N.S. Tories discuss buy local rebate program, NDP talk rent control, Liberals promise to remove tolls from the Cobequid Pass
Progressive Conservative Leader Tim Houston has announced ‘Nova Scotia Loyal,’ a program that would reward shoppers with cash back for buying participating local products. Nova Scotia Loyal would offer 10 percent off the before-tax amount paid on local food products and 3 percent from local non-food items. Nova Scotia Loyal points would be earned on purchases of products with the ‘Nova Scotia Loyal’ label. The points would be redeemable as dollars at partner stores or towards government services.
The Nova Scotia N-D-P says its position on rent control distinguishes the party from the Tories and Liberals in the province’s 41st election. Leader Gary Burrill vowed yesterday his party would continue rent control after the pandemic ends, with both his opponents saying they don’t believe the controls help solve the housing crisis. Burrill says last year Halifax had the worst vacancy rate of any major city in Canada: 1.7 per cent compared to 3.4 per cent in Toronto or 3.3 per cent in Montreal. The party says the housing shortage is also getting worse in rural communities, leaving people at risk of homelessness.
Nova Scotia Liberal Leader Iain Rankin ran into hecklers on the election campaign trail as he promised to cut tolls on the Trans-Canada Highway leading to New Brunswick. If re-elected, he says the Liberals will drop fees for non-commercial vehicles from Nova Scotia on a 45-kilometre section of Highway 104 and build rest stations and maintenance facilities on both sides at the midpoint. During the announcement, protesters heckled Rankin about the public health orders restricting travel to New Brunswick during earlier stages of the pandemic. (The Canadian Press)
Nova Scotians are being encouraged to watch their mailboxes for a flyer from Elections Nova Scotia with information on how to vote safely in the August provincial election. The household flyer is part of a public awareness campaign to help voters understand their voting options. Voters can choose to apply to vote from by mail using a write-in ballot. Details on that option is available online at electionsnovascotia.ca or at local returning offices.
Nursing Homes of Nova Scotia Association Launches Communications Plan During Provincial Election
The Nursing Homes of Nova Scotia Association is set to launch a provincial communications campaign — a campaign that calls upon political candidates from all parties to address the critical issues facing long term care in Nova Scotia. The “It’s Our Turn” campaign calls for the establishment of a ministerial portfolio for Continuing Care that will prioritize the sector; draw attention to and clarify the investments needed to modernize and update nursing homes; and seeks support to ensure a robust, viable workforce.
Nova Scotia Health says all four drive-thru vaccine clinics are now offering drop-in appointments
Nova Scotia Health says all four drive-thru vaccine clinics – Dartmouth, New Glasgow, Truro and Wolfville – are now offering drop-in appointments with Moderna. Anyone 18+ can drop in to a drive-thru and receive their first or second dose. You must have had your first dose at least 28 days ago to be eligible for your second dose. Moderna is interchangeable with Pfizer – they are both mRNA vaccines.
A second case of COVID-19 has been identified aboard a Royal Canadian Navy frigate that docked in Halifax Monday after returning from a six-month deployment on the Mediterranean Sea. The Royal Canadian Navy says the second infection on the HMCS Halifax is the only other case identified, adding that the remaining crew of more than 237 people have tested negative and are being sent home. They will be required to isolate for a minimum of seven days and will need to be tested two more times. The two crew members who tested positive will remain in isolation for the next two weeks at military accommodations. Royal Canadian Navy spokesman Mark Gough says all of the crew had been double vaccinated more than two weeks before the infections occurred. The HMCS Halifax departed the city in January to participate in NATO’s Operation Reassurance, and Gough says it’s possible the infections occurred during recent shore leave in Reykjavik, Iceland. (The Canadian Press)
Trenton Parks & Recreation Dept. to manage Trenton Minor Sports Community Centre
Following the town of Trenton’s recent announcement that Darryl Marcott was appointed the new Superintendent of the Public Works Department -his previous role as Rink Manager at the Trenton Minor Sports Community Centre has now been filled. Trenton Parks and Recreation will take control of the Centre, effective immediately, with Director Craig Murray assuming the increased responsibility of Rink Manager. Craig and his staff have relocated to the rink office (75 Park Road) as revitalization construction began at the Trenton Park office (119 Park Road) last week and is expected to continue through late fall.
Accessible wheelchairs are now available at both Melmerby Beach and Caribou Provincial Park this summer.
The equipment can be reserved by contacting the Department of Lands and Forestry or by visiting the provincial park website.
