Northern Pulp appeals environmental assessment terms of reference, seeks judicial review
Photo: Stingray News
Another development regarding the Northern Pulp Mill as Northern Pulp has filed an appeal with Nova Scotia’s Environment Minister over the environmental assessment terms of reference, and is seeking a judicial review in Nova Scotia Supreme Court regarding its proposal for a new effluent treatment facility. Officials with Northern Pulp filed a formal appeal Tuesday to Nova Scotia Environment Minister Tim Halman, as well as an application for judicial review in Nova Scotia Supreme Court, related to its proposal for a new effluent treatment facility. In an email, a spokesperson for the company said the decision to file for a judicial review at the same time it’s asking the minister to review the terms of reference is based on taking “every available step” to “revise the terms of reference, so they are realistic, clear and better defined.” In a letter to Halman dated April 12, 2022, a company official writes that they want some provisions in the terms of reference removed or revised on the basis that they “impose conditions that are impossible to meet;” are “too indefinite, vague or uncertain;” and/or are “unrealistic and otherwise unreasonable.” A spokesperson for the provincial government said Halman would not comment because he “must maintain the integrity and impartiality” of his role as the province’s independent regulator. (With files from CBC)
Head of N.S. Health’s central zone microbiology lab fears new normal of staff absences if COVID not controlled
Appearing before the Nova Scotia legislature’s health committee on Tuesday, the head of Nova Scotia Health’s central zone microbiology lab voiced concerns as almost 600 health care workers with the health authority are off the job for COVID-19 related reasons. Dr. Todd Hatchette says having hundreds of health-care workers off the job due to COVID-19 could become the new normal if the current outbreak isn’t brought under control. (With files and photo from CBC)
Public Health Mobile Units will be offering testing in Scotsburn, at the Fire Hall today (Wednesday, April 13) from 1 – 5 p.m. The Mobile Units conduct on-site PCR testing by appointment, including to confirm positive rapid test results. Drop-in PCRs are offered based on capacity. Community members can also access take-home rapid test kits with or without an appointment, while supplies last. If you require a PCR or rapid test because you are a household close contact or are experiencing symptoms, you are encouraged to book an appointment to ensure the type of test you need will be available To book an appointment, please complete the online assessment. Those who do not have access to the internet can book an appointment by calling 811.
A man has died and another has life-threatening injuries after being swept into the water off Peggys Cove
RCMP say a man who was killed and another who was seriously injured Monday night at Peggy’s Cove were swept off the rocks by a wave. The Mounties say a 26-year-old man from Ontario was rescued near the shore and taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries. They say a 23-year-old man from Dartmouth was later found in the ocean and pulled onto a Coast Guard ship but was pronounced dead on arrival at C-F-B Shearwater. Police confirm they are brothers.
Health advocates call for publicly funded birth control in Nova Scotia
Martha Paynter, a Halifax-area nurse and advocate for women’s health, is seen at Dalhousie University in Halifax on Monday, Jan. 22, 2018. Health advocates are calling for universal contraceptive coverage in Nova Scotia. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Andrew Vaughan)
Health advocates are calling for universal contraceptive coverage in Nova Scotia. Martha Paynter, a nurse and chair of a health equity advocacy group, told the legislature’s health committee yesterday that a significant barrier to reproductive health is the cost of birth control. Paynter says providing free contraceptives would reduce government costs and improve overall population health. Health Minister Michelle Thompson says the government is “open” to the idea of funded birth control, but she needs to review more information on the topic.
Federal Finance minister highlights medical student loan forgiveness in Halifax
Federal Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland says a measure in last week’s budget will help reduce the number of people on the Nova Scotia wait list for a family doctor. Freeland used a stop at Dalhousie University’s medical school to highlight the 26.2-million-dollar measure over four years that forgives student loans for doctors and nurses who chose to work in underserved areas. She says the program is aimed at addressing the shortage of heath-care professionals in rural and remote communities. A record 88-thousand-300 Nova Scotians are registered on the list for primary care — a number that is up about three per cent from March. (The Canadian Press)
Multiple-property holders own upwards of 41% of housing in some provinces: StatCan
New data from Statistics Canada shows multiple-property owners make up a fifth of all property owners in Nova Scotia — but hold about 40 per cent of all housing stock. The data from the Canadian Housing Statistics Program includes both residential and recreational holdings in 2019 and 2020. It shows multiple-property owners made up 22 per cent of all owners in Nova Scotia and owned 41 per cent of housing stock. The data also shows that the number of first-time home buyers increased by nine per cent in Nova Scotia between 2018 and 2019. (The Canadian Press)
Provinces contribute cash to keep rural Maritime Bus routes in service
Photo credit: Maritime Bus/Facebook
The three Maritime provinces are providing more than 900-thousand dollars in financial aid for the interprovincial bus service linking Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and PEI. The Nova Scotia government says it has allocated more than 400-thousand dollars to Maritime Bus to maintain operations throughout the region. The provinces say the support will help the company cover its losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic, maintain rural and northern routes, and respond to increased demand as tourism begins to rebound.
THE SHEPHERD’S LUNCH ROOM REOPENS THIS THURSDAY
The Shepherd’s Lunch Room hours of operation will be each Thursday from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm starting Thursday April 14, 2022 in Trinity United Church Hall.
The Shepherd’s Lunch Room is reopening after having to be closed for two years due to COVID-19. There will be a modified reopening with it open just one day a week for the time being. The Shepherd’s Lunch Room hours of operation will be each Thursday from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm starting tomorrow in Trinity United Church Hall. This is a community based program which serves a hot meal to anyone in need, free of charge.
New funding for the Eskasoni Crisis and Referral Centre will support mental health and addictions related services for Eskasoni First Nation and Mi’kmaw people across the province. The government is providing a one-time investment of $350,000 to the centre, which provides 24-hour crisis intervention and referral services – in both Mi’kmaw and English – over the phone, online and in person to people living in Mi’kmaw communities.
Installation is to begin in August on a new ice plant for the Hector Rink in Pictou. The Municipality of Pictou County and Town of Pictou are each to provide $35,000 in funding in each of 2022 and 2023. The rink is also getting $150,000 from the province’s rink revitalization fund and $25,000 from the New Horizon’s Club in Pictou.
