The federal government has set aside 31-million dollars to bring high-speed Internet service to 47-hundred households in Nova Scotia.

Central Nova M-P Sean Fraser made the announcement yesterday, saying the money will be handed to the Municipality of Pictou County.

Fraser, who is also the Immigration minister, says Ottawa’s goal is to make high-speed internet access available to 98 per cent of Canadians by 2026, and 100 per cent by 2030.

The federal government says about 93 per cent of Canadian households now have access to high-speed Internet or are expected to receive access through existing programs.

 

 

Nova Scotia finance minister Allan MacMaster is scheduled to present his second update on his 2022-23 budget today.

In September, the finance minister said Nova Scotia’s deficit was set to increase by 48 million dollars compared to the estimate in the March budget, bringing the total expected deficit to 554.2 million.

Expenses were up by 110.8 million, driven by 97.1 million dollars in increased department spending.

MacMaster had said the increase was largely due to COVID-19-related health costs and other expenses related to long-term care and justice.

 

 

The four Atlantic premiers discussed health care during a virtual meeting Monday.

Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston chaired the meeting and released a statement saying the premiers talked about the need for a “meaningful dialogue” with Ottawa about long-term, sustainable health-care funding.

Houston says the premiers renewed their call for an increase in the Canada Health Transfer so that the federal share of provincial and territorial health-care costs rises to 35 per cent.

The premiers also talked about widespread labour shortages, and Houston said they welcomed Ottawa’s recent decision to increase immigration targets.

 

 

Nova Scotia Health is holding a COVID-19 vaccine outreach clinic today in New Glasgow, offering drop-in vaccines.

It’s at Glasgow Square Theatre on Riverside Parkway from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.  Flu vaccine will also be available.

 

 

The Nova Scotia government plans to spend eight-million dollars on maintaining student residences.

Advanced Education Minister Brian Wong issued a statement yesterday saying five-million dollars will be invested in the Tartan Downs housing project in Sydney, which will include student housing for Cape Breton University.

Upon completion, Tartan Downs will have about 430 residential units.

As well, the Atlantic School of Theology in Halifax will receive three-million dollars to maintain student accommodations, which are also used by students from Dalhousie University, the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design, Saint Mary’s University, the University of King’s College and the Nova Scotia Community College.