A heads-up from the RCMP that the Explosives Disposal Unit will be conducting a training exercise today from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., on Elliot Street in Pictou.  Residents in the area may notice an increased police presence and noise during the training.  RCMP stress that there is no risk to the public as a result of the training.

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Over the Thanksgiving weekend, the Nova Scotia RCMP issued 670 summary offence tickets to aggressive drivers as part of Operation Impact — a national initiative focused on reducing serious injuries and fatalities on Canadian roads.  Throughout Operation Impact, Nova Scotia RCMP officers checked more than 89-hundred vehicles at 110 checkpoints across the province.  23 criminal charges related to impaired driving were laid, while 14 roadside suspensions related to impaired driving were levied.

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Sean Fraser, the Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Central Nova MP, has announced federal investments totalling more than $3.3 million to support Indigenous-led organizations and businesses in Nova Scotia. The contributions are to support a range of projects, including business financing and advisory services, research and strategic planning, tourism development, workforce initiatives and innovation in sectors such as fisheries, defence procurement, renewable energy and clean technology.

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Food bank use in Canada has reached a record as rising living costs strain household budgets.

Food Banks Canada’s latest HungerCount report says visits rose 8.7 per cent from last year to more than 2.3 million.

It says children account for nearly 776-thousand visits.

The organization estimates almost 10 million Canadians face food insecurity, while one in five food banks runs out of supplies before meeting demand.

Its chief executive says even employed Canadians are struggling to afford essentials and is calling for income supports and food bank investments.

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In sports,

In the Maritime Junior Hockey League, the Crushers host Edmundston tonight at 7:00pm.