The Bank of Canada is keeping its key interest rate at five per cent because higher interest rates are clearly restraining spending.

The central bank says the combination of weaker growth and a cooling job market suggests demand is no longer outpacing supply in the economy and that this slowdown is necessary to restore price stability.

However, the Bank of Canada isn’t ruling out future rate hikes just yet, saying it is still concerned about risks to the outlook for inflation and remains prepared to raise rates further if needed.

 

 

The Stellarton, Westville, and New Glasgow Regional Police Departments, Pictou County District RCMP, New Glasgow Fire Department and Trenton Fire Department will all partner with MADD Canada this holiday season to help keep impaired drivers off the roads.

Throughout the month of December, police will be setting up checkpoints targeting impaired drivers across Pictou County.

Pictou County’s Operation Christmas-Project Red Ribbon is an annual campaign aimed at reducing impaired driving and encouraging motorists to practice safe winter driving.

 

 

The province says it will open a new 96-bed long term care home to replace an existing residence in Tatamagouche.

The replacement of the Willow Lodge Home for Special Care will provide beds to 35 more seniors in the area, and will ensure all residents have a private room and bathroom.

The new care home is scheduled to be open in 2031.

 

 

Nova Scotia Health says more patients will see better communication around referrals with the addition of MRI and ultrasound tests to the e-referral system.

Patients who provide an email address receive automatic notifications when the referral is sent, when an appointment is booked and if the referral is updated.

The referring provider also receives the notifications. Officials say the system provides better tracking, review and co-ordination of referrals.

Patients still choose where they receive care and receive better information on the status of their referral.

Primary care providers have been sending surgical referrals electronically since March.

MRIs were added in September and ultrasound e-referrals begin this week.

 

 

A sports note, the Pictou County Weeks Crushers host the West Kent Steamers tonight in the Maritime Junior Hockey League.