Prime Minister Mark Carney is pursuing a new form of economic partnership with the European Union that could expand co-operation beyond existing trade and strategic agreements.

Possible areas range from critical minerals, education and research, to artificial intelligence, energy and defence.

Carney has said Canada is not seeking E-U membership, but wants a unique alliance built around shared values and complementary strengths.

The push comes as Canada and Europe look to reduce vulnerability to U-S pressure while deepening economic and security ties further.

–

Statistics Canada says Canada’s annual rate of inflation was unchanged at three per cent in August as a slowdown in rising gas prices was offset by higher rent and travel tour costs.  The agency says gasoline costs continued to increase in August but at a slower pace.  Excluding gasoline, consumer prices rose 2.4 per cent last month.  Among the provinces, the Atlantic provinces had the highest rates of inflation in August, with price growth accelerating in Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador.  Nova Scotia’s inflation rate in August was 5.1 percent.  Prices for fuel oil and other fuels rose at a faster pace in August compared with July, putting upward pressure on prices in Nova Scotia.

–

Up to 100 library workers and stakeholders will gather at the deCoste Culture Hub in Pictou this weekend.  They will  explore emerging trends in library services, share innovative approaches, and celebrate the vital role libraries play in the health and well-being of communities across the province.

The Nova Scotia Library Association conference will take place in the new facility shared by the Murray Family Public Library and the deCoste Performing Arts Centre, providing a fitting setting for this year’s theme: Making Connections.

Conference sessions will address a range of issues facing libraries and the communities they serve, including “Public Libraries and Population Health;” artificial intelligence and the role libraries can play in helping the public understand and navigate the rapidly changing technology.

–

A Mi’kmaq organization has unveiled a new poster to celebrate Mi’kmaq Heritage Month, which starts October 1st.  The Mi’kmaq Rights Initiative says the poster, titled “We Are Healing,” celebrates lifelong healing journeys.  The group says this year’s theme comes from teachings shared by the late Elder Murdena Marshall, who said healing is a journey that people live every day.  The full-colour posters are being distributed this week to schools and communities across Nova Scotia.