Canada-U-S Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc and U-S Trade Representative Jamieson Greer are continuing negotiations, as the clock ticks down to a new round of American tariffs set to take effect.

U-S President Donald Trump has ordered 50 per cent levies on a range of Canadian goods starting on Wednesday.

Washington says the move is tied to Canadian trade measures, including provincial bans on U-S liquor.

The two held a virtual meeting Sunday that Canadian officials described as constructive.

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The Energy Minister, Pictou West MLA Marco MacLeod, is receiving criticism for a song he made a decade ago.  Adsum House, a Halifax shelter that primarily serves women, says it is –quote– “sickened” by the material.  The lyrics include several derogatory words towards women.  Several media outlets confirmed that MacLeod sang on a song released under the name of Meadowville called “George Jones.”  It has since been taken down from streaming services.

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Nova Scotia university teachers are raising concerns about the province taking greater control over which academic programs receive funding.   Legislation last year ties university funding to government social and economic priorities and requires schools to review their programs. The Association of Nova Scotia University Teachers fears programs such as arts, English and philosophy could face cuts or consolidation.  The province says the reviews — due in October — are meant to better align university programs with student demand and labour market needs.

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Researchers at St. FX are looking for ways to cut methane emissions from Nova Scotia’s largest landfills.  The province is giving the University more than 240-thousand dollars to measure emissions and find ways to capture the greenhouse gas.  Nova Scotia’s target it to reduce greenhouse gas levels 53 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030.  The province says it’s on track to meet its goal.