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Pictou County News, October 6th 2026

Emma Freckelton — Tue, 06 Oct 2026 09:03:20 +0000

Two universities say a sign displayed at an off-campus property in Antigonish on the weekend perpetuates rape culture. A professor at St. FX in Antigonish posted a photo of the sign on social media Friday which said, “Drop-off zone: Acadia girlfriends.” A statement from St. F-X President Andrew Hakin says the university ensured the sign was taken down calling it “degrading and deeply concerning.” Meanwhile, Acadia University in Wolfville issued a statement saying the sign encouraged sexual violence against its students.

The provincial Justice Department is -offering a 150-thousand dollar reward for tips leading to a conviction in a two-year-old double murder. The bodies of Keleana Trask and Tyler Meagher were found in a burned out vehicle in the Pictou County community of Greenhill in November 2024. Police say they believe there are people out there with the information to move the case forward. There are now 123 active cases in the province’s major unsolved crimes program.

Pictou County District RCMP say that 33-year old Haden Hatfield, who was wanted on a province-wide warrant, has been arrested. Hatfield is facing charges of Failure to Comply with Undertaking (three counts).

The RCMP thanks the public for its support in locating Hatfield.

Police in Nova Scotia are warning the public about a gold scam. R-C-M-P say criminals pretending to be with a bank are trying to convince people to convert their money into gold to protect it from hackers. The victims are then convinced to hand that gold over to the scammers posing as police officers for “safekeeping.” Police say real banks will never try to convince clients to buy things, and real officers will never take valuables for safekeeping.

Parti Québécois Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon has brought his party back from the brink and into power.

Although his party fell short of the 64 seats needed to form a majority in Quebec’s national assembly, a minority government is a big jump from winning only three seats back in 2022.

St-Pierre Plamondon won the P-Q leadership in 2020 after promising to hold a referendum if the party formed government.

Just before this year’s electoral campaign period began, the P-Q leader said he would wait until U-S President Donald Trump is out of the White House in 2029.

Pictou County News, October 5th 2026

Emma Freckelton — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 11:52:35 +0000

R-C-M-P say they’ve charged a third person with the murder of a Pictou County man in the spring. Steven Boudreau went missing in April from Hopewell, and police charged two men with first-degree murder the following month. Police say they arrested a 24-year-old woman in the community of Wilmot on Thursday. She’s also charged with first-degree murder and all three accused remain in custody.

The U-S Coast Guard has suspended its search for a missing Canadian medical transport plane, and officials say the six people aboard are presumed dead. The plane disappeared early on Saturday while flying from Bermuda to Boston, carrying four Canadian crew members, as well as a Bermudian patient and a family member. A pilot on board reported electrical problems and declared an emergency as the jet approached the Massachusetts coast, before losing contact with air traffic control. A debris field was found sometime later about 32 kilometres off Nantucket.

The Public Health Mobile Unit brings free vaccination clinics to communities across Nova Scotia, making it easier to access services close to home. One of those clinics is at Pictou County Community Health Centre on Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Fire Prevention Week is officially underway across the Atlantic region.

This year’s theme focuses on lithium-Ion batteries.

The provincial government says you can safely juice up lithium-ion batteries by using the proper charging cords and unplugging them once batteries are full.

Fire officials add you should avoid charging devices on the bed.

Fire Prevention Week goes until Saturday.

Pictou County News, October 1st 2026

Emma Freckelton — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:51:33 +0000

Wednesday was National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, and Nova Scotians gathered to honour residential school survivors, their families, and those who never returned home. The Minister of L’nu Affairs Leah Martin says residential schools tried to erase Mi’kmaw identity and language but it endures today. October is also Mi’kmaw History Month and the minister says she is encouraging Nova Scotians to learn from Mi’kmaw voices, support Mi’kmaw artists and attend community events.

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Northstar Shelter and Support Services is calling on the Province to provide a clear explanation regarding a series of government communications concerning one individual accessing the New Glasgow emergency shelter. Northstar says that includes an alleged verbal direction from Opportunities and Social Development that the individual be removed from the shelter. Northstar is also seeking clarification about the timing of those communications in relation to the Province’s subsequent decision to end funding for Northstar’s existing emergency shelter model following a 90-day transition period as government moves toward a different mix of shelter, transitional housing and supportive housing services in the region. Northstar says it is not alleging that the two matters are connected — it is asking the Province to disclose the facts necessary to determine whether they were.

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The 45-year old man reported missing and last seen on September 26 in Central West River, Pictou County, has been located safe.

The RCMP thanks the public for assisting through social media shares and offering tips.

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Nova Scotians can apply today for the province’s heating assistance rebate program. The program provides families with a combined annual income of 45-thousand dollars or less and single-person households earning 30-thousand dollars or less with 400 dollars towards their heating bills. Nova Scotians can apply for the rebate online or in person at Access Nova Scotia centres and M-L-A offices. Residents are encouraged to include a previous heating bill with their application.

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In sports,

In Maritime Junior Hockey league action, the Crushers lost 5-2 to the Valley Wildcats. The Orange Jersey Day event with the Crushers is tonight as they face the Wildcats again. Singer-songwriter Emma Stevens will perform at 6:00 p.m. Emma is from Eskasoni First Nation, and her music celebrates Mi’kmaq language, culture and identity.

The pre-game ceremony and remarks will begin at 6:40 p.m., followed by the game at 7:00 p.m.

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New Glasgow’s Kori Cheverie is taking the helm of Canada’s national women’s hockey team. Cheverie is currently the coach of the Montreal Victoire in the Professional Women’s Hockey League. She has been named the national women’s head coach for the 2026-27 season. An assistant coach with the national team since 2021, Cheverie will be taking over the role from Nova Scotian Troy Ryan, who stepped down after his contract expired in May.

Pictou County News, September 29th 2026

Emma Freckelton — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 10:53:59 +0000

Pictou County District RCMP is asking for public assistance in locating 45-year-old Bryan Richard MacDonald. He was last seen on Saturday at approximately 9 a.m. in Central West River, Pictou County. Bryan MacDonald is described as 5-foot-9 and 220 pounds. He has brown hair in a buzz cut, a beard, and hazel eyes. He was last seen wearing a grey sweatshirt and jeans or sweatpants though may have changed his clothing since he was last seen. Bryan MacDonald may be driving a black 2018 Ford F150 with Nova Scotia licence plate GCC 007. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Bryan MacDonald or his vehicle is asked to contact Pictou County District RCMP or Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers.

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Twenty-three organizations across Nova Scotia are receiving grants to help attract, welcome and retain healthcare professionals in communities throughout the province. The funding will support a wide range of community-led initiatives, including cultural celebrations, settlement and welcome activities, networking and professional support. The projects are designed to help healthcare professionals and their families build connections, feel supported and establish long-term roots in Nova Scotia. The Office of Healthcare Professionals Recruitment Community Fund is providing about $388,000 to support the 23 groups. One of those organizations is Healthy Pictou County, which is receiving $14,000 for healthcare professionals and family appreciation events, medical student events and conference recruitment marketing material

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U-S President Donald Trump has escalated the trade dispute with Canada as previously announced bans on selected Canadian imports took effect Tuesday.

The restrictions cover some alcoholic beverages, dairy byproducts, motorcycles and other goods, marking another deterioration in relations between Ottawa and Washington.

Trump said Monday he believes a trade agreement could still be reached within weeks, despite repeating complaints about Canada’s treatment of the United States.

Canada-U-S Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc’s office says Ottawa remains focused on protecting Canadian workers, farmers, families and businesses from measures it calls unjustified.

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Pictou Landing First Nation is holding a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation event today. It’s at 11am in front of the Pictou Landing First Nation Health Centre at the monument. Everyone is invited to attend to learn and reflect on history, and honour survivors and descendants, past and present.

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The Town of Pictou is holding a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Community Gathering on Wednesday at 5:00 pm at Market Square, Water Street. The event will include a flag raising, reflection, and knowledge sharing as survivors, their families, and the children who never returned home, are honoured.

Following the ceremony there will be a performance at the deCoste Performing Arts Centre.

Pictou County News, September 28th 2026

Emma Freckelton — Mon, 28 Sep 2026 09:51:05 +0000

The operator of the Northstar emergency shelter in New Glasgow says the provincial government owes local residents an explanation about why it is cutting off its funding. The comments came after the provincial government announced that within 90 days it would stop funding the shelter. The province says it’s seeking expressions of interest for new supportive housing projects in the area, and it will work with the shelter’s residents to identify alternate options for housing and other support. The shelter is asking the province how unhoused residents will survive the cold winter months and who will be there to administer Naloxone, a drug that reverses the effects of an opioid overdose, when needed.

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A Nova Scotia law firm says it has served a notice of intended class action against the Chignecto Central Regional Centre for Education and a teacher who allegedly abused students. MacGillivray Injury and Insurance Law says the class action is on behalf of students at the Dr. W-A MacLeod Consolidated School in Riverton. A 53-year-old teacher who worked at the school is facing 10 criminal charges, including two counts of assault by choking, sexual assault, and administering a noxious thing. Court documents show the alleged offences took place between September 3rd and September 10th, 2026 and involved four victims. A spokesperson for the law firm says it has four plaintiffs so far and is looking to hear from other parents and guardians of students who attended the learning centre.

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A Belmont man is facing more than a dozen charges after a break and enter Friday morning. R-C-M-P say officers responded to a report of an unwanted man at a home in Belmont at about 10:15 am Friday. Police say the man broke a window at the home with what may have been a rifle and left without entering the home. RCMP charged the 35-year-old with 14 offences, including break and entering with intent and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.

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Pictou County District RCMP is seeking information on the whereabouts of 44-year old Michael Craig Clyburn, who is currently wanted on a province-wide arrest warrant.

Clyburn is facing charges of Assault, and Mischief.

He is described as 6-foot-3, approximately 242 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Michael Craig Clyburn is asked to call Pictou County District RCMP or Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers.

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A flag-raising ceremony is being held today in New Glasgow for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. It’s at 12:00pm at Glasgow Square and will honour the children who never returned home, Survivors of residential schools, and their families and communities. It’s open to all to attend and reflect on the importance of truth, remembrance and reconciliation. All are encouraged to wear orange.

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In sports,

The Crushers lost 6-1 in Truro to the Bearcats in Maritime Junior Hockey league action.

Pictou County News, September 25th 2026

Emma Freckelton — Fri, 25 Sep 2026 09:59:26 +0000

A 53-year-old teacher is facing charges after a student was assaulted in Riverton. R-C-M-P say they received a report on September 10th about an assault at Doctor W-A MacLeod Consolidated School. They say investigating officers identified other victims of similar assaults this school year. Mounties say the teacher from Bible Hill is charged with assault, choking, assault with a weapon, sexual assault, sexual interference and administering a noxious substance.

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There was an increase in gas prices and decrease in diesel prices overnight in Nova Scotia. The price of regular gasoline increased by 3.0 cents per litre, putting the minimum pump price for regular self-serve gasoline $2.00 in the local area. The price of diesel decreased by 6.4 cents per litre, leaving the minimum pump price for self-serve diesel at $2.63 per litre locally.

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The provincial government spent a record 1.9-billion-dollars outside of the budget process in the 2025-26 fiscal year. The extra spending was not included in the budget, but was approved by cabinet without a vote of the legislature. The province closed the year with a record-high deficit of 1.4-billion. Finance Minister John Lohr says there are plenty of reasons why the Progressive Conservatives needed the flexibility to overspend. Some of the money covered the 40.4-million-dollar cost of public works projects as well as 13.8-million spent on the 2025 wildfire season.

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The Canadian Federation of Independent Business is calling on the Nova Scotia and New Brunswick governments to prioritize the removal of interprovincial trade barriers and ensure nationally significant transportation corridors facilitate, not penalize, the movement of goods and services between provinces. CFIB says new data shows that two-thirds (66%) of small businesses across Canada oppose tolls on nationally significant highways that serve as the only practical road connection between provinces or territories. Opposition rises to 68% among small businesses in Atlantic Canada. It says the issue is particularly important in Atlantic Canada, where a limited number of transportation corridors connect provinces and markets. CFIB says Nova Scotia should remove the remaining tolls on the Cobequid Pass.

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In sports,

The visiting Summerside Western Capitals downed the Crushers 5-2 last night in Maritime Junior Hockey League action.

Pictou County News, September 24th 2026

Emma Freckelton — Thu, 24 Sep 2026 09:37:27 +0000

The provincial government is halting funding for a New Glasgow shelter that’s been a focus of concern. The government says funding for the Northstar shelter will end following a 90-day transition period. Northstar Shelter, formerly known as Viola’s Place originally opened in 2018 and expanded in 2022. New Glasgow Town Council voted unanimously last month to call on the provincial government to close the shelter immediately, citing problems with drug use vandalism and theft.

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Premier Tim Houston has softened his stance on the prospect of new data centres setting up in Nova Scotia. The premier previously said it would be premature to discuss the issue before major energy projects such as the Wind West offshore proposal were built. A statement Wednesday from Houston says the situation has since changed, and that data centres being built in Nova Scotia should help create demand and investment cases for energy projects. The premier says he is willing to consider proposals since Ottawa has rolled out new rules for the sector.

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Nova Scotia’s former justice minister says her successor filed a code of conduct complaint with the province’s barristers’ society over questions she asked as an Independent in the legislature. Becky Druhan says she recently learned through an email sent by the regulating body for Nova Scotia lawyers that Justice Minister Scott Armstrong had filed the complaint against her.

The regulator dismissed the complaint. Druhan says she’s disappointed a cabinet minister would use a professional complaint to target a member of the legislature for doing their work.

Armstrong says he contacted the regulator to seek guidance about the professional obligations of a former attorney general, particularly regarding solicitor-client privilege.

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The Town of Westville and the Westville Police Service are inviting residents to attend a Community Memorial Gathering today in honour of Constable Mathew Morrison.

Residents, friends, colleagues, and members of the policing community are invited to join the gathering to remember Constable Mathew Morrison, recognize his service to Westville, and honour his contribution to the town. The Community Memorial Gathering is at 11:00am at the Town Community Room (Old Gym) on Queen Street in Westville.

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A federal judge has temporarily blocked U-S President Donald Trump’s move to ban three news outlets from the White House grounds and said C-N-N, M-S NOW and Politico must have their access restored. The ruling released well after midnight is the latest development in an escalating showdown between Trump and media outlets whose coverage he dislikes. The outlets argued they were singled out because of the content of their coverage, and called Friday’s ban a “blatant violation” of the First Amendment. In his order, Judge Timothy Kelly said the news outlets met the legal thresholds to obtain a temporary restraining order, in effect for 14 days. He said they were likely to succeed in showing that their passes were revoked without due process.

The Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation says it’s sold about 90 per cent of its stock of American alcohol.

The retailer says it has only about 1.5-million dollars worth of U-S booze left.

The corporation stopped buying U-S alcohol in January 2025 and pulled it from shelves that March as a response to the Trump trade war.

It started selling its 14-8 million dollars of existing product in December.

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In sports,

In the Maritime Junior Hockey League, the Summerside Western Capitals are in town tonight to face the Crushers. Gametime is 7:00pm.

Pictou County News, September 23rd 2026

Emma Freckelton — Wed, 23 Sep 2026 09:50:41 +0000

The interrupter was invoked by the Nova Scotia Energy Board overnight with an adjustment in diesel prices. The price of diesel decreased by 5.6 cents per litre, leaving the minimum pump price for self-serve diesel at $2.69 per litre in the local area. There’s no change in gasoline prices.

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The Nova Scotia Liquor Corp. says its net income decreased by 6.8 per cent in the first quarter, hitting 62 million dollars.

Total sales from April 1st to June 28th were 219.4 million dollars, which is up by just 0.2 per cent from the same period last year.

Beverage alcohol sales were down 1.7 per cent, while cannabis sales were up 11.2 per cent, with alcohol making up more than 83 per cent of N-S-L-C’s total sales.

The N-S-L-C sold just over 1.8 million dollars worth of U-S products, while the liquor corporation continues to sell off existing U-S inventory and is not importing any more American products.

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Prime Minister Mark Carney attended the opening of this year’s U-N General Assembly on Tuesday.

It comes as the world grapples with the U-S war in Iran and the resulting oil-supply shocks, and under the shadow of the U-S president’s attacks on multilateralism.

Canada, like most countries, has not been able to escape the geopolitical effects of Donald Trump’s erratic deployment of military force and tariffs.

Carney said global collaboration is necessary right now to address crises such as climate change, financial instability and war.

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Those attending the Crushers game on Thursday, October 1st at the Pictou County Wellness Centre are being invited to wear orange for the team’s Orange Jersey Day. The event is being held in recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. It acknowledges the history and ongoing impacts of residential schools, honours Survivors, and remembers the children who never returned home. New Glasgow Mayor Nancy Dicks says the event gives the community an opportunity to turn recognition into action by coming together, listening and learning. The Crushers will be playing the Valley Wildcats that night.

Pictou County News, September 22nd 2026

Emma Freckelton — Tue, 22 Sep 2026 08:54:23 +0000

The federal Liberal government has tabled a sweeping bill meant to fast-track approvals for major projects, cut review times and create zones of “national interest” to pre-approve certain types of projects. Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon says Ottawa cannot control decisions made by other countries, but can control how prepared Canada is. He says the government will formally designate strategic trade corridors and identify new ways to eliminate bottlenecks and keep goods moving. The bill also proposes to remove the responsibility for reviewing many big projects, such as pipelines and power transmission lines, from the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada.

Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem was in Halifax on Monday and said that unpredictable U-S trade policy could slow Canada’s economic recovery by discouraging business investment and hiring. Macklem says if new U-S tariffs remain in place, economic growth could be cut roughly in half in the fourth quarter. He also says higher oil and gasoline prices linked to the war in the Middle East could push inflation higher in the coming months. Macklem says the bank has looked past the direct impact of higher oil prices, but the risk of more persistent inflation has increased.

Elections Nova Scotia says it’s spent the last fiscal year gearing up for the next provincial election — whenever it may happen.

Chief Electoral Officer Dorothy Rice’s annual report says the agency’s new four-year plan includes a shift away from fixed election dates.

Premier Tim Houston brought in fixed election date legislation in his first term, but the 2024 election was still held eight months early.

The Tories repealed the legislation last year.

The Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission and Nova Scotians are mourning the loss of Gerry Post, a tireless advocate whose work helped fundamentally advance accessibility and the rights of people with disabilities in Nova Scotia. Gerry played a leading role in the community effort that helped shape Nova Scotia’s Accessibility Act and, in 2017, became the first Executive Director of the Accessibility Directorate. In that role, he helped build the foundation for the province’s work toward an accessible Nova Scotia by 2030.

Pictou County News, September 21st 2026

Emma Freckelton — Tue, 22 Sep 2026 08:53:56 +0000

Parliament is set to resume today after a three-month break, amid the U-S trade war and Canada’s move to strengthen ties to the European Union.

Prime Minister Mark Carney told his M-Ps on Friday that this would be a “crucial session of the House of Commons.”

He said his Liberal government will be introducing some of the most consequential legislation in decades, including a bill to streamline infrastructure project reviews.

Carney will attend Question Period this afternoon before travelling to New York City for the United Nations General Assembly until Wednesday

The RCMP and Nova Scotia Motor Vehicle Compliance officers partnered recently to conduct a Move Over traffic enforcement initiative in Pictou and Antigonish counties. The initiative focused on encouraging drivers to slow down and move over when approaching stopped emergency and law enforcement vehicles, and tow trucks displaying flashing lights.

RCMP officers issued 24 summary offence Tickets and 25 written warnings, providing opportunities to educate motorists about their responsibilities under Nova Scotia’s Move Over law.

Motor Vehicle Compliance officers conducted 20 commercial vehicle inspections and issued 10 written warnings for speeding. Six of the vehicles inspected were deemed unsafe and removed from service.

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Nova Scotia will soon put up signs marking the 52 historic African Nova Scotian communities across the province. In Pictou County, that includes New Glasgow and Trenton. N-D-P member Suzy Hansen brought forward the motion in the legislature Friday, which unanimously passed without debate. She says the signs are an important step in recognizing the province’s rich African Nova Scotian history.

The provincial government has ended a Saint Mary’s University program designed to improve the health care system.

The government gave the Halifax school 25-million-dollars in 2023 to create health care data analytics and management programs.

It created a few new programs, but the province has now decided to take back 11-million-dollars in unused funding.

The government says it’s facing fiscal constraints, and that Saint Mary’s has not demonstrated a concrete plan to make more progress.