A Special Weather Statement remains in effect for Nova Scotia, but no Snowfall warnings as of yet, as some significant early spring snowfall is possible Thursday morning through to potentially Saturday afternoon in some areas. A total of 10 to 20 cm is possible, with maximum wind gusts of 70 to 80 km/h expected. The precipitation is expected to change from snow to rain and back several times as temperatures hover near zero Celsius. Environment Canada says the snow is likely to be very wet and heavy, meaning that combined with the winds we could see some damage to trees and resulting power outages.
Snowfall and wind warnings may be required.
Authorities are investigating a two-vehicle collision in Pictou that resulted in serious injuries. On Saturday, just after 2 p.m., an RCMP officer attempted to initiate a traffic stop on Albert Street in Pictou for suspected impaired driving. The driver did not stop and continued on through several streets. The RCMP says the officer followed the vehicle at a distance and saw the driver fail to stop at multiple stop signs. Police say the driver then picked up speed and began passing vehicles on Church Street, and in the interest of public safety the officer slowed. Moments later, the suspect vehicle collided with an SUV at the intersection of Church St. and West River Rd. The driver of the SUV, a 55-year-old Pictou woman, suffered serious injuries and was taken to hospital by EHS. The driver of the suspect vehicle, a 21-year-old Pictou woman, was taken to hospital by EHS with non-life-threatening injuries. She was arrested for dangerous driving causing bodily harm and flight from police.
Nova Scotia’s premier has responded to a challenge from the prime minister to submit an alternative to the federal carbon pricing program. Tim Houston’s “Still Better Than a Carbon Tax Plan” summarizes the steps his government has taken so far to battle climate change. Justin Trudeau says he is open to talking with Houston, but adds that Nova Scotia’s earlier climate change plans haven’t met federal requirements, which include a price on carbon. The Nova Scotia document includes the previously released plans for coastal protection, climate change, clean electricity and green hydrogen.
The upcoming federal budget will include 6-billion dollars in infrastructure funding, but the money comes with strings attached.
Provinces and territories will be asked to sign a deal with Ottawa that requires the adopting of certain housing policies in order to access the money.
Speaking in Nova Scotia during the government’s pre-budget tour, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says the funding conditions aim to address the shortage of housing options for Canadians.
The federal government plans to make 1-billion dollars directly available to cities for urgent infrastructure needs, while the rest of the money is up in the air until provinces and territories sign on.
Newcomers and healthcare providers will be able to enjoy free performances at the Glasgow Square Theatre, thanks to a new partnership with Healthy Pictou County. Through the Office of Healthcare Professionals Recruitment Community Fund, Healthy Pictou County in partnership with Glasgow Square will be offering free tickets to a variety of cultural performances in 2024 to healthcare providers and newcomers to the area. The performances are a way to thank the healthcare community for their hard work and welcome new community members.
