Man charged in Truro murder has bail hearing set in video appearance

A 20-year-old man charged with second-degree murder in the death of Prabhjot Singh Katri had two court dates set Monday during a brief hearing in Truro.  Cameron James Prosper of Pictou Landing First Nation appeared by video link from a provincial jail and will next appear for a bail hearing today (Tuesday), while his hearing to enter a plea was set for Wednesday in Truro provincial court. Police have also laid charges against 21-year-old Dylan Robert MacDonald of Valley, Nova Scotia for being an accessory after the fact to murder, dangerous driving and fleeing police in a vehicle. MacDonald’s bail hearing has also been set for today (Tuesday).  Truro police have issued a warrant for the arrest of 22-year-old Marcus Denny of Pictou Landing First Nation, who is charged with being an accessory after the fact to murder, and police say they anticipate further charges as the investigation continues.

 

PM to reveal new cabinet line-up for swift action on Liberal priorities

Photo credit: Sean Kilpatrick/ The Canadian Press

Justin Trudeau is poised to conduct a major overhaul of his cabinet today.  The prime minister is expected to drop Foreign Affairs Minister Marc Garneau.  It’s believed Trudeau will move Environment Minister Jonathan Wilkinson to natural resources, with a new focus on clean tech.  Heritage Minister Steven Guilbeault, a respected environmentalist, could be switched to the environment portfolio.  Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan is likely to be moved — but not turfed — from cabinet.  There is speculation that Central Nova MP  Sean Fraser, who has been in the House of Commons since 2015, will be named to a cabinet post today. (With files from the Canadian Press)

 

N.S. reports 57 new COVID-19 cases, 1 death over the weekend

The province reported 57 new cases of COVID-19 and one death over the weekend, bringing the active caseload to 152.  The new cases include 29 in the central zone, 17 in the northern zone, 10 in the western zone and one in the eastern zone.  Nova Scotia now has 152 active cases of COVID-19. Of those, 11 people are in hospital, including two in ICU.  As of Monday, 77.8 per cent of Nova Scotians had been fully vaccinated.

Pfizer vaccines will be available during a drop-in clinic in Merigomish tomorrow (Wednesday, Oct. 27). The Nova Scotia Health Authority says the clinic is open to anyone aged 12 or older for their first or second dose.  The clinic will run from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Merigomish School House Community Hall, 1682 Shore Rd. For a list of other drop-in vaccine clinics available across the province, visit https://www.nshealth.ca/drop-in-vaccine-clinics

 

Special Olympics Pictou Regional Open House and Information Session set for Wednesday

Photo: www.specialolympicsns.ca

Special Olympics Nova Scotia and Special Olympics Pictou will be hosting a Special Olympics Regional Open House Meeting and Information Session on Wednesday night from 6:30pm to 8:00pm at Summer Street. The goal is to help support the growth and development of Special Olympics in the Pictou and surrounding area. Special Olympics Nova Scotia representative Matt Quinn, the Director of Sport and Programs, will be leading the session.

 

Aberdeen Health Foundation still accepting applications for the Children’s Aid Society (CAS) Endowment

Photo: The CAS Endowment is supporting a number of innovative programs, including Roots for Youth, “Riding for Wellness.” The program offers horseback riding lessons to young people, providing physical and mental health benefits that also improve quality of life. (submitted)

The Aberdeen Health Foundation says it’s still accepting applications for the Children’s Aid Society (CAS) Endowment. In order to have your application approved for funding this year, it must be received no later than November 10, 2021. Funding is open to charitable and public organizations to deliver programs that promote healthy child development and those working to address health inequities experienced by children and youth in Pictou County. Programs must target specific physical or mental health outcomes. The fund also supports organizations seeking to build capacity in the area of healthy child development through training in best practices and evidence based intervention for staff and volunteers.  Approximately $60,000 in total is available, historically shared between several projects.  Information on project eligibility and application forms can be found at: aberdeenhealthfoundation.ca/CAS-endowment

 

Inverness County Non-Profit Donates 50th Tree for Boston

Photo credit: Communications Nova Scotia

The Tree for Boston, a deeply rooted tradition in Nova Scotia for the last 50 years, is making its trek from Inverness County this year.  The 60-year-old, 48-foot white spruce was donated by a non-profit organization that creates safe, supportive homes and meaningful work for people with disabilities.  “The Tree for Boston is seen as a symbol of appreciation, friendship and unity for 50 years in recognition of the kindness the people of Boston showed Nova Scotia following the tragedy of the Halifax Explosion.  The tree-cutting ceremony will be held on November 10 in Orangedale, Inverness County.