Over 10,000 Air Canada flight attendants could go on strike as early as August 16th, after a strike vote saw nearly 100% support from union members. The Canadian Union of Public Employees says the result reflects deep frustration after months of stalled contract talks. The union says flight attendants are often expected to do unpaid work, including safety checks and boarding procedures, and that wages haven’t kept pace with inflation. Air Canada says current agreements already cover duties on the ground. Talks are set to resume August 15th, one day before a strike could legally begin.
As hot, dry conditions continue across the province, the Houston government has announced a province-wide ban on the use of all fireworks. The ban will remain in place until October 15 or until conditions improve and the fine for violating the ban is $25,000. The move follows the government’s decision to restrict travel and activities in the woods to reduce the risk of wildfire. The restrictions have been met with mixed reactions from the public. Premier Tim Houston said yesterday that the restrictions were a difficult decision, and he asked Nova Scotians to understand the risk and work with his government to protect lives and property.
Agencies in Nova Scotia have issued 10 hefty fines—each worth over $28,000—for burn restriction violations so far this year. That’s more than $288,000 in total, as dry conditions continue to raise the risk of wildfires across the province.
Natural Resources Minister Tory Rushton says the fines come under the Forests Act, with new rules now also banning hiking, camping, fishing, and ATV use in wooded areas.
Officials say nearly 100 small wildfires have already been reported this season, and the risk remains high with no rain in the forecast for at least 10 days.
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Nova Scotia now has 53 confirmed measles cases, but Public Health says all patients are no longer contagious. One child remains in stable condition at the IWK in Halifax, the only person hospitalized so far. Officials say the cases are in the northern zone. Public Health continues urging people to check their vaccine records, especially those born between 1970 and 1996, who may only have received one dose. Case updates will now be reported weekly, with the next update coming August 11.
