Nova Scotians head to the polls today
Nova Scotians are heading to the polls today following a midsummer election campaign that was waged as the province started to emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic. The incumbent Liberals, led by 38-year-old Iain Rankin, tried to capitalize on post-pandemic optimism while preaching fiscal conservatism. His party, which he took over after replacing Stephen McNeil as leader in February, has been in power since 2013. The Progressive Conservatives, led by chartered accountant Tim Houston, tried to set themselves apart by unveiling a big-spending platform focused on improving the health-care system. The New Democrats, led by United Church minister Gary Burrill, campaigned on a traditionally progressive platform that called for a $15 minimum wage, 10 paid sick days for all workers and rent control. A total of 28 seats are needed to secure a majority in the province’s newly expanded 55-seat legislature. Voting for the 41st provincial general election is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Elections Nova Scotia said last night that 176,793 early votes were cast, the highest total yet for a Nova Scotia provincial election. (With files from the Canadian Press)
Local candidates:
| Pictou Centre | Dunn, Pat, PC Party |
| McKenna, Jim, Liberal | |
| Moore, Laura, Green Party | |
| Theriault, Vernon, NDP | |
| Pictou East | Dean, Jonathan Geoffrey, Atlantica |
| Houston, Tim, PC Party | |
| MacDonald, Joe, Liberal | |
| Polley, Joy, NDP | |
| Pictou West | Brett, Clare, Green Party |
| Clark, John A, Independent | |
| MacFarlane, Karla, PC Party | |
| Parker, Rick, NDP | |
| Wooldridge-Elliott, Mary, Libera |
N.S. reports 9 new cases of COVID-19 on Monday
Nova Scotia reported nine new cases of COVID-19 on Monday, most of which are connected to travel. Five new cases were identified in the central region of the province – three of them are travel related. One case in the central region is connected to a previously reported infection, and the other is under investigation. Two cases in the Eastern Zone and two cases in the Northern Zone are all travel related. Nova Scotia has 24 active COVID-19 infections and one person hospitalized in intensive care. Government data indicates 77 per cent of all Nova Scotians have received one dose of COVID-19 vaccine and more than 68 per cent are fully immunized against the novel coronavirus.
Nova Scotia Health Public Health is advising of a potential exposure to COVID-19 on one WestJet flight. All potential exposure notifications are listed here: http://www.nshealth.ca/covid-exposures.
New Glasgow Regional Police continue to investigate rash of vehicle vandalism-seeking info from the public
Photo: (Submitted by New Glasgow Regional Police)
New Glasgow Regional Police are investigating a rash of vandalism that saw vehicles damaged in the areas of Elm Street, Abercrombie Road, and Lavinia Street in New Glasgow. It happened sometime early Sunday morning. Police are investigating 14 complaints of vehicles being scratched, causing significant and costly damage. There was similar vandalism in June when 27 vehicles were damaged in a similar way. Police continue to investigate. If you have any information, please contact New Glasgow Regional Police at 902-752-1941. Should you wish to remain anonymous call Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers toll free at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submit a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca or use the P3 Tips App.
Liberals maintained healthy lead on eve of federal campaign, new survey suggests
Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau holds an election campaign event in Longueuil, Que., on Monday, Aug. 16, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick
New survey results suggest Justin Trudeau’s Liberals were clinging to a five-point lead on the eve of the federal election campaign. Thirty-five per cent of decided voters who took part expressed support for the Liberals, 30 per cent for the Conservatives and 20 per cent the NDP. Seven per cent would vote for the Bloc Québécois, which is fielding candidates only in Quebec, while five per cent supported the Greens and two per cent the People’s Party of Canada. The online survey of 2,007 Canadians, conducted Aug. 13 to 15 by Leger in collaboration with The Canadian Press, cannot be assigned a margin of error because internet-based polls are not considered truly random samples. Trudeau quickly framed the election that began Sunday as a referendum on the party most able to guide the country through the months and years after COVID-19 subsides. The 36-day campaign, the shortest allowed under the election law, concludes Sept. 20. (The Canadian Press)
Pictou County Transit – Service Interruption ***UPDATED***
After a brief interruption in service today, Pictou County Transit is back in service (as of 9:26am). Clients will soon be able to submit their phone number on the website – pctransit.ca and all updates will be sent direct to their phone. That will happen in the next month.
Pictou County Transit will not be operating today until 9:00am at the earliest. There is a maintenance issue that needs to be addressed and officials say there’s no backup bus is available at this time. Updates will be shared to their Facebook page.
Curbside Culture Week kicks off in New Glasgow
The Town of New Glasgow is having its second annual Curbside Culture Week through August 21st. Restaurants across town will be featuring dishes from around the world. There will also be lunchtime music in the parks throughout the week.
The performers and their locations are:
Tuesday at 12:00 in Carmichael Park – Mary Henderson
Wednesday at 12:00 in Rotary Park – Kate Addison
Thursday at 12:00 in Rotary Park – Caroline Boutler
Friday at 2:30 in Murdoch Park – Emily Langille
For more information on Curbside Culture Week e-mail marketing@newglasgow.ca
