A new report from the Atlantic Economic Council says health spending in the Atlantic region could double in 20 years without changes to the system.  The report says the four provinces in Atlantic Canada spent a combined 19-billion-dollars on health in 2024-25, up from 11-billion in 2014-15.  The council says if more efficient and financially sustainable systems are not built, health care spending in the region will reach 40-billion-dollars by 2046.

The Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation says sales were up in its third quarter.  The provincial Crown agency reported total sales between September 29th and December 28th of last year were up 2.3 per cent to 236.2 million dollars.  That includes an increase in both beverage alcohol and cannabis sales compared with the same time last year.  Beverage sales increased 1.1 per cent to just over 201-million dollars, while cannabis sales increased 10 per cent to 34.8-million.

NASA has launched four astronauts to the moon in the first lunar voyage in 53 years.  The Artemis Two will spend 10-days in space on a trip around the moon, part of a broader goal to establish a long-term human presence on the moon.  Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen shared an emotional goodbye with his family before heading to the launch pad on Wednesday.  Hansen is the first Canadian to travel beyond low Earth orbit.

On Wednesday at Glasgow Square, the Town of New Glasgow marked Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month with a flag raising ceremony in support of understanding, inclusion, and acceptance in our community.  The Town says the ceremony recognized the contributions of autistic individuals and reaffirmed the commitment to create a welcoming community for all.

Forecasts call for 10 to 25 millimetres of precipitation, possibly mixing with ice pellets or wet snow at times.

Similar storms have led to power outages, travel delays, and damage to trees and infrastructure.

Roads and walkways will become icy and slippery—residents are urged to avoid unnecessary travel, watch for falling branches, and stay clear of any downed power lines.  

The Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board Issued an Interruptor Clause yesterday, raising the prices of both gas and diesel. Regular Self Serve gasoline is up 7.1 cents per litre, putting the minimum pump price at 184 cents per litre. Diesel increased by 10.9 cents per litre putting the minimum pump price at 247.8 cents per litre in the local area. 

Three United Nations peacekeepers have been killed in southern Lebanon within 24 hours.

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon says two were killed in an explosion, while another died after a base was hit by a projectile.

All three were members of the Indonesian military.

The United Nations is investigating and is calling on both Israel and Hezbollah to respect international law and ensure the safety of peacekeepers.

A court appearance for Daniel Martell, the step-father of missing children Lily and Jack Sullivan,  has been delayed.

Martell, who faces charges including assault and sexual assault, was expected to enter a plea, but the matter was adjourned to allow his lawyer more time to review new evidence.

The case has now been set over to May 4th.

Police have confirmed the charges are not related to the disappearance of Lily and Jack. 

Nova Scotia leaders are raising concerns over the proposed highway toll in New Brunswick.

Premier Tim Houston says the planned toll near the border would unfairly impact Nova Scotians travelling the Trans-Canada Highway.

The toll, announced by New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt, is expected to be in place by 2028.

Houston says the move creates a barrier for travel and trade, while local officials warn it could affect residents who regularly cross the border for work and services.

Prime Minister Mark Carney is scrapping Canada’s electric vehicle sales mandate.

The policy had required all new vehicles sold to be electric within the next decade.

Instead, the federal government will introduce stricter emissions standards for automakers and new incentives for electric vehicle purchases.

Carney says the move gives the industry more flexibility while still aiming to reduce emissions and protect Canada’s auto sector.

Forecast predicts wintry precipitation will likely affect parts of Nova Scotia Tuesday night into wednesday. While it is too soon to provide specific details, the potential exists for significant amounts of both ice pellets and freezing rain. Even small amounts of freezing rain on untreated surfaces can make travel difficult. Utility outages may occur.  

 Federal New Democratic Party members have chosen Avi Lewis as their new leader for the party. .

He won just over 56 percent of the vote at a convention in Winnipeg.

Lewis now takes over a party with just seven seats in the House of Commons and no official status.

He’s promising major changes, but already facing criticism over his stance on energy and the economy.

A Nova Scotia company is facing a fine over misleading labels.

Oxford Frozen Foods has been fined $10,000 for labelling blueberries as Canadian when they weren’t.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency says it’s part of a broader crackdown, with five companies fined a total of $47,000 since last year for inaccurate origin claims.

It comes as more Canadians are trying to buy local — and regulators say shoppers deserve labels they can trust.

Policing services in Trenton will transition on April 1st.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police will assume responsibility from New Glasgow Regional Police.

Emergency services remain unchanged, with residents continuing to call 911.

For non-emergency matters, residents should contact New Glasgow Police until March 31st, and the RCMP beginning April 1st.

Officials advise residents to use the appropriate contact numbers during the transition period.

Bill Riley, the first African Nova Scotian to play in the NHL, has died at the age of 75 after a battle with cancer.

Born in Amherst, Riley played with the Washington Capitals and Winnipeg Jets, becoming the third Black player in NHL history.

After his playing career, he coached and mentored young athletes across the Maritimes, leaving a lasting impact both on and off the ice.

Riley was inducted into the Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame in 1998. 

The Juno Awards were held last night in Hamilton Ontario, and multiple Canadian Music legends are going home with awards. 

Joni Mitchell was honoured with the Juno Lifetime achievement award, Nelly Furtado was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, and Mi’kmaq fiddler from Cape Breton Morgan Toney was honoured with Traditional Roots Album of the year for his record heal the divide.

The search continues for a missing man in Colchester County.

RCMP say 47-year-old Jason Lorette was last confirmed on video in Lower Harmony on March 19, after previously being believed to have been in Salmon River. He was reported missing the following day.

Police are now focusing their search on areas including Harmony, Greenfield and Murray Siding, and are asking residents to check cameras, camps and outbuildings.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Colchester RCMP or Crime Stoppers.

A major defence investment is coming to Nova Scotia.

Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced more than $2 billion in federal spending for military infrastructure across the province.

That includes upgrades at CFB Halifax, new hangar and drone facilities at 14 Wing Greenwood, and funding for training tied to the next generation of naval ships.

The plan also includes new military housing and the purchase of a large waterfront site in Eastern Passage to support operations.

The announcement comes as Canada reaches NATO’s defence spending target, marking a shift toward increased military investment.

A milk recall is affecting Nova Scotia, PEI, and Quebec.

Agropur has issued a voluntary recall of several two-litre milk products under the Farmers, Québon and Natrel brands due to possible glass contamination.

In Nova Scotia watch out for Farmers brand two-litre cartons of 1 per cent chocolate milk, 1 per cent milk, 2 per cent milk, and 3.25 per cent milk with expiration dates from late March to early April. There is also a recall on Natural 2 litre cartons of Lactose free chocolate milk with expiry dates early April through mid May. Recalled products should be thrown out or returned to the location where they were purchased

The New Glasgow Regional Police are hosting a Safe Seniors Police Academy next week.

The Safe Seniors Police Academy is a classroom program designed to give participants an understanding of the police and it’s operations. The program also focuses on crime trends and resources on how to protect yourself. The morning will consist of presentations from several officers and community members. The session will be this Tuesday March 31st starting at 9:30am with a free Lunch provided. There is no cost to the session

Pictou Landing First Nation is moving to take control of cannabis regulation on its own land.

In a new statement, the community says it’s introducing its own Cannabis Control Law, citing its inherent rights and title, along with the right to self-govern under the Constitution.

Leaders say federal and provincial cannabis laws introduced in 2018 did not properly recognize First Nations jurisdiction.

The new law aims to regulate cannabis within the community, while protecting the health, safety and well-being of its members.

This move comes after RCMP were at shops on the reservation yesterday, but nothing has been stated publicly by the RCMP as of this morning  

Nova Scotia Power says it will delete all social insurance numbers from its systems following last year’s major cyberattack.

More than 900-thousand current and former customers were impacted in the breach, which exposed sensitive personal information.

The company has also committed to an external security review, with a report due by the end of October.

Federal privacy officials say the move is a step toward stronger protections, as concerns around data security continue to grow.

Provincial regulators have approved Nova Scotia Power’s request for rate increases. Rates will increase by 3.8% in 2026 and 4.1% in 2027 (roughly 8% total). Regulators approved the hike with reductions. Including $8 million annually in expenses and $1.8 million in fuel costs. NS Power must also cut executive pay and scrap the smart meter opt-out fee.

Fighting in the Middle East is escalating as Iran rejects a U.S.-backed ceasefire and continues strikes on Israel and Gulf states, including a drone attack that sparked a fire at Kuwait’s main airport.

The United States is deploying more troops to the region, while Israel expands airstrikes on Tehran.

Meanwhile, Donald Trump says the U.S. is in talks with Iranian leadership and has given Tehran five more days to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face possible attacks on key infrastructure. Iran denies any negotiations are taking place.

The conflict, now in its fourth week, continues to drive global instability and raise fears of a wider regional war.

Nova Scotia’s legislature is now closed to the public after a protest disrupted debate on the provincial budget.

The move comes after demonstrators in the gallery broke into song Tuesday night, delaying the final vote on the government’s spending bill.

Officials say Province House will remain closed to visitors for the rest of the week, with only MLAs, staff and accredited media allowed inside.

Premier Tim Houston’s government says the controversial budget — which includes more than 300 million dollars in cuts — will still move forward when the House resumes.

RCMP say helicopters are now being used in the search for 47-year-old Jason Lorette, last seen Thursday on Harmony Road in Salmon River.

Ground search and rescue teams from across the region are also assisting.

Police are asking residents to check surveillance footage and outbuildings, and to contact Colchester RCMP or Crime Stoppers with any information.

More than 5,000 long-term care workers in Nova Scotia could be heading toward a strike.

CUPE Nova Scotia says five days of conciliation talks with the province have ended without a deal, and members are now preparing for possible job action.

Workers at 52 nursing homes have been without a contract since 2023, with wages a key issue.

The province says contingency plans are in place to maintain care if a strike happens, but the union says it’s not willing to accept the current offer.

RCMP are investigating the theft of a historic church bell in Antigonish County.

Police say the iron bell was taken from St. David’s United Church in Cape George sometime between March 18th and 20th. Investigators believe a grinder was used to cut it from its base before it was loaded onto a truck.

Mounties say the theft is especially concerning given the bell’s cultural and religious significance.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Royal Canadian Mounted Police or Crime Stoppers.

Nova Scotians at highest risk from COVID-19 can now book an additional vaccine dose starting yesterday.

Health officials say those eligible include people 80 and older, long-term care residents, and anyone who is immunocompromised. Some individuals over 65 may also qualify.

Nova Scotia Deputy Chief Medical Officer of Health Jesse Kancir says the extra dose helps protect against severe illness.

Appointments are available through healthcare providers or online, with the spring program running through the end of June.

U-S National Transportation Safety Board chair Jennifer Homendy says crews cut a hole in the roof of the plane to retrieve the flight recorders.

Sunday night’s crash killed both pilots and injured 40 people when the jet collided with a fire truck on the runway.

It’s LaGuardia Airport’s first deadly collision in more than 30 years

A judge is expected to have a ruling this summer on a proposed settlement for a class-action lawsuit after an Air Canada flight crash landed in Halifax in 2015.

The law firms involved in the class action say the hearing is scheduled for June 22nd in Nova Scotia’s Supreme Court.

Under the terms of the settlement, Air Canada, Nav Canada, and the Halifax International Airport Authority would pay a settlement of more than 18-million dollars.

Twenty-five people were injured when Air Canada Flight 624 from Toronto struck power lines during a snowstorm and crashed about 200 metres short of an airport runway.

New Glasgow Regional Police have charged a Pictou County man with impaired driving following a traffic stop.  The traffic stop was initiated after an officer spotted a vehicle with no tail lights visible travelling Northbound on North Provost Street.  It resulted in a 40-year old Pictou County man being arrested and charged with impaired driving.  He’s scheduled to appear in Pictou Provincial Court on May 4th.

A Crown attorney says more charges could be laid against a Nova Scotia teen accused of plotting an attack on a local school.

Shawna MacDonald says the matter involving a 15-year-old girl from Bridgewater is still under police investigation.

Police allege the youth and a 14-year-old from Manitoba had talked online about simultaneously attacking schools in both provinces.

Their arrest came weeks after a mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge, B-C, but police say there’s no indication their alleged plans were spurred by the killings.

The hit musical “Come From Away” will land in Halifax next week.  The show is opening at the Neptune Theatre on March 31st, and will run until June 21st.  The award-winning musical tells the true story of the seven-thousand stranded passengers who were taken in by the town of Gander, in Newfoundland, after the terrorists attacks on September 11th, 2001.  The 90-minute show features 15 performers and a live band.

]]> https://941thebreeze.com/2026/03/24/pictou-county-news-march-24th-2026/feed/ 0 https://941thebreeze.com/2026/03/24/pictou-county-news-march-23rd-2026/ https://941thebreeze.com/2026/03/24/pictou-county-news-march-23rd-2026/#respond Tue, 24 Mar 2026 08:33:04 +0000 Emma Freckelton 2026-03-24T08:33:26+00:00 https://d2142.cms.socastsrm.com/?p=21213 A multi-agency search in Colchester County near the Harmony Rd. area was being conducted Sunday related to Jason Lorette, a 47-year-old man reported missing on Friday.  Ground Search and Rescue Teams from Colchester County, Pictou County and East Hants as well as the Civil Air Search and Rescue Association (CASARA), have been engaged with the RCMP including RCMP Air Services and RCMP Police Dog Services.  Residents have been asked to avoid the immediate area.  As part of the effort, a vulnerable person alert was issued Sunday afternoon for all of Pictou and Colchester counties as well as the East Hants area for Jason Lorette.

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An event is being held today to mark the opening of the expanded renal dialysis unit at Sutherland Harris Memorial Hospital in Pictou. The $3.58-million investment will see the expansion of the unit from four to 12 dialysis stations, increasing capacity to treat up to 48 patients.  Pictou West MLA Marco MacLeod, on behalf of Health and Wellness Minister Michelle Thompson, will join representatives from Nova Scotia Health to mark the opening of the expanded unit.

A 15-year-old girl from Bridgewater is scheduled to appear in court today after schools in Nova Scotia and Manitoba received threats last week.   Police allege the girl and a 14-year-old boy from Rivers, Manitoba, had been talking online about their simultaneous desire to attack their local schools.  Police said they searched a home in Bridgewater last week and found handwritten plans and imitation weapons, along with a roughly made imitation pipe bomb and assault rifle.   Interpol and the F-B-I warned local police about the threats.

A reminder from the Nova Scotia RCMP to lock your car doors. RCMP across the province are continuing to receive reports of thefts from unlocked vehicles.  The Mounties encourage you to always lock your car doors, even when you’re parked at home or when you’ll only be out of sight for a short time; never leave valuables such as wallets, cash, phones, or electronics inside your vehicle; park in well-lit areas; and report any suspicious activity to local police immediately.

In sports,

The Crushers’ season came to an end Saturday night with a heartbreaking 2-1 double-overtime loss to the Truro Bearcats, which gave Truro the series win, 4 games to 1.

Regular Self-Serve Gasoline is up 5.7 cents per litre, putting the minimum pump price at 175.5 cents per litre.

Diesel is up 9.8 cents per litre, putting the minimum pump price at 230.9 cents per litre in the local area. 

Canada has joined several allies calling on Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

In a joint statement with countries including the U.K., France and Japan, Canada is urging Iran to stop blocking the Strait of Hormuz, where about 20 per cent of the world’s oil supply normally passes.

David McGuinty says Canada is considering support for regional allies if requested through NATO.

The warning comes as Iran steps up attacks on energy infrastructure, raising concerns about global supply and economic stability.

Nova Scotia’s long-term care minister is weighing in on ongoing contract talks with nursing home workers.

Barbara Adams is urging administrators to speak directly with staff, saying union leadership rejected a deal without letting members vote.

But CUPE Nova Scotia says the minister is interfering in bargaining and pushing a deal workers have already turned down.

More than 50 sites are affected, with workers without a contract since 2023. A final round of conciliation is set for March 24, and a strike could follow if no agreement is reached.

In sports, The Pictou County Weeks Crushers playoff run continues even with the odds stacked against them. In a must win game 4 last night in round 1 of the playoffs, the crushers are finally on the board and beat the Truro Bearcats 4-3. Game 5 is at 7pm this Saturday at the Rath Eastlink Community Centre in Truro.