FUEL PRICES UP IN NEW BRUNSWICK
Fuel prices are up in New Brunswick this morning. Regular self-serve is up by three tenths of a cent ($1.05 per litre). Diesel increased by one tenth of a cent ($1.132). Nova Scotia has generally been following suit the past few weeks. Our fuel prices will be set at midnight tonight.
‘EMOTIONAL TRAUMA OF 2020 TOOK A TOLL’: MCNEIL
Like all Canadian leaders, Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil had the difficult job in 2020 of balancing public health and the economy during the COVID-19 pandemic. But that task was compounded by a series of public tragedies, including the worst mass shooting in Canadian history that claimed the lives of 22 Nova Scotians in mid-April. In a year-end interview with The Canadian Press, McNeil says the emotional trauma of 2020 took its toll on the public and on him. McNeil says that at some points during the year, the horrible string of events proved simply overwhelming. Still, the premier says he believes positive signs have emerged from the way the people rallied in the face of so much tragedy. McNeil, who retires from politics in February, says that renewed spirit has helped position the province to emerge from the pandemic in “better shape than most.” (The Canadian Press)
N.S. REPORTS 3 NEW CASES OF COVID-19, 25 ACTIVE CASES
The province is reporting three new cases of COVID-19 in its latest update. All of the new cases were in the Halifax area and involved close contacts of previously reported cases. Health officials said two of the cases were connected with two schools in Dartmouth, which have been closed for the holiday break and are scheduled to be cleaned before staff return on Monday. Officials said contact tracing for all three cases was underway. Nova Scotia now has 25 active reported cases of COVID-19 with one person currently in hospital.
Nova Scotia Health Public Health is adding to its list of potential exposure to COVID-19 at four locations in the Central Zone. A full list is available here: nshealth.ca/covid-exposures
The federal government says it plans to require air travellers to test negative for COVID-19 before landing in Canada in response to concerns that people vacationing abroad could bring the novel coronavirus home with them. Cabinet ministers met yesterday morning following criticism from the premiers of Canada’s two largest provinces that federal efforts at the border were too loose and allowing new cases and strains of the virus to enter the country. (The Canadian Press)
MOST POPULAR BABY NAMES IN NOVA SCOTIA ANNOUNCED
Picture shared with us from Trevor of his daughter Elliana Faith Crossley, born September 28th, 2020
The most popular baby names in Nova Scotia have been announced for 2020. According to the province’s Registry of Vital Statistics, Oliver tops the list this year – followed by Olivia, Benjamin, William, Jack, Charlotte, Levi, Noah, Ivy and Ava. The most popular names usually remain consistent over the years. There are a few new names gaining popularity such as Luke, Evelyn and Thomas, with some old favourites coming back like Henry and Nora.
Two Nova Scotians have been named to the Order of Canada. Barbara Butler of Mahone Bay was announced as one of the new members for her contributions to the musical landscape in the province. Most notably, her work in bringing concerts to all areas of the province. Former Acadia University president Ray Ivany has also been named for his commitment to public service and higher education in Nova Scotia. He’s also the chair of the economic commission that penned the Ivany Report. Governor General Julie Payette announced the appointments yesterday, which includes 12 Officers, 39 Members and two people who are being promoted within the Order.
