Nova Scotia to mark two years since mass shooting tragedy with moments of silence
The Nova Scotia government is asking the public to “come together” for moments of silence to remember those who lost their lives in the province two years ago. It is asking for the observances to take place at noon today – April 18 and on April 19 — the dates in 2020 during which the worst mass shooting in modern Canadian history occurred. Premier Tim Houston says the flags at Province House will be lowered to half-mast from sunrise today to sunset tomorrow, on April 19 and so will the flags at all provincial government buildings. He says citizens, businesses and community organizations that fly flags in the province will also be encouraged to lower them to half-mast on the two dates. The premier says legislation will be introduced this fall to establish the dates as provincial days of remembrance, after consulting with the victims’ families to ensure those who died are honoured appropriately. 94.1 The Breeze and Q979 will be observing 2 minutes of silence at noon today to honour the victims.
Remembering and reflecting on the events of 2020 may impact Nova Scotians in different ways. People in need of emotional support can call 211 to reach a community resource navigator who can connect them with help. Anyone experiencing a mental health crisis can call the Provincial Mental Health and Addictions Crisis Line any time at 1-888-429-8167. Information on mental health services and support can also be found online at: https://novascotia.ca/mental-health-and-wellbeing/
Local councillor pleads not guilty to 24 violations of the Municipal Elections Act
A Pictou County councillor has pleaded not guilty to 24 violations of the Municipal Elections Act. A 10-day trial for Peter Boyles was set on Thursday for September of next year in Pictou provincial court. Boyles was charged in August 2021 after a lengthy investigation by New Glasgow Regional Police into alleged misconduct during the 2020 municipal election. The offences are alleged to have happened in the Trenton election in which his half-brother Don Hussher was running for mayor. Hussher won by a margin of 62 votes. The trial is scheduled to begin on Sept. 6th, 2023.
Supreme Court of Canada rejects Nova Scotia’s appeal of lower court disabilities case
The Supreme Court of Canada will not hear the Nova Scotia government’s appeal of a lower court decision that found people with disabilities who had sought improved services and housing in the community faced discrimination. As is customary, the court did not give reasons for the decision announced on Thursday. A ruling last October by the Nova Scotia Court of Appeal said the province’s failure to offer “meaningful” access to housing care for people with disabilities amounted to a violation of their basic rights. A day after that ruling, Premier Tim Houston said his government heard the court’s message and he pledged to work with the disabilities community. Houston also added that he didn’t believe citizens should have to take the government to court to make it “do the right thing.” However, the province announced in December that it would appeal the ruling, saying it raised several questions, including the impact on social programs. (The Canadian Press)
New Glasgow’s Kori Cheverie set to become first Canadian woman to coach a Canadian men’s national hockey team
New Glasgow’s Kori Cheverie is set to become the first Canadian woman to coach a Canadian men’s national hockey team. Hockey Canada recently announced its coaching staff for the men’s under-18 team set to play in the world championship and Cheverie was named an assistant coach. The team is preparing for its tournament opener against the U.S. on April 23. Her past coaching roles have included working as an assistant with the Ryerson University men’s team for five years, and helping the Canadian women win gold at the most recent Olympics.
Local Sports:
The Pictou County Crushers topped the TASA Ducks 3-2 on Sunday in the gold medal game to win the Minor U13 AAA provincial championship.
