Physician assistants say they could help ease pressure on Nova Scotia health system

With Nova Scotia’s medical staff shortages, long surgery wait times and lingering barriers to primary care, physician assistants say they are an untapped resource in the province. Physician assistants are trained, primarily by the military, to manage treatment plans, prescribe some medications, perform some medical procedures and assist in surgery while working under a doctor. But they are not widely regulated to work in Nova Scotia’s health system. Peter Thibeault, the Nova Scotia director of the Canadian Association of Physician Assistants, says PAs should be working across the health system — in primary care clinics, emergency departments and operating rooms — in order to cut down wait times and support doctors. (The Canadian Press)

 

Proposed new federal boundaries would ‘significantly shift’ N.S. ridings next election

The map showing the proposed realignment of Nova Scotia’s federal ridings. (Federal Electoral Boundaries Commission for Nova Scotia)

Nova Scotia’s 11 federal electoral ridings would see some significant change with new boundaries being proposed ahead of the next election. Boundaries across the country have to be redrawn every ten years to reflect shifts and growth in population.  Under the boundaries being proposed, Kings-Hants MP Kody Blois, who’s from Lantz, would find himself outside the riding as the East Hants corridor would become part of the renamed Pictou-Eastern Shore-Preston.  That riding is currently Central Nova, which would lose all of Antigonish County.  West Nova would see a name change and include all of Shelburne County as Acadian Shore-Shelburne. (With files and photo from CBC)

 

New record high fuel prices in N.B. 

Fuel prices in New Brunswick increased overnight, hitting a new record high.  Gas went up 9.3 cents to 191.8 cents per litre.  Diesel is up 18.9 cents this morning to 258.7 cents per litre.  Nova Scotia sets its fuel prices at midnight tonight.

 

N.S. RCMP warn of new phone scam

RCMP in the province are warning of a phone scam instructing individuals to transfer money abroad.  Police are investigating a fraud complaint this week where a man was instructed to send 100-thousand dollars by wire transfer.  The scammer told the man his personal information had been compromised abroad and he would face deportation and arrest.  Police say never give personal or financial information in response to a request that you didn’t expect, and if in doubt, hang up.

 

Ground broken for the new SPCA in North Nova

The Nova Scotia SPCA has broken ground on its new North Nova location. It means that animals and families in the regions of Pictou, Antigonish, Port Hawkesbury, and Guysborough Counties will soon have a new hub to turn to in times of need.  A capital campaign is underway with Marsha Sobey as the Chair. Kicking off the fundraising is former MP Elmer MacKay and his wife Sharon.  In recognition of their commitment, the Nova Scotia SPCA will be naming the new North Nova facility the Sharon & Elmer MacKay Building.

 

A top Nova Scotia Power executive was admonished at a legislative committee meeting Wednesday by members of the official opposition.  Mark Sidebottom, the chief operating officer for Nova Scotia Power, was one of 10 people called before the committee to talk about the utility’s proposed 10 per cent rate increase.  Liberal MLA Brendan Maguire said the increase comes at a time when the cost of living is crushing Nova Scotians.  Sidebottom said the company needs the increase to cover rising costs and remain attractive to investors.

 

The Department of Fisheries and Oceans has imposed a 15-day fishing closure in part of the Gulf of St. Lawrence after a North Atlantic right whale was spotted on Tuesday. It’s the first of the whales to be spotted in Canadian waters this year. There are only about 336 of the endangered North Atlantic right whales in existence. Fifteen calves were observed earlier this year in U.S. waters.

 

Mattea Roach won again on Jeopardy last night.  For Roach, who lives in Toronto but is originally from Nova Scotia, It was her 22nd win on the TV game show, and it upped her winnings to $534,984 US.