Federal election called for September 20th, Canadians to head to the polls

Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau, left, Conservative Party of Canada Leader Erin O’Toole, centre left, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, centre, Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet and Green Party Leader Annamie Paul. (Andrej Ivanov/AFP/Getty Images, Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press, Patrick Doyle/Reuters, Patrick Doyle/Reuters, Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press)

The prime minister has launched the campaign for an early federal election after asking the governor general on Sunday to dissolve Parliament.  Justin Trudeau says it’s time for Canadians to decide important policy questions.  The P-M says this is a ”pivotal” moment and may be the most important since 1945 and certainly in our lifetimes. He says Canadians need to choose how they want to proceed.  The campaign will run 36 days, with Canadians casting ballots September 20th.  The prime minister’s justification for going to the polls a little less than two years after the last election is being greeted with skepticism.  Opposition leaders point out the Liberals have been able to pass pandemic relief bills, a throne speech and a budget, surviving every confidence vote along the way.  Conservative Leader Erin O’Toole says Justin Trudeau is being irresponsible.  Launching his campaign in Montreal, N-D-P Leader Jagmeet Singh calls it a — quote — ”selfish summer election.”

 

Nova Scotia election campaign into its final day as leaders look to bolster support

Today is the last full day of campaigning in Nova Scotia’s provincial election.  The three main party leaders are expected to continue work aimed at boosting their fortunes in key ridings.  N-D-P Leader Gary Burrill visited several ridings in the Halifax area yesterday where he talked about the need for rent control, while Tory Leader Tim Houston was in Cape Breton where he highlighted the need to improve health care.  Iain Rankin was in Berwick where he pitched the Liberal plan to expand the number of midwives working in the province.

As Nova Scotia’s provincial election campaign winds down, it appears Tuesday’s vote could be a lot tighter than initially thought. Heading into the election call it was believed the incumbent Liberals, who are seeking a rare third term in office, would likely cruise back to power. But Cape Breton University political scientist David Johnson says the Progressive Conservatives and NDP have changed the equation by mounting strong campaigns. Margaret Brigley, CEO of Halifax-based polling firm Narrative Research, says indications are that momentum has changed after the Liberals entered the race in a strong position. But Brigley says the end result is too difficult to predict because of factors such as the expansion of the number of seats in the legislature from 51 to 55, and the high number of incumbents who aren’t running, including 11 Liberals. She says the parties’ ability to get supporters to the polls will be key in what’s expected to be an election with low voter turnout.  Polls open to voters at 8 a.m. Tuesday and close at 8 p.m. (The Canadian Press)

 

A 57 year-old man from Trenton who was reported missing since Tuesday was found deceased on the weekend.  The death is not believed to be suspicious in nature, but New Glasgow Regional Police continue to investigate.

 

New Glasgow Regional Police charge woman with attempted murder

New Glasgow Regional Police have charged a 25-year-old woman from Pictou County with Two Counts of Attempted Murder following an incident last Thursday. Police say the preliminary investigation has found that the incident involved an altercation that took place at a home on Park Street in Trenton.  At about 2:00 a.m. on Friday, New Glasgow Regional Police were notified that a 34-year-old man from Pictou County had been taken to the Aberdeen Hospital with a serious injury after being shot in the arm. The man was taken to hospital by an acquaintance and was later released. A female victim was also involved but was not injured.  The woman has been charged with two counts of Attempted Murder, remanded into custody and will be appearing in Provincial Court in Pictou today.

 

On Saturday morning, New Glasgow Regional Police charged a 30-year-old Pictou County man in regards to an armed robbery in Trenton last Thursday. A man with a knife went into a Needs Convenience Store on Main St. in Trenton, demanded cash and then immediately left the store after a brief verbal altercation with the employee. No one was physically injured. The suspect has been charged with Robbery, and Possession of a Weapon. He has been remanded into custody and will be appearing in Provincial Court in Pictou today.

 

MOPC begins public consultation for construction of telecommunication towers

The Municipality of Pictou County has identified 11 proposed locations for telecommunication towers as part of its rural internet project.  The towers will be in underserved areas of Pictou County to improve wireless communication. Funding for this component of the Municipality’s rural internet project is provided through the federal government’s $4.46 million Universal Broadband Fund Rapid Response fund with a contribution from the Municipality of $3.32 million.  Work on this portion of the Municipality’s rural internet project is expected to be complete by the end of 2021.  Residents and businesses within 120 metres of the proposed tower sites will receive information packages in the mail before this date.  Tower locations and public notices can be found on the website: ruralnet.munpict.ca  The public is welcome to send questions and comments regarding the proposed sites to Municipality of Pictou County CAO Brian Cullen by email at brian.cullen@munpict.ca  The deadline for comments is September 17th, 2021.

 

Listeria scare prompts recall of certain broccoli-containing deli products

A recall has been issued in Atlantic Canada for certain broccoli-containing deli products due to possible Listeria contamination. The products were sold up until Aug. 13 at deli counters in Sobeys, Foodland and Co-op stores in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador and Prince Edward Island. The products were also sold at Valufoods stores in both Hartland, N.B. and Centreville N.B. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency says people who have any of the products should either return them to the store where they were purchased, or throw them out. So far no illnesses have been linked to the product. Food contaminated with Listeria can cause vomiting, nausea, persistent fever, muscle aches, severe headache, neck stiffness, and in severe cases even death. (The Canadian Press)

 

NEW potential exposures to COVID-19 at locations in Central, Northern and Eastern Zone and on one flight

Nova Scotia Health Public Health is advising of a potential exposure to COVID-19 at locations in Central, Northern and Eastern Zone and on one Flair flight. Also, there is a time correction for an exposure notification issued on Aug. 14.  All potential exposure notifications are listed here: http://www.nshealth.ca/covid-exposures

 

Woman airlifted to hospital after suspected shark bite in Cape Breton

Inverness Beach is shown in this undated photo. RCMP say the woman was bitten in waters off Cape Breton near Margaree Island, located between Inverness and Margaree Harbour. (CBC)

RCMP say a 21-year-old Cape Breton woman was airlifted to hospital after an apparent shark attack. Police say the incident occurred Friday near Margaree Island. The woman was in the water near a boat when it’s believed she was bitten by a shark. A police spokesman says witnesses told them there was a fin in the water. (The Canadian Press)