Rowdy homecoming party at Acadia University results in arrests, charges: Police
Photo credit: Global News
Police in Wolfville were called in to deal with a large, rowdy party Saturday near Acadia University during homecoming celebrations. They confirm that arrests were made and fines were handed to students who gathered by the hundreds on the town’s streets and in backyards. R-C-M-P Sergeant Andrew Joyce says some partygoers were ticketed for carrying open liquor and for violating orders prohibiting informal outdoor gatherings where more than 50 people assemble without wearing masks or physical distancing. Acadia University issued a statement yesterday saying it was “deeply disappointed” in the conduct of students who “gathered noisily” and damaged property.
N.S. looking to create 9,500 new child care spaces
The Nova Scotia Government says it’s taking the next step toward affordable, accessible, high-quality and inclusive child care for all Nova Scotia families. On Friday, the Province released expressions of intent to Nova Scotia’s not-for-profit child-care operators and those delivering the Nova Scotia Before and After Program. The Province is asking them to indicate their interest in expanding as it aims to create 9,500 new spaces for children under six, with a priority on communities where specific services are most needed. The step comes as Nova Scotia moves to a 50 per cent reduction in child-care fees by the end of 2022 and a further reduction to $10 a day by March 31, 2026.
Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston says his government will unveil its plan to deal with the province’s housing crisis later this week. Houston made the announcement in the legislature on Friday. Last week, the Progressive Conservative government came under fire from both opposition parties for failing to deliver an affordable housing plan. The shortage of affordable housing was a major issue during the recent provincial election campaign.
New Brunswick announces 3 deaths, 58 new cases on Sunday
Health officials in New Brunswick reported 58 new cases of COVID-19 on Sunday, and three additional deaths linked to the virus. Two of those who died were in their 40s, and the third victim was in their 80s; all three lived in the Campbellton area of northern New Brunswick. The province’s death toll linked to the pandemic reached 90 on Sunday, prompting Premier Blaine Higgs to offer his condolences to the grieving families. Meanwhile, health officials confirmed there were 57 people recovering in hospital, with 18 in an intensive care unit. All those receiving intensive care were unvaccinated. (The Canadian Press)
Nova Scotia to cover the cost of cystic fibrosis drug Trikafta
Nova Scotia’s health minister says the government will cover the cost of the cystic fibrosis drug Trikafta. Michelle Thompson says she expects the drug to be on the provincial formulary by the end of November. Thompson, who announced the decision in the legislature on Thursday, says the current list price for a 28-day supply of Trikafta is about $23,000. Last month, Ontario, Alberta and Saskatchewan announced they would pay for the drug, which costs roughly $300,000 a year per patient at its list price under those provinces’ publicly funded drug programs. Cystic Fibrosis Canada has called Trikafta the “biggest innovation in cystic fibrosis treatment,” and the group has noted that research indicates the drug could be effective in 90 per cent of patients. Nova Scotia’s decision affects more than 180 patients in that province, while Cystic Fibrosis Canada estimates about 4,300 Canadians have the disease. (The Canadian Press)
Local sports note:
In U18 AAA Female action, the Northern Subway Selects beat the Busses Auto Penguins 4-1 on Sunday in Dartmouth.
