthew Angus MacGillivray was intoxicated when they found him just after 12:45 a.m. He was arrested for public intoxication, but allegedly resisted and assaulted an officer during the arrest.

MacGillivray faces three charges, including assaulting a police officer. He’s been released and is due in Pictou Provincial Court on October 27th.

New Glasgow Police thanked New Glasgow Fire Rescue crews for their help.