A jump in the price at the pumps in N.S.
Gas and diesel are both up in Nova Scotia this morning. Regular self-serve gas is up 3.2 cents to 138.0 cents per litre in the local area. Diesel is up 3.2 cents to a new minimum of 133.2 cents per litre.
Nova Scotia’s medically assisted dying program placed on hold as demand spikes
Referrals to Nova Scotia’s medical assistance in dying program have been put on hold for 30 days because of an “unprecedented demand” for the service. The head of the program says new eligibility requirements that became law in March have made it possible for more people to seek a medically assisted death. He also says the program is unable to keep up with demand partly due to the ongoing strain on the health-care system caused by the pandemic. Officials say it’s important for the Medical Assistance In Dying program to remain transparent about wait times and more staff are being hired to deal with the backlog. (With files from the Canadian Press)
Atlantic Canada observes first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
The provinces of Atlantic Canada honoured the first annual National Day of Truth and Reconciliation Thursday with a series of events and programs across the region. Prince Edward Island Premier Dennis King joined Lt.-Gov. Antoinette Perry, Sen. Brian Francis and several Indigenous leaders at an event in Charlottetown. They observed two minutes of silence and lowered the Canadian and provincial flags at city hall. King said the holiday is an important time for Islanders and all Canadians to reflect on the horrors of the residential school system and to understand the historic damage done to Indigenous Peoples. Newfoundland and Labrador rang in the day with a series of walks and vigils across the province, organized by the Qalipu First Nation. New Brunswick has declined to make the day an official provincial holiday, but municipalities across the province, including Moncton and Saint John, have declared the day a statutory holiday. In Halifax, a flag-raising ceremony was scheduled to take place Thursday evening with an appearance by Shubenacadie Residential School survivor Alan Knockwood, followed by a concert featuring Indigenous performers. (The Canadian Press)
New Brunswick reports single day high of 99 new COVID-19 cases and two new deaths
New Brunswick has reported a new single-day high of 99 new cases of COVID-19, and two new deaths related to the infection. Officials say the deaths confirmed yesterday involved a person in their 60s in the Edmundston region and a person in their 40s in the Fredericton area. That brings the total number of deaths in the province to 59 since the beginning of the pandemic. The province now has a total of 690 active cases of novel coronavirus. (The Canadian Press)
Pictou County wins Most Active County Award
Pictou County has won the Heartland Tour’s Most Active County Award. The recognition will be formally marked with a presentation tomorrow (Saturday) to the Pictou County Trails Association by the President of the Heartland Tour. The presentation also includes an award of $2,500. The Heartland Tour is a province-wide public awareness initiative of the Cardiac Cycling Society of Nova Scotia. It encourages Nova Scotians to become more physically active in their daily lives.
Event celebrating National Seniors Day planned for this afternoon
Photo of Jon Hutt who’s helping with the event (submitted)
A local program that aims to tap the knowledge of seniors to help people and communities grow and thrive is celebrating National Seniors Day today with an event designed to help retirees become more tech-savvy with help from local youth. The Mentoring Plus Strategy is hosting the free “Tech Tips for Seniors 55+” event at Truro Fire Hall from 1 till 5 – drop ins are welcome – refreshments will be served along with free support for seniors with their smart phones, tablets, and computers.
Local sports note:
The Pictou County Weeks Junior A Crushers lost in their Season Home Opener last night. The South Shore Lumberjacks defeated the Crushers 4-2 .
