There is a rainfall warning in effect for today. Rain at times heavy giving amounts of 10 to 20 mm are expected. Some areas could see 30mm or more in the province. Windy as well with gusts to 50kh.
You’re paying less for gasoline and diesel today as the calendar change to April 1st saw the consumer carbon tax removed from fuel prices as new Prime Minister Mark Carney signed an order last month eliminating the consumer carbon tax. Take note that the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board says a relief mechanism is being implemented for retailers who have paid the carbon tax on inventory remaining in their tanks as they can’t recover those costs with the removal of the federal fuel charge. The pump price for regular gasoline in Nova Scotia is down 13.5 cents per litre, 14.3 cents per litre for premium gasoline, and 16.8 cents per litre for diesel. The minimum pump price for regular self-serve gasoline is now 147.7 cents per litre in the local area. The minimum pump price for diesel is 162.3 cents per litre locally.
The Province’s minimum wage is going up by 50 cents an hour as of today.
The move increases the rate to 15 dollars and 70 cents from 15 dollars and 20 cents an hour.
The increase is the first of two this year, with another 80-cent raise on October 1st to 16 dollars and 50 cents.
The government says the additional increase this year responds to concerns about the rising cost of living.
As of today, Nova Scotians are paying less for goods and services as the Province cuts its portion of the harmonized sales tax by one per cent, lowering the overall tax rate to 14 per cent.
The Province has also increased the basic personal amount that Nova Scotians can claim before paying taxes from $8,744 to $11,744, and implemented indexing of tax brackets and several non-refundable tax credits to help reduce the impact of inflation.
Meanwhile, the government is reducing the small business tax rate from 2.5 per cent to 1.5 per cent and increasing the small business income threshold from $500,000 to $700,000. Government says the changes will mean about $47-million in savings for 19,000 Nova Scotian businesses.
Colchester County District RCMP are trying to identify a suspect in an arson March 17th at a home on Bob Lee Drive in Bible Hill. The investigation into the fire has determined that shortly after 4:00am, a man carrying a bag approached the home on foot, entered the backyard and started a fire at the exterior of the home, before running from the home. The man was wearing a jacket, grey hooded sweatshirt with the hood up, sweatpants and running shoes.
Anyone who may be able to identify the man or who has information about the incident is asked to contact Colchester County District RCMP.
