Nova Scotia R-C-M-P say a 26-year-old man has been arrested in connection with what they are describing as a “multi-jurisdictional crime spree.”

The Mounties say three different detachments responded to break-ins and thefts in Pictou and Colchester counties and East Hants between October 25th and mid-November.

They say a suspect was arrested on November 16th and they found various items during a search in Lyons Brook two days later, including a loaded rifle, many high-value tools and “Jaws of Life” rescue equipment stolen from the Barneys River Volunteer Fire Department.

A man from Lyons Brook is facing nearly 40 charges including eight counts of theft, seven counts of break and enter and multiple firearms offenses.

 

 

Nova Scotia’s auditor general is calling for legislative changes to make the government more accountable for how it spends public funds.

Kim Adair issued a report yesterday saying the province is unique in Canada when it comes to approving extra spending when departments want to exceed their budget.

In Nova Scotia, extra spending is approved solely by the government without being subjected to a review, vote or approval by the legislature.

But the provincial finance department says there’s no need for the government to amend the province’s Finance Act

The department says its practices are transparent and support public accountability.

 

 

Nova Scotia says it will fund an online mental health coaching program aimed at supporting people experiencing mild or moderate depression and anxiety.

The online program, called Tranquility, offers weekly one-on-one virtual coaching alongside cognitive behavioural therapy resources.

Nova Scotia first partnered with the Halifax-based firm Tranquility in March, when it made services available to about 150 residents who first had to be referred through a primary care provider.

The program is now funded for use by all residents over the age of 16 without a referral.

 

 

Doctors say influenza spread is starting to hit older adults.

Data from the Public Health Agency of Canada for the week ending November 26th shows that children under five still made up the highest number of hospitalized flu patients.

But the rate at which people 65 years of age and older are hospitalized is also rising.

An infectious disease specialist in Toronto says there’s a perfect storm of a monster influenza season without enough people getting the flu shot, while hospitals across Canada are overstretched.