The Nova Scotia government has opened applications that offer rebates to help with home heating costs. The rebate program was expanded to offer a maximum of $1,000. Income eligibility is also expanded to a household income of $85,000. To be eligible, people must pay for their own heating. Anyone who has already qualified for a rebate this year does not need to reapply. They will receive an additional payment to top them up to $1,000. Provincial officials said that people who were previously denied the rebate do not need to reapply. All existing applications are under review, and applicants who meet the new eligibility criteria will receive the full rebate.
The Aberdeen Hospital’s orthopedic program is being relocated to the ground floor. The move comes after the hospital’s health services director Jennifer Sutherland noticed there was a possibility of improving the clinic. Sutherland reviewed all the services to determine how the hospital could expand its orthopedics program to support elective surgeries and help improve surgery wait times. The new location on the first floor will be in better proximity to the X-ray and Rehabilitation departments, which orthopedic patients typically need to access as part of their care. The proposal needed structural changes to the new clinic space, including widened doorframes for accessibility, the creation of a reception and waiting area, wall-mounted computers and additional furniture. Sutherland also added that the opportunity to relocate has created a better patient and staff experience and resulted in more in-patient beds and better support for their surgical program.
WestJet has cancelled its flights between Halifax and Europe for this summer. Previously, WestJet offered direct flights from Halifax to London Gatwick, Dublin, Glasgow and Paris during the summer months. Westjet said the suspension was temporary, but also that it would “evaluate the return of transatlantic service in 2024.” Halifax Stanfield International Airport said in a statement that they were disappointed WestJet won’t be back this summer, but understand they are dealing with capacity challenges not a lack of interest or support in serving Halifax.
Nova Scotia’s favourite groundhog will emerge Thursday morning to make their annual Groundhog Day prediction. People can watch Shubenacadie Sam’s forecast in-person at Shubenacadie Wildlife Park or on the park’s Facebook page. Sam will emerge from a burrow at 8 a.m., with the groundhog’s prediction to be posted on Twitter shortly after.
