Northern Pulp has received a 10th extension of its creditor protection until November 30th from a BC court. 

The mediation process is nearing its conclusion, and all legal challenges and proceedings have been paused during this time. 

Northern Pulp was forced to close in January 2020 after failing to secure environmental approval for a new effluent treatment facility. 

The company is currently in non-binding mediation with the Nova Scotia government over the shutdown. 

Northern Pulp has sued the province for up to $450 million due to the government-ordered shutdown of its effluent treatment facility at Boat Harbour, which occurred 10 years before its lease for the site expired. 

The company has also applied for a judicial review of the terms set by the Nova Scotia Environment Department for the work required to overhaul and restart the mill. 

 

 

A report commissioned by the provincial government recommends the creation of a residential tenancy compliance and enforcement unit to address concerns from tenants and landlords about the slow response and difficulty in enforcing the Residential Tenancies Act. 

The report, which has not been released by the government, suggests the new unit should be operational by March 2024. 

The unit would report to the director of residential tenancies within Service Nova Scotia and focus on deterrence and early resolution of complaints. 

The implementation of new technology would streamline processes and ensure timely resolution of residential tenancy disputes.

The report also highlights the overdue release of the government’s housing strategy and a separate strategy on student housing. 

The housing needs assessment, which is supposed to provide a detailed look at the housing crisis in Nova Scotia, was also supposed to be delivered to the government last year.

The government has not yet indicated whether it plans to act on the report’s recommendations or introduce legislation in the upcoming fall sitting of the legislature.

 

 

Nova Scotia Health’s Mental Health and Addictions Program, in collaboration with the Office of Addictions and Mental Health, the Department of Advanced Education, and IWK Health, has renewed its contract with Togetherall, an online mental health support platform. 

The platform, which has been accessed by over 18,000 Nova Scotians aged 16 and above since its launch in April 2022, offers a safe and anonymous online community moderated by licensed clinicians, available 24/7. 

It provides resources such as wellness courses and allows members to share their experiences and support others. 

The service is free and can be accessed by entering a postal code or using a student email address.

 

 

Yesterday MP for Central Nova and Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Sean Fraser, announced a non-repayable contribution of $2.2 million to the Ship Hector Society. 

The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA. 

This contribution will help the Society enhance the visitor experience at the Hector Heritage Quay. 

Major upgrades at the interpretive centre will include new roofing, windows, doors, and the installation of solar panels which will enable the site to be carbon neutral. 

The society is also in the process of restoring the Ship Hector replica with a new exterior, sails, rigging and fiberglass body to make it more long lasting and weather resistant.

All educational elements in the centre and on the ship will be updated as well. 

The site attracts over 12,000 visitors annually, about 40 percent of whom are international tourists.