A new report says average weekly earnings in Nova Scotia were effectively cut by five per cent over the past year as wages failed to keep up with soaring inflation.

The Nova Scotia branch of the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives says weekly earnings were up 4.1 per cent in June over the same month last year, while consumer prices rose at an annual rate of 9.3 per cent.

The report says half of Nova Scotia workers are earning less than necessary to meet their basic needs because their income is not keeping up with the sharp hike in the cost of living.

 

 

The inquiry into the 2020 mass shooting in Nova Scotia has heard from a former R-C-M-P assistant commissioner who says the force has a long history of ignoring calls for change.

Cal Corley says the federal police force has long resisted outside advice because of its deep-rooted paramilitary culture, a lack of diverse views and a dearth of what he called “transformational leadership.”

Corley cited a 2017 study that compiled a 41-page list of recommendations for change that he says were largely ignored.

He was among eight academics and bureaucrats who took part in a roundtable discussion that focused on community policing.

 

 

The RCMP is investigating a crash Wednesday morning on Hwy. 12 in Harriston that claimed two lives.  It happened at about 11:30 am as a vehicle left the roadway and came to rest in the ditch.  The driver, an 80-year-old Bridgewater man and the passenger, a 76-year-old Bridgewater woman, were pronounced dead at the scene.  A collision reconstructionist attended the scene and the investigation is ongoing.

 

 

R-C-M-P say the suspect in a series of deadly stabbings in Saskatchewan died shortly after he was taken into custody.

Police captured Myles Sanderson Wednesday afternoon after searching for him since Sunday.

Assistant Commissioner Rhonda Blackmore says Sanderson went into medical distress shortly after and died.

Police say Sanderson was stopped by police near the town of Rosthern after officers responded to a report of a stolen vehicle

being driven by a man armed with a knife.

 

 

As kids return to the classroom, Nova Scotia Liberals are calling on the province to establish a universal lunch program in schools.

The party says that a consistent lunch program is needed given that more than 100-thousand Nova Scotians are food insecure.

Feed Nova Scotia says the number of people in need of food has doubled in the last year and that most of its food bank clients are families with young children.

A breakfast program is offered in the majority of the province’s schools, but most do not provide lunches.

 

 

A road construction and traffic note — the Town of New Glasgow is advising that in preparation for paving, cold milling (planing) will take place today (Thursday) and Friday on:

Marsh St. – from Vale Rd. to East River Rd.

Westville Rd. – Outbound lane from Honda dealership to Canadian Tire entrance.

Archimedes St. – from George St. to North Provost.