Liberals set to unveil 2022 federal budget that promises billions in new spending
The federal Liberals are set to unveil their latest spending plan today that aims to balance promises made to voters in last year’s election campaign, in the pact with the NDP, and recently to Canada’s global defence allies. Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland is scheduled to table the budget in the House of Commons this afternoon. The economy has fared better than anticipated over the past few months, which along with higher prices for oil is expected to pad the government’s bottom line and help offset any new spending to be announced. Outstanding promises from the Liberals’ campaign platform amount to about $48.5 billion in net new spending, once taking into account new revenues from things like an expected tax on excess bank profits. Among the promises are measures aimed at addressing housing affordability concerns that have been rising alongside prices and rent since the September vote. But billions more could be heaped onto federal books to pay for pharmacare and dental care as part of a deal to have New Democrats prop up the minority government, and more for the military as part of an agreement with NATO allies to more quickly ratchet up defence spending. Speaking Wednesday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the budget would show the country’s debt remains affordable, with debt declining over the coming years as a percentage of the national economy. (The Canadian Press)
Big drop in New Brunswick fuel prices
A big drop in fuel prices in New Brunswick overnight. Gas is down 10.5 cents per litre this morning. The price of diesel dropped 27.2 cents per litre. Nova Scotia sets its fuel prices at midnight tonight.
Province readies second COVID booster for priority populations
Photo credit: Communications N.S.
Nova Scotia health minister says the province is preparing for the rollout of a second COVID-19 booster shot. Michelle Thompson says more information should be available by the end of this week or start of next week. The National Advisory Committee on Immunization has recommended a second booster dose of vaccine for people 80 or older and those living in settings such as long-term care homes. Thompson says it’s expected the boosters for the initial age group will be made available through pharmacies.
Concerns are being expressed by unions who represent health-care workers in the province, saying relief is needed. Nova Scotia’s health authority reports that hospitals are running at 99.5 per cent capacity, and that because of COVID-19 hundreds of staff are off the job, meaning greater pressure for those that are on the job. Unions say the situation has resulted in members being denied vacation time and being forced into working in positions outside their expertise. The concern is these pressures are forcing some to quit, and the unions warn that unless government takes steps to improve working conditions, the situation will only worsen.
Court orders province to reconsider rejected pay raise for Nova Scotia judges
Nova Scotia’s Tory government has been ordered to reconsider a decision made by the previous Liberal government when it rejected a proposed pay raise for judges. A provincial supreme court judge has ruled the government of Stephen McNeil didn’t act in good faith when it rejected a 9.5 per cent salary increase over three years determined by an arm’s-length tribunal in 2016. The McNeil government subsequently stripped the tribunal of its authority to impose binding settlements and it imposed a wage settlement with a one per cent increase through an Order in Council in 2017. The Tory government can appeal, but Premier Tim Houston says it will take time to consider the court’s ruling and will “make the proper decision.”
Canadian airlines asked a Federal Court of Appeal panel Wednesday to quash rules that bolster compensation for passengers subjected to delayed flights and damaged luggage. Air Canada and Porter Airlines Inc., along with 16 other appellants that include the International Air Transport Association — which has about 290 member airlines — argue that the country’s three-year-old passenger rights charter violates global standards and should be rendered invalid for international flights.
Maritimer ‘dream team’ supplies non-lethal military gear to Ukraine territorial units
Lex Brukovskiy (right), a lobster fisherman from Meteghan, N.S., and Don Bowser, who grew up in New Brunswick, are shown in a handout photo. Two Canadians with ties to the Maritimes have been teaming up to provide non-lethal supplies to Ukraine’s territorial forces in recent days. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO-Don Bowser
Two Canadians with ties to the Maritimes are teaming up to provide supplies to Ukraine’s territorial forces. Lex Brukovskiy — a lobster fisherman from Meteghan, Nova Scotia — is handling the driving duties, and Don Bowser — originally from New Brunswick– is raising money and buying gear. Bowser says the pair are supplying items from Poland, including radios to bulletproof vests. Bowser — a law enforcement and security adviser – and Brukovskiy are raising money through crowdfunding.
Legislation to Permanently Allow Virtual and Hybrid Meetings
New legislation in Nova Scotia would permanently give provincially regulated companies the option to hold virtual or hybrid meetings. The change would also apply to co-operatives, societies and condo corporations — all of which had been allowed to hold virtual meetings under the pandemic state of emergency. It’s estimated the changes will save businesses about four-million dollars a year and 468-thousand hours of time, mostly related to travel that will no longer be required.
Two members of New Glasgow Regional Police reach important milestones
Two members of the New Glasgow Regional Police have reached an important milestone in their careers. A Nova Scotia Long Service Award has been presented to Constable Kelly Moore-Reid and Constable David Fulton. The Award is presented in recognition for their years of devoted exemplary service and continued dedication to the citizens of Nova Scotia. The Nova Scotia provincial awards program recognizes police officers who have served in the province for 15 and 25 consecutive years.
County road renamed ‘Nancy’s Way’ after the late Nancy Lockhart
A road owned by the Municipality of Pictou County has been renamed after a woman who lobbied for it to become municipally owned. District 7 Councillor David Parker says the six homeowners on the road, formerly known as Pump Road, signed a petition to rename it ‘Nancy’s Way’ after the late Nancy Lockhart. He says the renaming is a fitting tribute to Mrs. Lockhart who worked for many years to have the road municipally-owned rather than owned privately. She passed away in April 2021.
Nova Scotians can now show their community pride by submitting nominations for the 2022 Lieutenant-Governor’s Community Spirit Award. The Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage administers the award. Up to four communities are chosen by a selection committee based on the award’s criteria. The deadline to submit a nomination is Friday, May 20. Since 2008, 48 communities have received the award which celebrates the power, strength, and diversity of communities in Nova Scotia
