Fuel prices soar after big increase Friday
There was a major jump at the pumps in Nova Scotia overnight. Gas is up 10.1 cents this morning to 167.7 cents per litre in the local area. Diesel increased 17.1 cents per litre overnight to 184.8 locally.
Lawyers resist calls for police officers to testify at Nova Scotia mass murder probe
The RCMP and a police union are resisting calls to have officers who responded to the worst mass shooting in Canadian history to be compelled to testify at a public inquiry. The National Police Federation argued Thursday that all the 18 officers who responded to the killings that left 22 people dead in April 2020 run the risk of being re-traumatized. A lawyer for the Attorney General of Canada, which represents the RCMP, says the families’ lawyers must realize the public inquiry is attempting a “brave new world.” However, lawyers representing the family say they need Mounties on the stand to clarify details of how they responded during the shootings. (The Canadian Press)
3 COVID-19 deaths reported in N.S. on Thursday, province shifting to weekly reports
Another three people have died due to COVID-19 in Nova Scotia, bringing the total death count in the province since the onset of the pandemic to 208 people. Health officials say two of the deaths involved men in their 70s in the eastern zone. The third death involved a man in his 80s in the central zone. There are 46 people currently in hospital for the disease, including 12 in intensive care. **The last daily COVID-19 news release and data dashboard update will be today, March 4, as Nova Scotia moves to weekly reporting. The next COVID-19 release and dashboard update will be Thursday, March 10th.**
Province loosens eligibility rules for home reno programs in 3 counties, including Pictou County
Nova Scotia is loosening eligibility rules for home renovation programs in 3 counties. The provincial government says it’s adjusting household income limits in order to increase eligibility for renovation, accessibility, public housing and rent supplement programs in Pictou, Colchester and Kings counties.
Canada prepared to welcome an ‘unlimited number’ of Ukrainians fleeing war, minister says
Immigration Minister Sean Fraser announced Thursday the federal government has created two new pathways for Ukrainians fleeing their war-torn country to come to Canada — part of a plan to accept an “unlimited number” of people who want to leave. To start, Fraser said his department has created a new visa category that will allow a limitless number of Ukrainians to come to Canada to live, work or study here for up to two years. People accepted under the Canada Ukraine Authorization For Emergency Travel program will have an open work or study permit and employers will be free to hire as many Ukrainians as they want. Fraser said the federal government is waiving most of the typical visa requirements but applicants will still need to supply biometrics and undergo a background screening process before leaving for Canada. The application process will open in two weeks’ time. (CBC)
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is condemning attacks on a major nuclear power plant in eastern Ukraine. Trudeau says he’s spoken with the Ukrainian President about the attacks on the power plant, calling them “horrific” and demanding Russia end them immediately. The assault sparked a fire, raising fears radiation could leak from the power station. But Ukrainian officials later reported the fire had been extinguished, and Ukraine’s nuclear regulator said there had been no change in radiation levels.
Students are back in class at Acadia University and university officials say the academic term will be completed on time despite the four-week disruption. Earlier this week, the University and the Faculty Association agreed to binding arbitration to resolve outstanding issues. At a meeting of the University Senate, it was determined that the University could complete the academic term by April 30 and Convocation can proceed as scheduled on May 8 and 9.
Local Sports:
The Pictou County Weeks Crushers earned a 4-1 win on the road Thursday night over the South Shore Lumberjacks.
Playoffs for the U15AA Stars begins at 1:00 PM tomorrow (Saturday, March 5th) at the Pictou County Wellness Centre.
