Environment Canada is advising that Tropical storm Henri is expected to be felt by all of Nova Scotia early next week. The Canadian Hurricane Centre says the storm is expected to develop into a hurricane on Sunday as it moves northward, but “multiple scenarios are possible,” including staying offshore. The impact may only be moderate, but it will become clearer as this week draws to a close.
Lieutenant-Governor Commissions Premier-Designate to Form New Government
Photo credit: Communications Nova Scotia
The Lieutenant Governor met with Progressive Conservative leader Tim Houston Thursday to formally ask him to form a new government. Houston’s meeting with Arthur J. LeBlanc came two days after his party won a majority in Nova Scotia’s provincial election. The pair discussed transition arrangements a day after Liberal Premier Iain Rankin met with LeBlanc to formally provide notice of his intention to resign. The lieutenant-governor says that a swearing-in ceremony for the new premier and cabinet will be held in the coming weeks — but a date has not yet been announced.
Nova Scotia reports 8 new COVID-19 cases on Thursday
Nova Scotia reported eight new cases of COVID-19 on Thursday and one recovery. Six of the new cases were identified in the central health zone. Five of those are related to travel and one remains under investigation. One of the new cases is in the northern zone and is related to travel. Another is in the eastern health zone and the individual is a close contact of a previously reported case. There are now 32 known active cases in the province. One person is in hospital, in intensive care. As of Thursday, 77.2 per cent of Nova Scotians had received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, while 68.8 per cent had two doses.
Nova Scotia Health Public Health is advising of a potential exposures to COVID-19 at locations in Northern and Central Zones, one Air Canada flight and three WestJet flights. Also, there is a correction for an exposure notification issued on August 18 that was originally classified as moderate risk and has since been determined to be low risk. All potential exposure notifications are listed here: http://www.nshealth.ca/covid-exposures
A majority of Canadians support a system that would require proof of vaccination to access some non-essential services, a new poll suggests as the fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic takes hold. Seventy-six per cent of respondents to the survey by Leger and the Association for Canadian Studies said they would strongly or somewhat support a vaccine passport like the one Quebec is implementing. Quebecers are even more supportive of the measure, with 81 per cent saying they are in favour of the plan, which will apply in places like bars, concerts and festivals where there are lots of people in a confined space. (The Canadian Press)
Halifax police charge 24 people following Wednesday’s housing protests
Photo credit: The Canadian Press
Police in Halifax say they arrested 24 people after a protest broke out following a police operation to remove encampments across the city. Chief Dan Kinsella says those arrested were charged with offences including resisting arrest, mischief, obstruction and assaulting officers. He says the operation was organized after police received several complaints of theft, indecent acts and domestic disputes from residents who live near the encampments. Kinsella says the situation escalated after a protester was taken away by police, which led to officers spraying people in the face with irritants and protesters using projectiles.
Fuel prices in N.S. take a dip
A drop in gasoline and diesel prices today. Gasoline prices are down 2.8 cents per litre and diesel prices dropped overnight by 1 cent per litre. So, locally, regular self serve gasoline costs you 132.9 cents per litre and diesel costs you 121.9 cents per litre.
Applications open for CAS Funding
The Aberdeen Health Foundation is now accepting applications for the Children’s Aid Society (CAS) Endowment. Applications will remain open through December 31st or until funds are expended. Funding is open to charitable and public organizations to deliver programs that promote healthy child development and those working to address health inequities experienced by children and youth in Pictou County. Programs must target specific physical or mental health outcomes. The fund also supports organizations looking to build capacity in the area of healthy child development through training in best practices and evidence based intervention for staff and volunteers. Approximately $60,000 in total is available, historically shared between several projects.
4th Annual Ride the River coming up Saturday
The 4th annual Ride The River is set for tomorrow (Saturday, August 21st). The event is a 7.5 km round trip from Rotary Park to Blueberry Island, via the river. Once participants get to Blueberry Island they will be able to enjoy a brunch, which includes blueberry pancakes. Registration is $15 and people can bring any non-motorized watercraft, whether it be a canoe, kayak or paddleboard. People can register online at raceroster.com and the morning of, there will be on-site registration at Rotary Park. Organizers say the event is a way to bring awareness to the fun that can be had on the East River, a portion of the funds will also help to improve Blueberry Island.
