Nova Scotia is reported three new cases of COVID-19 and seven recoveries yesterday. The three cases are in the Central Zone. Two are related to travel and one is a close contact of a previously reported case. As of today, Nova Scotia has 65 active cases of COVID-19. There are currently no hospitalizations.
Nova Scotia Public Health is advising of a potential exposure to COVID-19 on WestJet flight 254 travelling on August 29 from Toronto to Halifax. Anyone who was on that flight is required to follow isolation and testing instructions.
Premier Tim Houston and his 18 cabinet ministers were sworn into office yesterday during a ceremony in Halifax. The new cabinet of Progressive Conservative ministers includes seven women after Houston said last week he would address gender equality in the executive council. The premier will also serve as President of the Executive Council, the Minister of Trade and the Minister responsible for Intergovernmental Affairs and the Office of Regulatory Affairs and Service Effectiveness.
- Allan MacMaster will be the deputy premier and will also be the Minister of Finance and Treasury Board, the Minister of Gaelic Affairs and the Minister responsible for Labour Relations.
- Michelle Thompson will become the Minister of Health and Wellness. She will also oversee a newly created Office of Health Care Professionals Recruitment.
- Brian Comer assumes responsibility for the Office of Mental Health and Addictions. He’ll also be the Minister responsible for Youth and Communications Nova Scotia.
- Barbara Adams takes on the new Department of Seniors and Long-term Care.
- Karla MacFarlane is the new Minister of Community Services and Minister responsible for the Status of Women and the Office of L’nu Affairs.
- Jill Balser will be the Minister of Labour Skills and Immigration and have responsibility for Apprenticeship. Brian Wong will lead a separate Department of Advanced Education.
- Becky Druhan will be the Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development.
- Pat Dunn will return to cabinet as the Minister of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage, which assumes responsibility of Tourism Nova Scotia. He’ll also have responsibility for African Nova Scotian Affairs, the Office of Equity and Anti-Racism Initiatives and the Voluntary Sector.
- Susan Corkum-Greek will be the new Minister of Economic Development.
- Agriculture will be led by Greg Morrow. Steve Craig will be the new Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture.
- Brad Johns is the new Minister of Justice and Attorney General. He’s also responsible for Elections Nova Scotia, the Human Rights Commission and the Accessibility Act.
- John Lohr is the Minister for the Department of Municipal Affairs and Housing. He’ll also have responsibility for the Emergency Management Office and Military Relations.
- Kim Masland will lead the Department of Public Works, formerly Transportation and Active Transit.
- Tory Rushton becomes Minister of the Department of Natural Resources and Renewables, combining the former Departments of Lands and Forestry and Energy and Mines.
- Environment and Climate Change will be led by Tim Halman who has also been appointed Chair of Treasury Board.
- Colton LeBlanc takes on the Public Service Commission, Service Nova Scotia and Internal Services, and Acadian Affairs and Francophonie.
During the month of August, Pictou County District RCMP charged 7 drivers with operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol, two drivers with operating a vehicle while impaired by drug, and issued one roadside suspension. Additionally, 63 speeding violation tickets were issued and 18 warnings. The RCMP is committed to road safety and would like to remind residents of Pictou County that if you see someone on the road driving in a dangerous manner, please call 902-755-4141 or 911.
And Nova Scotia Music Week makes its return to Truro with an exciting lineup of emerging Nova Scotian talent November 4th – 7th live and in person. After Nova Scotia Music Week was cancelled in 2020 due to the pandemic, Music Nova Scotia is looking forward to bringing the town of Truro and surrounding areas a COVID-safe festival with something for everyone. Music Nova Scotia and Nova Scotia Music Week are adhering to the Provincial COVID-19 safety guidelines for Phase 5 and putting the safety of the public, artists, staff, and volunteers at the forefront of all decision making. A full COVID-19 safety plan will be available in the coming weeks. A full lineup and ticket details can be found here: https://www.nsmw.ca/artists
